12 Best Waste Management Startups to Watch in [2023]

Have you ever wondered who is on the list of Waste Management Companies with the highest growth rates?

You’re not alone.

There are hundreds of Waste Management Companies found there, and keeping track of the hottest new startups can be challenging.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 12 fast-growing Waste Management Startups that have top-tier venture capital funding.

What are Waste Management Startups?

Waste management startups are companies that are focused on developing innovative solutions to reduce, reuse, and manage the waste generated by our society. 

These startups can range from companies that have developed advanced technologies to reduce waste, to companies that focus on helping businesses become more sustainable, to companies that help divert the waste from landfills and into recycling or composting streams.

Top 12 Fastest-Growing Startups In Waste Management

1) Apeel Sciences

Apeel Sciences creates fresh produce shelf life extension technology derived from plants, which enhances quality and decreases food waste.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Goleta
• Started in: 2012
• Founders: James Rogers
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $390,100,564
• Number of funding rounds: 8
• Number of investors: 21

You can find their website here.‍

2) Goodr

Goodr is a long-term surplus food management platform that uses technology to alleviate hunger and prevent food waste.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Atlanta
• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Jasmine Crowe
• Number of employees: 1-10
• Funding amount: $2,850,000
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 16

You can find their website here.

3) Zero Grocery

Zero Grocery is a zero-waste grocery delivery service that is both handy and environmentally friendly.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Berkeley
• Started in: 2019
• Founders: Zuleyka Strasner
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $3,100,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 19

You can find their website here.

4) Rubicon

Rubicon is a software firm that offers smart garbage and recycling solutions to businesses and governments all around the world.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Atlanta
• Started in: 2008
• Founders: Lane B. Moore, Marc Spiegel, Nate Morris, Perry Moss
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $222,699,949
• Number of funding rounds: 8
• Number of investors: 27

You can find their website here.

5) Shelf Engine

Shelf Engine is a company that provides an automated prediction engine that calculates the ideal number of perishable foods to order.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Seattle
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Bede Jordan, Stefan Kalb
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $58,220,000
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 13

You can find their website here.

6) Resourcify

Resourcify creates and maintains a neutral cloud platform that allows companies to manage their trash and recycling operations online.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Germany
• City: Hamburg
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Gary Lewis
• Number of employees: 1-10
• Funding amount: € 4,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

7) Enevo

Enevo is a forward-thinking organization with a mission to reduce waste’s financial, environmental, and social costs.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Finland
• City: Espoo
• Started in: 2010
• Founders: Fredrik Kekalainen, Johan Engström
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $55,363,230
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 15

You can find their website here.

8) PHENIX

PHENIX is a web and service platform devoted to waste reduction.

Details of the startup:

• Country: France
• City: Paris
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Baptiste Corval, Jean Moreau
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: € 15,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 7

You can find their website here.

9) Nutrition Technologies

Black Soldier is used by Nutrition Technologies to make protein, oil, and organic fertilizer. Fly larvae for a better and greener future

Details of the startup:

• Country: Singapore
• City: Singapore
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Nick Piggott, Richard Hayler, Thomas Berry
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $14,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 7

You can find their website here.

10) BRK Ambiental

In Brazil, BRK Ambiental provides garbage disposal services.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Brazil
• City: Salvador
• Started in: 2008
• Number of employees: 10001+
• Funding amount: R$2,600,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 1

You can find their website here.

11) Nordsense

Nordsense is a cloud-based smart trash management technology that assists with rubbish collection.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Denmark
• City: Copenhagen
• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Manuel Maestrini, Søren Christensen
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $12,625,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 10

You can find their website here.

12) Empower

Empower uses blockchain technology to digitize waste streams and make them accessible to purchasers and auditors.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Norway
• City: Oslo
• Started in: 2018
• Founders: Carl Nesset, Gjermund Bjaanes, Wilhelm Myrer
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $2,094,097
• Number of funding rounds: 17
• Number of investors: 1

You can find their website here.

FAQs

Is Waste Management Business Profitable?

Yes, Waste Management is a highly profitable business. In 2020, the company reported a net income of over $2 billion and has consistently reported profits since its inception in 1987. 

The company has consistently increased its profits year over year, indicating that it is a well-run and successful business.

What Is The Average Investment In Waste Management?

The average investment in waste management startups is approximately $2.5 million. This can vary significantly depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as the type of waste management technology being developed. 

Additionally, investment rounds can range anywhere from seed to late-stage venture capital, so the exact amount of capital invested will depend on the company’s current stage of development.