The waste management industry in the US is essential for maintaining public health and environmental safety. It includes companies engaged in waste collection, recycling, disposal services, and innovative technologies that enhance resource recovery. Major players range from municipal services to private firms focused on recycling, hazardous waste management, and organic waste solutions. The industry's trajectory is increasingly toward sustainability, with an emphasis on circular economy practices. Notably, advancements in technology are driving efficiency; for instance, AI and automation are becoming common tools for sorting recyclables, reshaping how waste is managed significantly.


This list features a range of investors from various backgrounds and specialties. Covering a spectrum from venture capital firms to government agencies, these investors represent powerhouse entities in waste management. Based mainly in locations like New York and Washington, D.C., they range from smaller firms with fewer employees to large corporations with over 10,000 staff. With a mix of strategies, these 12 investors completed 54 to 253 deals in 2024, indicating robust activity in funding innovation in the waste management sector.


Top 12 Waste Management Investors in the US


1. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, the government operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of waste management, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, primarily through grants. For instance, TakaTaka Solutions received a grant of $100,000 in February 2022 to support its waste management initiatives. Similarly, Énercycle raised $26 million in August 2024, indicating a substantial investment in waste management technology. Other notable transactions include grants to the City of Calgary and Chanja Datti, which further demonstrate the government's active role in promoting waste management solutions. These efforts highlight the government's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and supporting sustainable practices.


2. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. In the waste management context, SOSV has made significant investments, including a $4.5 million Series A funding for CleanRobotics, a company focused on waste sorting technology, and a $5 million investment in Octopus, which operates a circular economy platform in Indonesia that sells waste materials to the recycling industry and collects data for FMCG brands. These transactions highlight SOSV's active role in promoting sustainability and innovation in waste management.


3. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Website: epa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1970
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 54
  • LinkedIn: us-epa

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a public entity founded in 1970, based in Washington, D.C., focused on environmental protection. It provides regulatory compliance assistance, research, and public education on environmental issues, serving state and local governments, businesses, and the public. In 2024, the EPA has been involved in 54 investments, primarily through grants aimed at fostering innovation in environmental technologies. Notably, the EPA has supported projects like CleanRobotics, which received $400,000 in funding to develop its TrashBot waste-diversion technology, showcasing the agency's commitment to advancing waste management solutions. Other relevant transactions include grants to organizations like the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and Ecology Action Center, further emphasizing the EPA's role in promoting sustainable waste management practices.


4. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. In recent years, they have made significant investments in the waste management space, including companies like Gringgo, which focuses on waste management solutions, Greyparrot, which utilizes AI to improve waste sorting, ByFusion Global, which raised $1.5 million to develop technology for recycling waste materials, Aquacycl, which is innovating in wastewater treatment, and Upcycling+, which is focused on upcycling waste. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting startups that contribute to waste management and sustainability.


5. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has a diverse investment portfolio, which includes significant transactions in the waste management sector. Noteworthy investments include the acquisition of Viridor, a major UK waste management company, for approximately $5.5 billion in January 2020, and the acquisition of Der Grüne Punkt in December 2004, which is involved in recycling and waste management services. KKR also participated in the funding of Trilogy MedWaste, a company focused on medical waste management, in December 2017. These strategic investments highlight KKR's commitment to enhancing its presence in the waste management industry while also addressing broader environmental challenges.


6. Waste Connection


Waste Connections is a corporate investor based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1997. It operates as a waste management company providing a comprehensive range of services, including garbage collection, recycling, and dumpster rentals. The company serves residential customers, businesses, and municipalities, focusing on efficient and sustainable waste disposal solutions. Waste Connections has been actively expanding its footprint in the waste management sector through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Groot Industries, the largest privately owned solid waste services company in Illinois, for approximately $375 million to $400 million in 2017; the acquisition of Penn Waste, a regional hauler and materials recovery facility operator, as part of its expansion strategy in Pennsylvania in 2020; and the acquisition of E.L. Harvey & Sons, the largest family-owned solid waste services company in Massachusetts, in 2021. These acquisitions reflect Waste Connections' ongoing commitment to enhancing its market position and service offerings in the waste management industry.


7. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. Their mission is to scale climate technologies that have a significant community impact, providing funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments. They aim to address the funding gap for early-stage climate projects and foster partnerships that enhance community benefits. Notably, Elemental Impact has been involved in several transactions relevant to waste management, such as their investment in Goodr, which raised $1,250,000 in a seed round to tackle food waste through innovative technology. They have also supported Cambrian Innovation, which focuses on wastewater treatment solutions, indicating their commitment to sustainable waste management practices. Through these investments, Elemental Impact demonstrates a clear interest in promoting technologies that contribute to waste reduction and environmental sustainability.


8. American Water

  • Website: amwater.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Camden, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: american-water

American Water is a public entity based in Camden, New Jersey, that provides essential water and wastewater services to approximately 3.4 million customers across the United States. Founded in 1886, the company operates in the water utility industry, ensuring a clean and safe water supply while managing wastewater treatment. Their services cater to residential, commercial, and governmental clients, emphasizing community support and environmental stewardship. Notably, American Water has been involved in significant transactions relevant to waste management, including the acquisition of Delaware Sewer Company, which enhances their wastewater operations, and the acquisition of Keystone Clearwater Solutions, which further expands their capabilities in managing water resources. Additionally, their grant activities, such as funding for Allegheny CleanWays and support for local municipalities, reflect their commitment to environmental initiatives and community engagement.


9. Closed Loop Partners

  • Website: closedlooppartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: closed-loop-fund

Closed Loop Partners is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2014, that focuses on building the circular economy through investment management services, venture capital, and private equity. They operate the largest privately held recycling company in North America, catering to businesses and organizations looking to implement sustainable practices and reduce waste. In 2024, they participated in a $10 million debt financing round for Eureka Recycling, a company dedicated to recycling and waste management. Additionally, they have supported Recycle Ann Arbor with a grant, further emphasizing their commitment to waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Their investment in Greyparrot, which raised $1.6 million in a venture round, also aligns with their mission to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability in waste management.


10. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Notably, Advantage Capital has made significant investments in the waste management sector, particularly through their transactions with City Carting & Recycling, where they provided both Series A and debt financing, totaling over $10 million. Additionally, they have invested in Advanced Enviro Systems through Series A and debt financing, further demonstrating their engagement in the waste management industry. By focusing on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, Advantage Capital offers flexible capital solutions that help waste management companies grow and thrive.


11. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978, that supports early-stage companies focusing on deep tech innovation. The firm offers a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures primarily serves startups looking to commercialize their research and technology. Notably, it has been involved in several transactions relevant to waste management, such as providing grants to MSW Power and River Otter Renewables, both of which are engaged in sustainable waste solutions. Additionally, MassVentures participated in a Series A funding round for Aclarity, a company that develops technologies to eradicate PFAS contaminants, highlighting its commitment to addressing significant environmental challenges related to waste management.


12. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., the IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to promote economic growth. The IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and fostering sustainable development. Among its notable transactions in the waste management sector, the IFC participated in the Vinca waste-to-energy facility construction project in Serbia, contributing to a €290 million loan as part of a larger public-private partnership aimed at waste management through energy recovery. Additionally, the IFC has invested in Organica Water, a provider of innovative wastewater treatment solutions, participating in multiple funding rounds to support the company's global expansion and development of new technologies. These investments highlight the IFC's role in advancing sustainable waste management practices.



Waste Management Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+197054
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Waste ConnectionPortland, Oregon, United States (USA)11-5019970
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
American WaterCamden, New Jersey, United States (USA)5001-10000188634
Closed Loop PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020148
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107


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