Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1198719
Page 17 ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JANUARY 8, 2020 • Disposal issues. Options for waste disposal continue to shrink for the portable sanitation industry. According to the PSAI's 2019 survey of operators, 42% of companies drive 30 minutes or more to reach a reliable disposal site. As the US population grows, infrastructure construction is not keeping up. Expect access to disposal sites and the cost of disposal to rise in the short term in most markets. • The impact of end user opinions. Globally the opinions of end users are beginning to have an impact on the sanitation provided to them. End users don't want to experience odor, mess, lack of privacy, or contact with the waste of others. With the PSAI's multi-year campaign to raise awareness about what users should be able to expect from a portable restroom experience, the demands of end users will continue to grow. Watch for opportunities to provide more units and service as well as higher end options such as luxury units and trailers. Suppliers should be attuned to these end user preferences and look for ways to offer products that align with them. Final Thoughts It is too early to begin predicting the future of our industry beyond 2020 and 2021—other than to say it will be necessary and growing. It will also be evolving as forces like the general economy and consolidation affect us. Regardless of who wins the upcoming US election, we certainly cannot accurately guess what the impact of subsequent policy changes will be on the economy, consumer confidence, environmental regulations, or access to disposal. We can, however, be sure that the record-setting expansionary cycle is not likely to last forever. Whether there is a gentle correction, or another upheaval remains to be seen. Portable sanitation firms are advised to make all business decisions with both their company goals and the information we have shared in mind. Ideally, doing so will both strengthen your hand and improve the industry as a whole. v The Economic Outlook…continued from page 16 Life is always a bumpy road. Eventually you just learn how to drive on it. – Unknown