As Drive-Thru Restaurants Surge In Popularity, So Do Issues With Waste Enclosures In Their Paths
Drive-Thru restaurants have been popular across the nation since their origin in the early 1950’s. Americans can currently find everything from their favorite burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, tacos and pizza to coffee, donuts and more at their local drive-thru restaurants. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, drive-thru restaurants have seen a surge in popularity. What’s more, drive-thru restaurants are even more popular today than they were 19 months ago at the outset of the pandemic. In fact, some prominent chains are now offering drive-thru service for the first time to capture the high-volume demand. These non-traditional drive-thru venues include Outback Steakhouse's Aussie Grill, 7-Eleven Convenience Stores and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, which have recently opened drive-thru concept stores.
While the demand for drive-thru restaurants is surging across the nation, some issues tied to their popularity do remain. One issue is outdoor waste enclosures located in the same lane or path of the drive-thru traffic. This especially presents a problem when a waste hauler comes for a pickup and there are cars lined up in the drive-thru lane.
“It is nearly impossible to schedule a set time that is conducive for both the restaurant and the hauler. This is a major obstacle we face when a restaurant’s drive-thru lane is in the same path as its outdoor enclosure.” commented Adi Andrews, Escalations and Sales Specialist, Waste Cost Solutions. Unfortunately, the hauler may have to come a second time, if still in the area, when an enclosure is blocked and the restaurant is charged a fee as well. One costly solution is to move the enclosure, which we have done several times, however if an enclosure is not in the drive thru path, that makes everyone’s lives much easier, added Andrews.
“While we can’t demand a precise time for the haulers to make a pickup, the haulers do have from midnight till 7pm for pickups. However, when we setup an account with a new hauler, we can explain the situation and request a specific time for pickups. If they agree, we put this in the contract,” Andrews noted. There’s also an additional problem if a restaurant is open and popular throughout the day from breakfast through dinner. In such cases, we request service when the restaurant is not open – either after they’re closed or prior to when they open, commented Andrews.
Blocked waste enclosures remain one of the biggest daily issues waste management companies have with their haulers daily. No matter if it’s a vehicle blocking the enclosure or drive-thru traffic, Waste Cost Solutions is here to assist your company with their waste management and service needs.
At Waste Cost Solutions, We earnestly work to resolve any waste, recycling and facilities-related issue your business may have. Our team of specially trained agents are solution specialists who expressly work for you and your business. From blocked dumpster issues to staying up-to-date with local city and state ordinances, Waste Cost Solutions is with you day in and day out.

Whether your establishment requires pressure washing, dumpster sanitizing, window cleaning, air conditioning service and repair, bulk removal request, enclosure repair and replacement, or an emergency dumpster. Waste Cost Solutions is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today at 800-509-5399 or email us.
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