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rStream

Investment areas

  • Climate
  • Autonomous Systems / Robotics
Founders & Leadership
Ian Goodine
Ethan Walko
Headquarters
Cambridge, MA

Automated waste sorting at the point-of-collection.

The Tough Tech problem we are solving

Waste management systems today face a critical challenge: accurately identifying and sorting recyclables at the speed and scale required to reduce landfill waste and support a circular economy. Manual sorting processes are inconsistent and costly, while existing automated systems struggle with accuracy due to contamination, mixed materials, and limited data visibility. This inefficiency causes valuable recyclables to be lost and drives up operational costs for materials recovery facilities. The gap between advanced data technology and real-world recycling operations has slowed global efforts to make waste processing both smarter and more sustainable.

About our solution

rStream is building an intelligent recycling infrastructure powered by data, robotics, and computer vision. Their smart material recovery system uses real-time imaging and machine learning to identify, track, and sort recyclables with greater precision than traditional methods. By capturing detailed data streams from each stage of the recycling process, rStream enables facilities to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and boost material recovery rates. The company’s platform transforms waste processing into a data-driven operation, bringing circularity within reach for municipalities and industries seeking measurable environmental impact.