Top Waste Management Startups

Waste management has become a hot topic over the last few decades, especially in the wake of the introduction of the idea of global warming in the ’70s.

After the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, an international treaty that aimed to reduce the emission of harmful gasses that contribute to global warming, governments and industries began looking for ways to save the earth.

These efforts weren’t altruistic, of course. The treaty imposed reductions of emissions of greenhouse gases across 41 different countries, including the European Union, and the failure to do so would’ve, theoretically, led to financial penalties.

Thus, the world’s major contributors to global warming and the reduction thereof were incentivised to do better for the environment and the future of Earth as we know it.

These efforts came in many forms, including attempts to secure renewable energy sources, save water and more, but one of the biggest areas of concern was, and still is, waste management.

 

Why Is Waste Management So Important?

 

Waste management is a broad term that includes the management of all types of waste, including the processes and actions that are involved in dealing with and disposing of it.

Furthermore, it also accounts for the prevention and reduction of waste production – if less waste is created, there’s less waste to manage.

The obvious incentive behind waste management is environmental concerns, but there are actually a plethora of other reasons why proper waste management can be beneficial for businesses.

 

• Reduction of Costs: Waste disposal can be expensive, so reducing landfill waste and opting for recycling and the reuse of materials can help save money.

 

• Improved Operational Efficiency: Proper waste management helps for waste collection and disposal to be streamlined, saving employees’ time.

 

• Improved Brand Image: Companies that impose proper waste management practices portray an image of environmental responsibility which reflects well on brand image. It can also help attract eco-conscious consumers.

 

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to waste management plans helps businesses stick to legal regulations regarding environmental efforts.

 

• Improved Environment for Employees: By creating a cleaner and safer workplace, companies can positively influence employee satisfaction and engagement.

 

At the end of the day, the biggest, and arguably most important, impact of implementing proper waste management strategies in business operations is the contribution to sustainability and the conservation of natural resources. However, it certainly helps that businesses are able to benefit in a plethora of other ways too.

 

Top 7 Waste Management Startups 

 

Naturally, plenty of innovative entrepreneurs have taken the plunge and launched careers in the environmental sphere, specifically the world of waste management.

Here are 7 of the top waste management startups that are making a difference.

 

1. Resourcify

 

 

Founded in 2015, Resourcify provides users with an automated disposal and recycling platform.

The platform provides businesses with information regarding waste collection, container information, waste segregation as well as waste documentation technologies. These pieces of tech can be used to improve recycling operations, as well as manage and track them more closely.

This makes the whole process more efficient and streamlined, as well as reducing costs in dealing with waste and boosting recycling rates (as well as revenues earned by recycling).

Resourcify was founded in Hamburg, Germany by Gary Lewis and Felix Heinricy, the current CEO and CCO, CBDO, CRO and Managing director respectively.

 

2. Goodr

 

 

Goodr, a US-based waste management startup, has designed software that aims to solve world hunger, and we’re not being facetious. The idea is that by reducing food waste, ultimately, it will be possible for food to be fairly and equitably distributed among the world’s population.

To do this, Goodr’s waste management software offers insight into food waste patterns, real-time donations, tax deduction information and community impact reports. This technology is intended to be able to help companies with excess food that can’t be sold (that will go on to become waste) to link up with individuals who can deliver the food to those who need it.

The fundamental principle behind the company’s work is that there is (or could be) enough food to feed the hungry, and there are also people who can help manage the logistics of food distribution, the difficulty lies in getting these people to work together, and Goodr aims to do just that.

Goodr was founded by Jasmine Crowe in 2017 and most recently brought in $8 million in later stage VC Series A funding.

 

 

3. Empower

 

 

Empower is a Norwegian startup that was founded in Oslo in 2017 and received $1.41 million in its most recent funding effort in 2023.

The company has developed an incentivised waste collection and recycling programme that aims to make environmentalism a good idea for normal people by means of its platform.

The platform allows people to collect waste of their own accord and take it to a certified recycling station. In return, they receive tokens that act as a form of currency within the company’s little ecosystem, or they can be converted into real money.

Basically, Empower has created a system for people to make money by collecting waste and recycling, something that wouldn’t otherwise have been realistic without an incentive.

 

4. Enevo

 

 

Enevo was founded in Boston in 2010, and since then, it’s completed an impressive 11 different funding rounds. Most recently, Enevo was acquired by Reen in 2021.

Over the last nearly 15 years, Eevo has provided users with environmental management software that is designed to provide companies with assistance with waste management and general carbon footprint management.

The platform makes use of sensor technology via devices placed in dumpsters. They calculate routes and collection schedules, along with the amount of time required for waste filling, to help companies and industries more broadly streamline waste management operations.

 

5. Apeel Sciences

 

 

Apeel Sciences is a Californian waste management startup that was launched in 2012, aiming to reduce food waste by making produce last longer.

The company was founded by Louis Perez, Jenny Du and James Rogers, and it received $39.6 million in its latest funding round which was completed in mid-2022.

Apeel Sciences is producing technology intended to protect fresh produce, including a coating material that is suitable for coating produce. The coating is plant-based, and it is made using materials already found in the seeds, skins and peels of fruits and veggies.

The use of Apeel Sciences’ products helps businesses contribute positively to environmental efforts by adding an economic incentive. That is, it helps companies minimise food waste and save money, creating a win-win situation for everybody.

 

6. Nordsense

 

 

Founded by Manuel Maestrini and Søren Christensen in Copenhagen in 2017, Nordsense has developed a waste management system that can easily be used by anybody and everybody

Its waste management system uses data and smart sensors that can be installed in any kind of waste collection container with the intention of managing waste levels.

Nordsense’s devices monitor waste levels in real time, providing information on which bins need to be emptied and serviced, which makes the overall waste management system more efficient and sustainable.

So far, Nordsense has completed three funding rounds, having received investment from the likes of companies including New Enterprise Associates, ACME Capital, Root Ventures and more.

 

7. Phenix

 

 

With three funding rounds under its belt, Phenix is a French waste management startup that was founded by Baptiste Corval and Jean Morea in 2014.

Phenix is committed to giving food a second life, thus reducing waste and making a positive social and environmental impact.

Phenix’s platform provides users with alternatives to incineration and landfills, giving manufacturers and stores with a way to manage stocks efficiently and avoid unnecessary discarding of food.

The startup was founded by Jean Moreau and Baptiste Corval in Paris, and today, it employs between 350 and 400 employees.