Ask an Expert: Dax Madsen on Turning Trash into Data Treasure

Meet
Dax Madsen, Director of WasteX

One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure. For Dax Madsen (Director of WasteX at Conservice), it’s both. With a knack for turning piles of waste into piles of insights, Dax proves that in waste management, it’s not just about getting rid of the junk; it’s about turning it into gold.

Alright, tell me a little bit about

YOUR JOURNEY TO WASTE MANAGEMENT?

“I started with WasteX in August of 2021, but my journey here goes way back. Nearly 15 years ago, Adam Watts hired me as a nighttime data entry specialist. Back then, my goal was simple: work my way through college – mainly to buy pizza, pay rent, and then move on. I graduated with my degree in economics and opportunities at Conservice kept presenting themselves.

Fast forward to today, I’ve had roles in Synergy, helped build out automation systems, and even transitioned into billing as a senior team lead – a move no one expected, especially me. Then, when the opportunity to grow WasteX came along, I jumped on board. When I took over, we were at about 35,000 units; today we’re at 800,000 and on track to hit a million by the end of the year.“

Waste Management isn’t typically the first thing that screams “dream job in economics,”

SO WHAT KEEPS YOU INTERESTED IN? WHAT’S THE REAL ALLURE BEHIND ALL THE TRASH?

“I’m a data nerd. I thrive on the challenge of taking raw data, making informed decisions, and then seeing a measurable impact like reducing fines on trash bills or optimizing how trash is picked up. Even if it sounds mundane, when you break it down, there’s a lot of creativity and impact in solving these everyday problems.”

Speaking of challenges…

WHAT PROBLEMS DO YOU SEE IN WASTE MANAGEMENT TODAY?

“There are definitely haulers out there that aren’t as reliable or trustworthy as they should be. Our mission is to pair property teams with haulers who not only offer competitive pricing but also ensure consistent, high-quality service. If trash isn’t picked up properly, it’s the first thing residents and potential residents see. We don’t want our clients to have their reputation tarnished because of missed pickups so that’s something we’re determined to fix.

There’s also a hidden side to savings that many of our clients might not even be aware of. With WasteX, we’re not just focused on cutting down trash, but also on uncovering those often-overlooked savings. Whether it’s optimizing service schedules or fine-tuning processes, we strive to identify every possible opportunity for our clients to save – because waste isn’t just about what’s thrown away, it’s also about what’s left behind in missed savings.”

Looking ahead, what excites you about the future of WasteX? 

ANY COOL INNOVATIONS ON THE HORIZON?

“We’re really excited about the new technologies entering the space. For instance, we’re using compactor monitors and dumpster sensors that let us know exactly when trash needs to be picked up, cutting out empty runs. This means significant cost savings and better service for our clients. We’re also exploring partnerships with companies that bring fresh, innovative approaches to waste management, from new product offerings to self-service dumpster models. It’s a rapidly evolving industry, and it’s really cool to be at the forefront.”

Can you tell me more about that technology?

HOW DO THESE SYSTEMS WORK IN PRACTICE?

“Take the compactor monitor, for example. Traditionally, compactors are emptied on a fixed schedule, even if they’re only half full. Our monitor tracks fill levels, so pickups happen only when necessary. This efficiency means fewer truck trips and overall savings. Similarly, sensors on dumpsters can verify whether a hauler is charging for the correct amount of bins emptied and giving us more of an insight into how efficient a hauler may be.”

For those who aren’t familiar…

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT WASTEX AND THE STATE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT?

“Frankly, not enough people know we exist. The waste management industry is undergoing massive changes as small, local haulers are increasingly being absorbed by big players. This consolidation can sometimes mean less personalized service. At WasteX, we’re committed to ensuring that our clients get not only a good price but also the TLC that keeps their properties looking sharp.“

I’ve heard that mountains of garbage aren’t the only mountains you climb.

TELL US ABOUT YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK.

“Believe it or not, I’d rather spend time on a trash-less mountain. I live in northern Utah with my wife and two kids and we love to spend time outside. I’m a crazy runner – whether it’s ultramarathons or 5K’s, I’m in. Especially if it’s on a trail.”

That passion and zest for life definitely comes across in your work.

IT’S CLEAR YOU LOVE GARBAGE.

“(laughs) I do, in a quirky way. I even have a trash hat, so clearly, I have a soft spot for it. At the end of the day, I love helping our clients succeed, working with data, and tackling challenges head-on…even if it means embracing the trash.”

Follow Dax on LinkedIn

Hear from more experts in tech and utility management at Conservice.

Kellianne Gammill

Copywriter

Kellianne Gammill is an experienced wordsmith and Copywriter at Conservice. More importantly, she is a big fan of taxidermy and Pitbull.