In today’s evolving waste industry, where data and efficiency drive sustainability, SWACO is using precision scale technology to better understand what comes into its facilities and how to use landfill space as efficiently as possible.
At the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill and two transfer stations, SWACO’s industrial-grade scales serve as the gateway for all incoming waste. Each scale, capable of weighing up to 200,000 pounds with 20-pound accuracy, captures critical information that goes beyond routine transactions and fuels decision-making that shapes how SWACO plans, operates and invests.
Every vehicle that crosses a SWACO scale contributes to a bigger picture. The data collected reveals how much waste arrives, when it arrives, and how those amounts change over time. These insights are essential for anticipating future waste flow, planning new disposal cells and managing landfill capacity responsibly.
But each scale transaction also represents a moment of connection. Scale house attendants engage every customer with purpose — confirming whether the load originates within Franklin County and screening for restricted materials such as tires, appliances, electronics, light bulbs, batteries or yard waste. These quick conversations protect landfill infrastructure and open doors to waste diversion. When recyclable or recoverable materials are identified, staff direct customers to SWACO’s Recycling Convenience Center, turning a disposal stop into an opportunity for resource recovery.
To maintain accuracy, SWACO’s scales undergo extensive testing twice a year and receive annual certification and sealing from county or city officials, depending on the facility location. This verification process ensures each measurement meets regulatory standards and provides the reliable data needed to understand waste flow patterns and to support operational and strategic planning, including decisions about when and where new landfill cells should be developed.
Through this combination of technology, data, and human interaction, SWACO is transforming scale operations into a cornerstone of sustainability. By tracking and analyzing waste streams across its facilities, SWACO can forecast needs, plan infrastructure with precision, and protect valuable landfill space — ensuring that today’s data helps build a cleaner, more efficient tomorrow for central Ohio.