Summary

Ridwell offers a way for consumers to seamlessly dispose of items that are generally hard to recycle, or dispose of by providing a subscription-based pickup service (around $15/month). Despite the prevalence of recycling and compost bins, many items are hard to recycle and dispose of, leaving customers confused and flummoxed about how to dispose of many waste items. To that end, Ridwell provides bags or bins that customers can place in their front yard to dispose items like plastic film, batteries, light bulbs, threads and others. Packaging items like multi-layer plastic bags (typically used for food products), plastic clamshells, batteries, plastic flat lids, lightbulbs, styrofoam, plastic bottle caps, electronics etc. are typically hard to responsibly dispose of, leaving individuals confused as to how to sustainably get rid of these items. Pickup service is provided every two weeks, depending on the neighborhood. The items are then connected to vetted reuse or recycle partners that can reuse or recycle the items as appropriate. (Source)

Story

Co-founder Ryan Metzger had a problem disposing batteries and began researching where in Seattle to dispose of them. After some research, he finally found a safe destination for his batteries. Knowing that his neighbors also likely had similar challenges, Ryan, along with his son, Owen, decided to pool his effort with his neighbors to collect batteries, and eventually other items. Thus, Ridwell was born! (Source)

Pic credit: Ridwell (right) and CBS News (top)