Let's Build Together: Edison Code's Micro-SaaS Approach to Waste Industry Innovation

After nearly two decades in the waste industry, from running operations at Paso Waste to leading engineering teams at Routeware, I'm embarking on a new chapter with Edison Code. But this isn't about me going solo. This is an invitation to collaborate, to share insights, and to build solutions together that address the real challenges you face every day.

Why I'm Here (and Why I'm Listening)

Today marks my first day fully dedicated to rebooting Edison Code. I'm both excited and a little scared. But what drives me forward is knowing there are countless problems in our industry waiting for elegant, focused solutions. Problems that don't need a massive enterprise platform - just the right tool for the job. Problems that need someone who understands both the operational reality of waste management and the possibilities of modern technology.

That's where you come in. I want to hear from you: haulers, facility operators, municipality leaders, drivers, customer service teams, and everyone in between. What are the friction points in your day? What tasks eat up time that could be automated? What information do you wish you had at your fingertips?

The Micro-SaaS Approach: Small Solutions, Big Impact

Let me explain why I'm specifically pursuing a micro-SaaS strategy and why I believe it's perfect for our industry.

What is Micro-SaaS?

Micro-SaaS refers to small, focused software solutions that solve specific problems exceptionally well. Instead of building massive platforms that try to do everything, micro-SaaS products are:

  • Laser-focused on solving one problem perfectly
  • Quick to implement with minimal training required
  • Affordable with transparent, predictable pricing
  • Self-service so you can get started without lengthy sales cycles
  • API-first to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems

Think of them as precision tools rather than Swiss Army knives. A scale house might not need an entire enterprise suite. Maybe they just need a smart ticketing app that gets trucks through in half the time. A small hauler might not want to replace their whole system. Perhaps they just need an AI assistant to help their customer service representatives navigate a complex web of pricing and service territories while on the phone with a customer.

Why Micro-SaaS Makes Sense for Waste

Our industry is incredibly diverse. A solution that works for a national hauler might be overkill for a family operation. A municipality's needs differ vastly from a private hauler's requirements. The beauty of micro-SaaS is that it meets you where you are:

  1. Low Risk, High Reward: Try a solution without committing to a massive digital transformation
  2. Immediate Value: Start seeing benefits in days, not months
  3. Gradual Modernization: Digitize one process at a time, at your own pace
  4. Budget-Friendly: Pay for exactly what you need, nothing more
  5. No Vendor Lock-in: Use what works, leave what doesn't

Innovation Through Collaboration, Not Competition

I want to be completely transparent about something important: I remain a shareholder in Routeware and have tremendous respect for what they've built and continue to build. My goal with Edison Code isn't to compete with comprehensive enterprise platforms. It's to innovate in the spaces between and around them.

There's an entire ecosystem of opportunities that complement rather than compete with major platforms:

  • Edge cases that aren't worth addressing in enterprise software
  • Specialized workflows unique to certain regions or operation types
  • Bridge solutions that connect systems never designed to talk to each other
  • Experimental features that can prove concepts before broader adoption
  • Niche markets too small for large companies but perfect for focused solutions

Think of Edison Code as part of a broader ecosystem. Just as a thriving city needs both highways and local roads, our industry needs both comprehensive platforms and nimble, specialized tools. My experience at Routeware taught me where the big platforms excel, and equally important, where there's room for focused innovation.

What I'm Looking For (And What You Can Expect)

I'm Seeking Your Insights On:

  • Daily frustrations that seem too small to mention but add up over time
  • Manual processes you know could be automated but haven't found the right solution
  • Data gaps where you're flying blind but shouldn't be
  • Customer requests you wish you could fulfill but can't with current tools
  • Integration nightmares where systems don't talk to each other
  • "We've always done it this way" processes ripe for reinvention

Here's What I'm Offering:

  • A genuine partnership approach: You share problems, we build solutions together
  • Rapid prototyping: See working concepts in weeks, not months
  • Founder-level attention: Direct access to me throughout the process
  • Industry-specific design: Solutions built by someone who's actually worked in waste
  • Fair, transparent pricing: No hidden fees, no surprise costs
  • Long-term commitment: I'm not building to flip; I'm building to last

Areas I'm Exploring

While I'm open to all ideas, here are some areas where I see immediate opportunity for micro-SaaS innovation:

  • Specialized mobile apps for specific operational needs
  • AI-powered automation for routine decisions and responses
  • Integration middleware to connect disparate systems
  • Communication platforms designed for waste industry workflows
  • Operational optimization tools for facilities and fleets
  • Data analytics dashboards for specific metrics that matter

Let's Start a Conversation

This article isn't a product announcement. It's an invitation to dialogue. I don't have all the answers, and I don't pretend to know every challenge you face. But I do have the experience, technical skills, and genuine passion for this industry to build solutions that matter.

Whether you're a small hauler struggling with a specific challenge, a municipality looking for better citizen engagement, or an industry veteran with ideas about what's needed, I want to hear from you.

Here's how to reach out:

Email me directly at [email protected] with:

  • A problem you'd love to see solved
  • An idea you've been sitting on
  • Feedback on the micro-SaaS approach
  • Or just to say hello and share your story

You can also connect with me on LinkedIn to follow along as Edison Code evolves.

The Bottom Line

The waste industry is undergoing a technological transformation, and the pace is only accelerating. But transformation doesn't have to mean disruption. It can mean thoughtful, focused improvements that make your work easier, your operations smoother, and your customers happier.

I've spent years building for this industry from inside major corporations. Now, I'm excited to build with you, focusing on the specific solutions you actually need. No corporate bureaucracy, no one-size-fits-all platforms. Just focused, practical innovation.

The AI revolution is here. The technology exists. The only question is: what should we build first?

Let's figure it out together.

Let's build.

Jed Dawson is the founder and innovator behind Edison Code, a micro-SaaS company focused on building specialized solutions for the waste and recycling industry. With nearly 20 years of experience spanning operations, product management, and engineering leadership, he's on a mission to bring focused innovation to an industry he loves.