Waste Nexus Podcast

In Episode 6 of the Waste Nexus podcast, hosts Brian and Charlie Dolan sit down with Justin and Quentin Blazer, two brothers from Pittsburgh who turned their late father's idea into a real product on the shelves of Ace Hardware stores nationwide. Blazer Brand makes the Strong Strap, a lid-locking bungee latch for outdoor waste containers, and they've spent nearly a decade figuring out injection molding, US-based manufacturing, and how to get haulers to care.The conversation covers everything from the raccoon that started it all, to the new auto-release notch that finally makes the product viable for residential collection routes. They get into the hard parts of building a physical product — finding manufacturers willing to work at entry-level volumes, engineering a self-tapping bolt that didn't cost $10 a unit, and surviving COVID-era supply chain chaos by moving production entirely to the US.A fun, grounded conversation amongst brothers about entrepreneurship and Pittsburgh pride.

In this episode of the Waste Nexus podcast, we sit down with Eric Wengryniuk of Reddy Equipment, an Ohio-based company selling, renting, and servicing trash compactors and balers across the Midwest and beyond. Eric shares how Reddy got its start with a part-time fireman selling compactors on the side, how his family took the reins in 1996, and how he and his brother bought the business from their parents just last year.We dig into what it actually takes to sell compactors the right way — starting with the customer's pain points, not the price tag — and swap stories about everything from Secret Service-level scrutiny at a political convention to auger fires sparked by discarded vape batteries. Eric also shares his take on how technology is raising the intelligence of the waste industry, why behavior change is still the hardest part of any equipment install, and why people who get into this business tend to stay for life.

In this episode of Waste Nexus, we sit down with Mike Nelson, a 36-year waste industry veteran who started as a shop helper and driver in 1989—back when you were handed a route book, a highlighted map, and told not to come back until the route was done.Mike shares stories from the street (including learning how to dump a truck from a competitor), the realities of customer service in waste, and the kind of “you can’t make this up” moments every hauler has seenWe also dig into how technology is reshaping operations: cameras, sensors, and the growing demand for tilt-sensor verification that reduces disputes, speeds up customer support, and keeps everyone honest. Plus: a lightning round featuring the dream of automated dinner.

In this episode, Brian Dolan and Charlie Dolan of DSQ Technology sit down with Matt Locke, CEO of Brightstep, to unpack how valet trash services are reshaping multifamily operations and modern waste management. From private equity trends to technology, service accountability, and the realities of managing trash at scale, Matt shares candid insights on growth, brand strategy, and why this “last-mile” service has become a critical asset for property owners and operators.

In this episode of Waste Nexus, hosts Brian Dolan and Charlie Dolan of DSQ Technology break down the key findings from the 2026 Waste Management Tech Trends Report, offering a candid look at how AI is actually being used inside waste management today.The report reveals a clear pattern across the industry: while personal use of AI and informal experimentation is widespread, most companies lack the documentation, governance, and operational processes required to turn AI into a true driver of scale and efficiency. Brian and Charlie explore why so much AI adoption stalls at the “cool demo” stage—and what it really takes to move from tinkering to tangible impact.Brian and Charlie also explore the shift from AI as a toy to AI as a tool, outlining practical steps operators and leaders can take to formalize usage, embed AI into workflows, and align technology adoption with real operational outcomes. Moving past the AI hype cycle, the episode emphasizes discipline, process design, and leadership intent as the foundations for meaningful change in the waste industry.To dive deeper into the data, insights, and recommendations shaping the future of waste management technology, read the full 2026 Waste Management Tech Trends Report at https://www.dsqtechnology.com/survey/2026-waste-management-tech-trends-report.

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Mike Mnoian, President of Alamo Disposal, exploring the real operational challenges and opportunities inside the waste management industry. Mike breaks down how Alamo has scaled its roll off business, the realities of competing in a crowded market, and why customer responsiveness is the true differentiator in essential-service industries.One of the standout moments in the episode is when Mike describes how Alamo Disposal used route optimization and tighter dispatch workflows to cut daily turnaround times, unlocking both better service and improved fleet utilization. It’s a practical look at how operational discipline—supported by the right technology—can transform a traditionally manual industry.