The Austin-based startup partners with municipalities to scan waste for hazardous household chemicals, like bleach and solvents, and then finds buyers to use the chemicals for other uses.
Smarter Sorting’s partners, like Austin, Tex., would otherwise pay to have the chemicals incinerated. Smarter Sorting, which operates as Waste Repurposing International, raised $5 million toward an $8 million funding round, according to an SEC filing.
The company’s website says it has at least nine municipal partners, including Austin; Portland, Ore.; and Boulder, Colo. Smarter Sorting claims its model helps cities save 10% on cost and could address up to 30% of non-recycled city waste.
