Raftelis provides national perspective and industry-leading expertise to transform complex solid waste challenges into sustainable, fundable, and community-focused action.

Raftelis provides a deep bench of expertise in solid waste management, having served a diverse range of municipal and county clients across more than 20 states—from major metropolitan hubs like Seattle and Nashville to specialized regional districts and growing communities.
Our experience reflects a sophisticated understanding of the entire solid waste lifecycle, from initial collection studies to long-term landfill closure and post-closure care.
Financial leadership
At the core of our practice is a proven track record in conducting comprehensive collection and disposal system rate studies and financial planning studies. We have assisted dozens of agencies—including Oklahoma City, the City of Tacoma, and Hillsborough County—in developing equitable rate structures that ensure long-term solvency. Beyond static reports, Raftelis specializes in the development of customized financial models for staff use, empowering utilities like the City of Little Rock and the City of Ontario to conduct ongoing "what-if" analyses and maintain formal minimum financial reserve policies.
Technical landfill and operational analysis
Raftelis excels in the technical and environmental aspects of solid waste management. We frequently provide critical calculations for landfill air space utilization and remaining life, as well as landfill closure and post-closure care cost projections for clients such as Collier County and the City of Laramie. Our team also conducts sensitivity analyses to examine the financial effects of operational changes, ensuring that clients can pivot their strategies in response to fluctuating volumes, regulatory shifts, or infrastructure needs.
Strategic planning and specialized support
Our expertise extends into the complex governance and specialized funding mechanisms that define modern solid waste departments and utilities, including intergovernmental collaboration, diversion and innovation, policy, and regulatory compliance.
Solid waste and sustainable materials management planning
We help communities and organizations develop comprehensive solid waste master plans and implement sustainable materials management practices. Our services include waste audits, feasibility studies, and strategic planning to reduce waste while promoting recycling and reuse.
Project funding and grant application assistance
Our experts assist in identifying and securing grant funding for solid waste management projects. We provide support in preparing grant applications, developing technical proposals, and managing funded projects to ensure successful outcomes and compliance.
Billing technology planning and implementation
We offer cutting-edge solutions for billing technology to streamline the revenue cycle. Our services include the planning, implementation, and integration of billing systems to improve efficiency and accuracy in collection.
Collection/routing and disposal/processing planning
Our team provides comprehensive planning for waste collection, routing, and disposal. We assist in developing optimized collection routes, procuring waste management contracts, and implementing efficient processing solutions to minimize environmental impact.
Financial modeling and rate studies
We conduct detailed financial analyses and develop cost-effective rate structures. Our services include cost-of-service studies and financial modeling to ensure sustainable, long-term funding for waste management programs.
Communications and public engagement
We help clients effectively communicate their initiatives to the public. Our services include developing communication strategies, creating outreach materials, and facilitating public engagement activities to build community support for vital programs.
Regulation and compliance
We provide expertise in navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal mandates. Our services include drafting municipal codes, conducting regulatory audits, and providing guidance on industry best practices.
Benchmarking and best practices
We conduct benchmarking studies to compare management practices against industry standards. We evaluate current operations and recommend improvements to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of solid waste programs.

Our approach grounds your sustainability goals in financial reality. We combine rigorous rate studies and financial modeling with strategic planning to ensure your solid waste programs are resilient against market shifts and climate risks. Whether auditing current systems or guiding procurement, we help you build a program that delivers long-term value to your community.
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Utility development, implementation, and program support