Under the City of Berkeley Public Works Department, its Zero Waste Commission has signed on for the AMCS platform, an enterprise-grade software platform that runs in the cloud, to modernize and unify its operation.

One benefit the AMCS platform will provide is the ability to optimize waste routes and provide real time mobile communications by enabling the commission to distribute pre-planned GPS-based routes to drivers on mobile devices. Drivers will use a point-and-click interface to prevent missed pick-ups and provide proof of service for invoicing.

Should route conditions such as traffic jams arise and threaten to slow progress, automatic re-routing will keep things moving. Live interaction between the office and drivers will enable dynamically updating orders in real-time, obviating the need for extra trips — or paper orders.These new efficiencies will bring significant reduction in fuel and labor costs and improvement in vehicle mileage and emissions, supporting the city’s reduction of carbon emissions efforts and its Climate Change Action Plan.

Berkeley established the Zero Waste Commission to help divert waste from its landfill and maximize the benefits of recycling. In addition to a municipal Transfer Station and landfill, the commission operates a 32-truck fleet to service the community’s waste and recycling operations.