Sustainability. ESG. Net zero. The modern business landscape is filled with terms designed to signal environmental and social responsibility. But few concepts carry as much long-term weight—and practical application—as the Triple Bottom Line (TBL).
Coined by John Elkington in the 1990s, the triple bottom line urges companies to measure success not just by profit, but also by their impact on people and the planet. And while some organizations treat TBL as a buzzword to sprinkle into ESG reports, others see it for what it truly is: a framework that fosters better businesses, stronger communities, and a healthier environment.
At WasteXperts, the triple bottom line isn’t a trend. Instead, it’s part of our core philosophy. By helping clients improve recycling rates, reduce landfill waste, and lower operational costs, we enable organizations to meet TBL goals in tangible ways. Here’s how.
Let’s start with the financial component. Many businesses think sustainability means spending more. But the opposite is often true when it comes to waste.
A WasteXperts audit frequently uncovers unnecessary hauling charges, underutilized recycling programs, and inefficient bin usage. Take one of our apartment complex clients in Livermore, California. Before our audit, they were spending over $6,000 a month on garbage hauling and recycling only 7.7% of their waste. After implementing our recommendations, they cut their garbage bill by more than $3,000 per month and boosted recycling to 54.5%.
When waste is managed effectively, businesses can:
In short, waste reduction and smarter diversion aren’t just good for the planet—they’re also good for the P&L.
The second pillar of the triple bottom line—people—addresses how businesses support their employees, tenants, customers, and communities.
For property managers, waste challenges can directly affect resident satisfaction and staff well-being. Overflowing bins, illegal dumping, and inefficient hauling schedules can lead to safety hazards, unsightly grounds, and unhappy tenants. When WasteXperts introduced unlimited bulk item hauling at a San Mateo apartment complex plagued by illegal dumping, the improvements were immediate:
Cleaner, safer properties lead to better tenant retention, higher occupancy rates, and more engaged communities. The same applies to commercial properties, office buildings, and mixed-use developments: investing in better waste programs is an investment in people.
The environmental benefits of triple bottom line thinking are often the most visible—and the most urgent.
Landfills emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Plastic pollution infiltrates oceans and waterways. Poor recycling practices lead to resource waste and contamination. WasteXperts works to directly address these issues through:
By focusing on the planet, our clients reduce their environmental footprint while also aligning with ESG goals, sustainability mandates, and climate commitments. Whether your organization is aiming for LEED certification or simply wants to be a better steward of the planet, responsible waste management is a key part of the equation.
For organizations managing multifamily housing, commercial real estate, or industrial facilities, the triple bottom line offers a roadmap to long-term success. But it’s only meaningful when it’s backed by real action.
WasteXperts delivers practical, results-driven services that support all three pillars:
Ready to align your property operations with the triple bottom line?
Contact WasteXperts today to schedule a no-obligation waste audit and start seeing results that go beyond the balance sheet.
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