Exeter tech start up set to tackle global waste problem

The world is facing a mounting waste crisis and an Exeter-based technology start-up has developed a new online system to help tackle the problem.

AnyWaste.Com’s online waste booking platform is designed to help waste brokers and collectors manage their collections. The new platform – which is the first of its kind – will have a positive impact on the environment by simplifying licensed waste collection, whilst reducing waste and waste crime. Once fully operational AnyWaste.Com will enable customers to book waste collections directly, with full transparency about how their waste is recycled.

Explaining the scale of the global waste problem, AnyWaste.Com’s Exeter-based founder and CEO Damian Lambkin said: “Over two billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is produced globally every year, enough to fill over 800,000 Olympic sized swimming pools. Only 16% is recycled and 46% is disposed of unsustainably. And it is a problem that is set to grow by 70% by 2050. Solid waste management creates greenhouse gasses which contribute to climate change. AnyWaste.Com will address these issues by being the first to create a transparent waste system and encourage a circular economy, which is open to all.”

AnyWaste.Com’s founder Damian Lambkin has been running companies in the waste and recycling industry for the last 20 years. He said: “I was motivated to set up AnyWaste.Com because I knew there was a better way to run our waste systems. I’ve got three beautiful children and I fear for the future they will inherit if we don’t take action to change things now.”

AnyWaste.Com, which has been self-funded by its founders up to this point, is seeking £1.65 million seed funding for the expansion of the business. The firm has applied for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). AnyWaste.Com is also recruiting UK waste management businesses onto a free 12-month pilot of the new platform.

“Our aim is to make AnyWaste.Com available globally. The potential market is huge. In addition to many waste carriers and brokers, the UK has over 3,000 registered waste companies, and the USA has over 10,000, not to mention the European and Chinese markets. We are looking for investors who share our vision to tackle the global waste problem to become partners in the business,” says Damian Lambkin.

AnyWaste.Com allows waste management businesses to run their business online and demonstrate their environmental compliance without the need for paperwork. It is likely to appeal to waste businesses that are adapting their processes to comply with the hygiene and social distancing measures required to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Up and coming waste companies looking for a digital platform to run their business operations are also expected to be early adopters of the new platform.