Professional Trash Management Plan Generator

When to Use This Skill

Trigger this skill when the user:

• Requests a trash management plan for a property
• Mentions development projects needing waste system design
• Asks about compacted vs loose waste service comparison
• Needs cost analysis for waste management systems
• Wants equipment recommendations (compactors, chutes, bins)
• Asks about regulatory compliance for waste
• Needs professional reports for stakeholders
• Keywords: "trash plan", "waste management", "compactor ROI", "development waste"

What This Skill Does

Generates comprehensive 14-section professional trash management plans that include:

1. Executive summary with ROI and recommendations
2. Regulatory compliance research (franchise haulers, state/local laws)
3. Volume calculations for waste, recycling, and compost
4. Cost analysis comparing loose vs compacted service
5. Equipment specifications and recommendations
6. Service schedules and implementation plans
7. Professional formatting for stakeholder presentations

Input Requirements

REQUIRED:

• Property address (full address enables hauler research)
• Unit count
• Number of stories

OPTIONAL (improves output):

• Ground floor unit count
• Loading area ceiling height
• Multiple buildings (if applicable)
• Project priorities (cost-effective/sustainability/balanced)

Execution Steps

Step 1: Extract Property Information

Parse the user's input to identify:

• Property name
• Full address (street, city, state, zip)
• Unit count per building
• Stories per building
• Ground floor units
• Ceiling/loading height
• Project goals

If critical information is missing (address, units, stories), ask the user before proceeding.

Step 2: Research Regulatory Environment

Use web_search to find:

Franchise Hauler:

Query: "commercial waste hauler [city, state] franchise"
Extract: Hauler name, contact info, service area

State Regulations:

Query: "[state] waste recycling composting mandates multifamily"
Extract: AB341, AB1826, AB1383 equivalents, recycling requirements

Local Ordinances:

Query: "[city] waste ordinance requirements multifamily"
Extract: Local rules, permit requirements, special restrictions

Step 3: Calculate Waste Volumes

Use these industry-standard formulas:

Waste Generation:

• Base rate: 0.16 cubic yards per unit per week
• Formula: Units × 0.16 CY/unit/week = Weekly CY

Recycling:

• 30% of total waste stream
• Formula: Weekly Waste CY × 0.30 = Weekly Recycling CY

Compost (if mandated):

• 25% of total waste stream
• Formula: Weekly Waste CY × 0.25 = Weekly Compost CY

Container Requirements:

# Loose Service
waste_containers = ceil(weekly_waste_cy / (6 CY per pickup × pickups_per_week))
recycling_containers = ceil(weekly_recycling_cy / (6 CY per pickup × pickups_per_week))

# Compacted Service (4:1 ratio)
compacted_cy_per_haul = 30 CY  # Standard compactor capacity
compacted_hauls_per_week = ceil(weekly_waste_cy / compacted_cy_per_haul)

Step 4: Design System Recommendations

For Buildings WITH Upper Floors:

Chute System:

• Size: 24" diameter minimum (26" preferred)
• Material: 14-gauge aluminized steel Type 2
• Height: From top floor to compactor/collection room
• Safety: NFPA 82 compliant, self-closing doors
• ADA: Compliant discharge chutes 48" max reach height

Trash Compactor:

• Model: Wastequip A-Series 500 (standard for multifamily)
• Capacity: 30 CY compacted (4:1 ratio)
• Power: 5 HP, 208-230V, 3-phase
• Dimensions: 8'W × 10'L × 12'H (varies by model)
• Features: Remote start, safety interlocks, auto-cycle
• ADA: Compliant operation if self-contained

For Ground Floor Units:

• Design issue: Cannot use vertical chutes
• Solution: Dedicated trash closets OR outdoor enclosures
• Containers: 2-3 CY toters or carts for each ground floor cluster
• Access: Separate service location from compactor

Cardboard Management:

• High volume: Dedicated 10-20 CY open-top container
• Pickups: 1-2× per week minimum
• Location: Near mail/package rooms
• Signage: Clear resident instructions

Recycling System:

• Single-stream preferred (easier compliance)
• Containers: 3-6 CY toters or 8-10 CY open-tops
• Location: Adjacent to waste compactor
• Signage: Accepted items list with photos

Compost (if required):

• Collection: 96-gallon toters with locking lids
• Location: Near waste/recycling, away from residential areas
• Pickup: 2-3× per week minimum (odor control)
• Liners: Compostable bags required

Step 5: Equipment Specifications

A-Series 500 Trash Compactor:

Model: Wastequip A500 or equivalent
Capacity: 30 cubic yards compacted
Compaction Ratio: 4:1
Power Requirements: 5 HP, 208-230V, 3-phase
Dimensions: 8'W × 10'L × 12'H (approximate)
Hopper Opening: 60"W × 48"H
Container: 30 CY roll-off
Safety Features: Light curtain, emergency stop, auto-shutoff
Estimated Cost: $35,000-$45,000 installed

Chute Doors (per floor):

Type: Gravity self-closing, ADA-compliant
Size: 18"W × 18"H minimum
Material: 14-gauge galvanized steel
Cost: $800-$1,200 per door installed
Total Doors: (Floors - 1) × Buildings (exclude ground floor)

Toters and Containers:

Ground Floor Waste: 3 CY toters @ $300 each
Recycling: 6 CY toters @ $400 each
Compost: 96-gal toters @ $150 each
Cardboard: 20 CY open-top @ $200 each

Step 6: Calculate Service Costs

Loose Service (No Compactor):

# Weekly waste pickups (6 CY per container)
loose_containers_needed = ceil(weekly_waste_cy / 6)
loose_pickups_per_week = 3  # Typical for multifamily

# Monthly costs
hauler_rate_per_pickup = 45  # Typical range $35-$55
monthly_waste_pickups = loose_pickups_per_week × 4.33 weeks
monthly_hauler_cost = monthly_waste_pickups × hauler_rate_per_pickup

# Staff labor
minutes_per_service = 15  # Moving containers to curb
labor_cost_per_hour = 18
monthly_labor = (minutes_per_service × monthly_waste_pickups / 60) × labor_cost_per_hour

total_loose_monthly = monthly_hauler_cost + monthly_labor
cost_per_unit_loose = total_loose_monthly / total_units

Compacted Service:

# Compactor hauls (30 CY per haul at 4:1 ratio)
weekly_compacted_hauls = ceil(weekly_waste_cy / 30)
monthly_compacted_hauls = weekly_compacted_hauls × 4.33

# Monthly costs
hauler_rate_per_haul = 450  # Range $400-$550 for 30 CY
monthly_hauler_cost_compacted = monthly_compacted_hauls × hauler_rate_per_haul

# Staff labor (minimal - just tossing bags down chute)
minutes_per_week = 60  # Compactor maintenance
monthly_labor_compacted = (minutes_per_week × 4.33 / 60) × labor_cost_per_hour

total_compacted_monthly = monthly_hauler_cost_compacted + monthly_labor_compacted
cost_per_unit_compacted = total_compacted_monthly / total_units

ROI Analysis:

monthly_savings = total_loose_monthly - total_compacted_monthly
annual_savings = monthly_savings × 12
compactor_capital_cost = 40000  # Average installed
payback_months = compactor_capital_cost / monthly_savings

# Recommendation logic:
if payback_months <= 24:
    recommendation = "STRONGLY RECOMMEND compacted service"
elif payback_months <= 36:
    recommendation = "RECOMMEND compacted service"
else:
    recommendation = "Consider loose service initially"

Step 7: Create Service Schedule

Generate weekly pickup schedule:

Compacted Service Example:

Monday: Waste compactor (1 haul)
Tuesday: Recycling (1 pickup)
Wednesday: Compost (1 pickup)
Thursday: Waste compactor (1 haul) [if needed]
Friday: Cardboard (1 pickup)
Saturday: Compost (1 pickup)

Weekly Total:
- Waste: 2-3 hauls
- Recycling: 1-2 pickups
- Compost: 2-3 pickups
- Cardboard: 1 pickup

Loose Service Example:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Waste containers (3× per week)
Tuesday/Saturday: Recycling (2× per week)
Wednesday/Saturday: Compost (2× per week)
Friday: Cardboard (1× per week)

Step 8: Generate Professional Report

Create comprehensive report with these sections:

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Property Overview:

• Name, address, total units
• Building configuration

Key Findings:

• Current waste generation: [X] CY/week
• Recommended system: [Compacted/Loose]
• Estimated cost per unit: $[X]/month
• ROI if compactor: [X] months payback

Primary Recommendations:

1. [Main recommendation with rationale]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Regulatory compliance notes]

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SECTION 2: REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Franchise Hauler:

• Name: [Hauler from web_search]
• Phone: [Contact info]
• Service Area: [Exclusive franchise area]
• Notes: [Any special requirements]

State Requirements:

• [State] mandates: [List specific laws like AB341]
• Recycling: [Required? Threshold?]
• Composting: [Required? Threshold?]
• Penalties: [Non-compliance consequences]

Local Ordinances:

• [City] requirements: [Specific local rules]
• Permits: [Required permits]
• Restrictions: [Any special restrictions]

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SECTION 3: DESIGN ISSUES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Building A ([X] units, [Y] stories):

Issue 1: Ground Floor Units

• Problem: [X] ground floor units cannot use vertical chutes
• Impact: Requires alternative collection method
• Solution: Dedicated trash closets with 3 CY toters OR outdoor enclosure
• Cost: $[X] for containers + $[Y] installation

Issue 2: Loading Area

• Ceiling Height: [X] feet
• Truck Clearance Needed: 14-16 feet minimum
• Assessment: [Adequate/Inadequate]
• Solution: [If inadequate, recommend outdoor compactor pad]

Issue 3: [Other issues based on property specifics]

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SECTION 4: VOLUME PROJECTIONS

Weekly Waste Generation:

Stream	Loose (CY/week)	Compacted (CY/week)	Ratio
Waste	[X]	[X/4]	4:1
Recycling	[X]	[X]	1:1
Compost	[X]	[X]	1:1
Total	[X]	[X]	-

Container Requirements:

Loose Service:

• Waste: [X] × 6 CY containers
• Recycling: [X] × 6 CY containers
• Compost: [X] × 96-gal toters
• Cardboard: [X] × 20 CY open-top

Compacted Service:

• Waste: 1 × 30 CY compactor
• Recycling: [X] × 6 CY containers
• Compost: [X] × 96-gal toters
• Cardboard: 1 × 20 CY open-top

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SECTION 5: SYSTEM DESIGN

Waste Chute System:

• Chute Diameter: 24-26 inches
• Material: 14-gauge aluminized steel Type 2
• Height: [X] stories = [Y] linear feet
• Discharge: Into compactor hopper or staging area
• Chute Doors: (Floors - 1) = [X] doors per building
• Code Compliance: NFPA 82, ADA requirements

Compactor Specifications:

• Model: Wastequip A-Series 500 or equivalent
• Capacity: 30 CY compacted (120 CY uncompacted)
• Compaction Ratio: 4:1
• Power: 5 HP, 208-230V, 3-phase
• Installation: Indoor trash room OR outdoor pad
• Container: 30 CY roll-off provided by hauler

Ground Floor Unit Solution:

• Method: Dedicated trash closets (preferred) or outdoor enclosures
• Containers: [X] × 3 CY toters for waste
• Location: Distributed across ground floor for resident convenience
• Collection: Hauler picks up on same schedule
• Recycling: Shared with main system

Cardboard Management:

• Challenge: High volume from move-ins/deliveries
• Solution: Dedicated 20 CY open-top container
• Location: Near mail room and package lockers
• Frequency: 1-2× per week minimum
• Signage: "CARDBOARD ONLY - Break down boxes"

Odor Control (4-Prong Approach):

1. Compactor Ventilation: Direct exhaust to exterior
2. Air Freshening: Piian Mini Vaporizer or D&S system in trash rooms
3. Door Seals: Positive pressure trash rooms, sealed doors
4. Frequent Service: Haul compactor 2-3× per week minimum

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SECTION 6: EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS

A-Series 500 Trash Compactor:

Manufacturer: Wastequip or approved equivalent
Model: A500
Capacity: 30 cubic yards compacted
Uncompacted Capacity: 120 cubic yards (4:1 ratio)
Compaction Force: 50,000+ lbs
Power: 5 HP motor, 208-230V, 3-phase, 60Hz
Dimensions: 8'W × 10'L × 12'H (approximate)
Hopper Opening: 60"W × 48"H
Container Type: 30 CY roll-off
Cycle Time: 45-60 seconds
Safety Features:
- Light curtain safety system
- Emergency stop button
- Automatic shutoff
- Interlock on container
Controls: Remote start station in trash room
Estimated Cost: $35,000 - $45,000 installed
Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper maintenance

Chute Doors (ADA Compliant):

Type: Gravity self-closing discharge door
Size: 18"W × 18"H minimum (24" preferred)
Material: 14-gauge galvanized or stainless steel
Mounting: Wall or chute-mounted
Operation: Spring-loaded, automatic closure
ADA Requirements:
- Handle height: 48" maximum from floor
- Operating force: 5 lbs maximum
- Clear floor space: 30" × 48" approach
Lock: Keyed lock for maintenance access
Cost: $800 - $1,200 per door installed
Quantity Needed: [X] doors ([Buildings] × [Floors-1])
Total Door Cost: $[X]

Toters and Containers:

Ground Floor Waste Toters:
- Size: 3 CY (cubic yard)
- Quantity: [X] units
- Cost: $300 each = $[X] total

Recycling Containers:
- Size: 6 CY single-stream
- Quantity: [X] units
- Cost: $400 each = $[X] total

Compost Toters (if required):
- Size: 96 gallons with locking lids
- Quantity: [X] units
- Cost: $150 each = $[X] total

Cardboard Container:
- Size: 20 CY open-top
- Quantity: 1-2 units
- Cost: $200 each = $[X] total

---

SECTION 7: SERVICE SCHEDULES

Recommended Weekly Schedule:

Monday:

• Waste Compactor: 1 haul (30 CY)
• Ground Floor Toters: Collection

Tuesday:

• Recycling: 1 pickup (all containers)

Wednesday:

• Waste Compactor: 1 haul (if volume requires)
• Compost: 1 pickup

Thursday:

• (Flex day - additional haul if needed)

Friday:

• Cardboard: 1 pickup (20 CY container)
• Compost: 1 pickup

Saturday:

• Recycling: 1 pickup (if volume requires)

Weekly Service Totals:

• Waste compactor hauls: 2-3× per week
• Recycling pickups: 1-2× per week
• Compost pickups: 2× per week
• Cardboard pickups: 1× per week
• Ground floor collection: 3× per week

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SECTION 8: COST ANALYSIS

Option 1: Loose Service (No Compactor)

Monthly Hauler Fees:

• Waste containers: [X] pickups/month × $45 = $[X]
• Recycling: [X] pickups/month × $30 = $[X]
• Compost: [X] pickups/month × $25 = $[X]
• Cardboard: [X] pickups/month × $40 = $[X]
• Subtotal Hauler: $[X]/month

Monthly Staff Labor:

• Moving containers: [X] minutes/week × 4.33 weeks = [X] hrs/month
• Rate: $18/hour
• Subtotal Labor: $[X]/month

Equipment Costs:

• Container purchase: $[X] one-time
• Amortized over 5 years: $[X]/month

Total Loose Service: $[X]/month Cost Per Unit: $[X]/unit/month

---

Option 2: Compacted Service

Monthly Hauler Fees:

• Waste compactor: [X] hauls/month × $450 = $[X]
• Recycling: [X] pickups/month × $30 = $[X]
• Compost: [X] pickups/month × $25 = $[X]
• Cardboard: [X] pickups/month × $40 = $[X]
• Ground floor: [X] pickups/month × $35 = $[X]
• Subtotal Hauler: $[X]/month

Monthly Staff Labor:

• Compactor maintenance: 4 hours/month
• Rate: $18/hour
• Subtotal Labor: $72/month

Capital Equipment:

• Compactor cost: $40,000
• Chute doors: $[X]
• Toters/containers: $[X]
• Total Capital: $[X]
• Amortized over 84 months (7 years): $[X]/month

Total Compacted Service: $[X]/month Cost Per Unit: $[X]/unit/month

---

Comparison Summary:

Category	Loose Service	Compacted Service	Difference
Hauler Fees	$[X]	$[X]	$[X]
Staff Labor	$[X]	$72	$[X]
Equipment (amortized)	$[X]	$[X]	$[X]
Total Monthly	$[X]	$[X]	$[X]
Cost Per Unit	$[X]	$[X]	$[X]

ROI Analysis:

• Monthly savings with compactor: $[X]
• Annual savings: $[X] × 12 = $[X]
• Capital investment: $[X]
• Payback period: [X] months

Recommendation: [Based on payback period:

• ≤24 months: STRONGLY RECOMMEND compacted
• 25-36 months: RECOMMEND compacted

• 36 months: Consider loose initially, reassess at 2 years]

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SECTION 9: BIN STAGING & SERVICE LOCATIONS

Compactor Service Location:

• Location: [Indoor trash room / Outdoor pad]
• Access: [Alley / Rear loading / Side access]
• Clearance Required: 14-16 feet vertical, 50 feet straight approach
• Turning Radius: 45 feet minimum for roll-off truck
• Surface: Level concrete pad if outdoor

Ground Floor Container Staging:

• Locations: Distributed across [X] areas
• Distance to units: 150 feet maximum
• Collection: Containers rolled to curb/compactor for pickup
• Storage: Return to designated areas after service

Recycling Container Location:

• Position: Adjacent to compactor/waste area
• Distance from waste: 10-30 feet (visible, convenient)
• Access: Same truck access as waste

Cardboard Container Location:

• Position: Near mail room and package lockers
• Resident access: High visibility, easy to use
• Truck access: Same as main service area

Access Requirements for ALL Locations:

• Gate width: 12 feet minimum
• Overhead clearance: 16 feet minimum
• Turning radius: 45 feet minimum
• Surface: Paved, level, all-weather access

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SECTION 10: TRASH ROOM REQUIREMENTS

Main Trash Room (Compactor Location):

• Size: 12' × 15' minimum (180 sq ft)
• Ceiling Height: 10-12 feet minimum
• Ventilation: Direct exhaust to exterior, negative pressure
• Electrical: 208-230V, 3-phase, 60-amp service
• Lighting: 30 foot-candles minimum
• Drainage: Floor drain with trap, hose bib
• Walls/Ceiling: Washable surfaces (FRP or epoxy paint)
• Door: 6' wide × 8' high minimum (roll-off container access)
• Fire Protection: Sprinkler head required

Floor Chute Discharge Doors (Each Floor):

• Size: 18" × 18" minimum
• Height: 48" maximum to top (ADA)
• Material: 14-gauge steel, self-closing
• Lock: Keyed access for maintenance
• Signage: "TRASH CHUTE - WASTE ONLY"
• Floor Space: 30" × 48" clear approach

Recycling Area:

• Location: Adjacent to main trash room
• Size: 100-150 sq ft
• Access: Double doors or same access as trash room
• Signage: Large format "RECYCLING" with accepted items
• Containers: 3-6 CY toters or open-tops

Odor Control Systems:

1. Piian Mini Vaporizer or D&S neutralizing system
2. Placement: In compactor room and on each floor chute door
3. Cost: $200-$400 per unit
4. Maintenance: Replace cartridges monthly

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SECTION 11: RESIDENT EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION

Move-In Materials:

• Trash/Recycling Guide (1-page handout)
• Chute locations and hours
• What goes where (waste/recycling/compost)
• Prohibited items (hazmat, electronics, large items)
• Bulk trash pickup procedure

Signage (Multiple Locations):

• Chute doors: "Accepted items" with photos
• Trash rooms: "Flatten cardboard boxes"
• Recycling area: "Single-stream accepted items"
• Compost: "Compostable materials only"
• Design: Simple graphics, multiple languages

Ongoing Communication:

• Monthly newsletter reminders
• Contamination alerts (if issues arise)
• Schedule changes notification
• Bulk item pickup coordination

Staff Training:

• Compactor operation and safety
• Emergency procedures
• Odor control maintenance
• Resident assistance protocol

---

SECTION 12: RATE TABLES

Hauler Rate Schedule - [Hauler Name]:

Waste Service:

• 6 CY container pickup: $35-$55 per pickup
• 30 CY compactor haul: $400-$550 per haul
• Extra pickup surcharge: $10-$20 per occurrence

Recycling Service:

• 6 CY container pickup: $25-$35 per pickup
• Extra contamination fee: $75-$150 per occurrence

Compost Service (if available):

• 96-gallon toter pickup: $20-$30 per pickup
• Extra contamination fee: $50-$100 per occurrence

Other Services:

• Cardboard container (20 CY): $35-$50 per pickup
• Bulk item pickup: $75-$150 per occurrence
• Special haul (furniture, etc.): $100-$200 per pickup

Equipment Costs (One-Time Capital):

• A-Series 500 Compactor: $35,000-$45,000 installed
• Chute doors (each): $800-$1,200 installed
• 3 CY toter: $300 each
• 6 CY container: $400 each
• 96-gallon toter: $150 each
• 20 CY open-top: $200 each

Maintenance Costs (Annual):

• Compactor service contract: $1,200-$2,000/year
• Odor control supplies: $600-$1,200/year
• Chute cleaning: $500-$1,000/year

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SECTION 13: IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Phase 1: Design & Approval (Weeks 1-4)

• Finalize system design
• Obtain hauler quotes
• Get architectural drawings approved
• Order long-lead equipment (compactor)
• Secure permits

Phase 2: Installation (Weeks 5-10)

• Install compactor and electrical
• Install chute system and doors
• Set up containers and toters
• Test all equipment
• Install signage

Phase 3: Service Initiation (Week 11)

• Execute hauler service agreement
• Train property staff
• Distribute resident materials
• Begin regular service schedule
• Monitor and adjust

Phase 4: Optimization (Weeks 12-16)

• Track volumes and costs
• Adjust pickup frequency if needed
• Address any issues
• Survey resident satisfaction
• Document performance

Critical Path Items:

• Compactor: 8-12 weeks lead time (order early!)
• Electrical: 2-4 weeks (coordinate with electrician)
• Permits: 2-6 weeks (start immediately)

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SECTION 14: KEY CONTACTS & REPORT INFO

Franchise Hauler:

• Company: [From web_search]
• Phone: [Contact]
• Email: [If available]
• Account Rep: [If known]

Equipment Supplier:

• Compactor: Wastequip / [Local distributor]
• Phone: [Find via web_search if needed]

Regulatory Contacts:

• State Waste Agency: [From research]
• Local Permit Office: [City department]

Report Information:

• Prepared by: WasteWise by THE Trash Hub
• Date: [Current date]
• Property: [Property name]
• Address: [Full address]

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FORMATTING NOTES

• Use clear headers and section numbers
• Include tables for cost comparisons
• Bold key recommendations
• Use bullet points for lists
• Include page breaks between major sections
• Professional tone throughout

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Quality Checks Before Delivery

✅ All 14 sections complete ✅ Web research completed (hauler, regulations) ✅ All calculations shown with formulas ✅ Cost analysis includes both options ✅ ROI clearly stated ✅ Equipment specs detailed ✅ Service schedule provided ✅ Implementation plan included ✅ Professional formatting ✅ No grammar/spelling errors

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Example Usage

User Input: "Generate a trash management plan for Riverside Towers, 789 River Road, Chicago, IL 60614. Building A has 180 units across 7 stories with 8 ground floor units. Building B has 150 units across 6 stories with 6 ground floor units. Loading height is 19 feet. We need a cost-effective solution with good ROI."

Claude Will:

1. Use web_search to find Chicago's franchise hauler
2. Research Illinois waste laws (no AB laws, but local requirements)
3. Calculate volumes for 330 total units
4. Design 2-building system with 2 compactors
5. Spec equipment for both buildings
6. Calculate costs comparing loose vs compacted
7. Show payback period for compactors
8. Provide complete 14-section report
9. Format professionally for stakeholder presentation

Output: Comprehensive 15-20 page professional trash management plan ready for developers, contractors, and property management review.