A method of reclaiming brine waste in a water softener having an inlet, a service water outlet, a wastewater outlet, and having a brine/rinse cycle in which brine solution is directed through a resin bed and to a drain, includes measuring a TDS or specific ion level of the solution exiting the wastewater outlet during the brine/rinse cycle, comparing the measured TDS or specific ion level with a preset value, and diverting the flow of water out the outlet to a reclamation location once the measured TDS exceeds the preset value. A waste reclamation unit includes a housing in fluid communication with the water softener and at least one waste reservoir, a compressor, a compressor coil, a control unit configured for sensing the introduction of liquid into the reservoir and for triggering the compressor; and a collection pan configured for collecting water condensing on the coil and preventing the entry of water into the waste reservoir.