SWACO partners with Rev1 Ventures to fuel startups innovating food waste reduction

Columbus, Ohio-based Rev1 Ventures, a startup studio that combines capital and strategic services, and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), whose mission it is to improve Central Ohio’s solid waste stream through effective reduction, recycling, and safe disposal, have announced a new partnership to support startups, entrepreneurs and innovators.

According to SWACO, more than a million tons of material enters the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill every year, and 76 percent of this material has the potential to be diverted through reuse, recycling or composting. Rev1 Ventures and SWACO will focus on advancing new technologies in food waste and waste management while connecting entrepreneurs with financial and strategic resources to promote new approaches and propel startups in Central Ohio.

While the food waste initiative is the focus for the first phase of the partnership, the goal is to evolve into a broader approach that supports startups innovating the entire waste and recycling industry.

Rev1 and SWACO plan to connect the nearly 400 municipalities, food manufacturers, commercial retailers and kitchens in the Central Ohio region with entrepreneurs focused on food waste prevention, rescue and recycling.

“We recognize that in order to revolutionize the way food waste is reduced and managed, we must tap our community of innovators,” said Ty Marsh, executive director at SWACO. “By aligning with Rev1 Ventures, we’re able to more clearly identify and support the startups that will make a difference, so that we can pilot new technologies, support long-term growth and ultimately, help accelerate this much needed field while leveraging the Central Ohio waste stream for continued economic opportunity.”

This partnership comes on the heels of SWACO’s newly launched consumer educational campaign, “Save More Than Food,” which makes resources available to individuals and commercial partners who want to reduce waste either at home, at school, or in their restaurant.

“SWACO is at the forefront of sustainability, and food waste is a critical sector to tackle. We understand the value entrepreneurs will bring to their mission,” said Tom Walker, CEO of Rev1 Ventures. “As with all of our innovation partners, SWACO shares our commitment to supporting innovation by helping startups through access to expert advisors, insights into market needs and the ability to pilot technologies within real-world environments.”