TURNING TRASH INTO CASH: Chamber Partners with Truckee-based Sierra Cost Management to Reduce Waste and Save Mixer Hosts Money
07-2007 | Truckee Tracks | With Sierra Cost Management’s waste reduction expertise and successful track record, the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce’s Mixers are going “green”. The Chamber has partnered with Joanna Walters of Sierra Cost Management (SCM) to provide unique and effective waste management services and cost savings to Chamber Mixer hosts on event day.

Chamber Mixer host companies will gain insights on reducing waste through purchasing decisions, recycling options, and overall event structure. Walters, who founded SCM in 2003, is enthusiastic about the new partnership and its potential ripple effect. She said, “Working on every Chamber Mixer is an opportunity to spread information about effective recycling and waste management practices with local businesses – large and small.”

Walters’ familiarity with waste management systems coupled with her deep understanding of reuse and recycling options provides companies with an exceptional opportunity to enhance their double bottom line - contributing positively to the environment while reducing expenses.

This partnership allows Chamber members first hand exposure to SCM’s process that includes a detailed assessment, waste reduction program design, and ongoing evaluation. Walters believes, “It's important to recycle. It represents a commitment to stewardship and makes good business sense. A lot of businesses want to recycle, but they just don't know how or don't have the time or expertise to investigate. That's where I can help."

In 2006, all of SCM’s clients in the Greater Truckee Area benefited from significant economic savings with some businesses saving as much as 47% on their annual garbage expenses. Just this year, since January 2007, SCM’s clients have combined savings in excess of $30,000 based on Walters’ customized waste reduction plans including recycling services, purchasing recommendations, and meticulous attention to materials.

Committed to waste reduction through innovative solutions, Walters is a leader in saving companies money by reducing their garbage costs through comprehensive recycling programs and related services. "Waste is whatever a business throws into the dumpster. Mostly we focus on paper, cardboard, glass bottle, cans, old office furniture, old office equipment, and food waste. When I begin working with a company, we calculate a baseline of their solid waste disposal monthly expenses," Walters explains. "Each month, when the company spends less than the baseline, we split the savings. I only get paid if I produce a direct refund, credit or savings." Walters uses a proven seven-point business model to identify and recover errors and savings opportunities.