Now That Annual Reporting Season Is Over, How to Prepare for Next Year

May 6, 2025

Another annual reporting season is in the books.

Whether it went smoothly or felt like a scramble, now is the best time to pause, reflect, and prepare for the next cycle. At WasteLinq, we believe waste management should be simple, connected, and transparent—and that philosophy applies to reporting too. Here are some practical steps you can take now to make next year’s reporting season easier, faster, and less stressful.

1. Review What Worked and What Didn’t

Before memories fade, take time to evaluate your process. What reports or data sets were hard to gather? Which approvals took the longest? What caused last-minute revisions or compliance concerns? Documenting these insights now can guide improvements before next year.

Tip: Include team feedback while it’s still fresh. Operators, coordinators, and data reviewers often have valuable perspectives on where delays or disconnects occurred.

2. Standardize Data Collection

One of the biggest challenges with annual reporting is inconsistent or incomplete data. Consider creating standard formats or templates for capturing information throughout the year. Simple changes like standardized naming conventions, drop-down lists, or centralized spreadsheets can reduce errors and streamline reporting.

Transparent reporting starts with clean data. The more consistent your data entry process, the more confidence you’ll have in the results come next reporting season.

3. Build a Reporting Calendar

Annual reports often pull from many months of activity. A reporting calendar that outlines quarterly or monthly checkpoints can help spread the work out. This could include tasks like:

  • Verifying waste quantities

  • Updating profiles and generator info

  • Auditing shipment records

  • Capturing manifests and disposal documentation

By staying connected to your data throughout the year, you avoid the year-end rush and reduce the risk of surprises.

4. Strengthen Internal Communication

Transparency isn't just about data, it's about people. Identify where communication breaks down between teams or departments. If waste profiles are changed mid-year, who needs to know? If a new facility starts accepting material, is that reflected in your reporting system?

Clear communication practices help everyone stay aligned and reduce the back-and-forth when deadlines loom.

5. Evaluate Your Tools and Processes

Now is a good time to audit the tools you used for reporting. Did you rely heavily on spreadsheets or email chains? Was it difficult to track approvals or version history?

Even if you're not looking to change platforms, identifying gaps in your current setup can help you plan smarter workflows or better documentation practices.

6. Capture Regulatory Changes Early

Environmental regulations evolve, and waiting until Q4 to review updates puts your team at a disadvantage. Designate a point person to monitor regulatory changes throughout the year.  Whether it’s RCRA updates, e-Manifest changes, or state-level adjustments and share those early and often.

Next Year Starts Now


By taking small, proactive steps today, you set your team up for a more manageable, less chaotic reporting season next year. A little preparation now can save hours (and headaches) later.

At WasteLinq, we’re committed to helping environmental service companies stay simple, connected, and transparent—not just during reporting season, but all year long.