Ridwell Expands Recycling Service Amid Scrutiny Over Environmental Impact

Recycling startup Ridwell has expanded its residential pickup service for hard-to-recycle materials to over 130,000 customers, despite facing scrutiny regarding the environmental efficacy of its logistics. The Seattle-based company charges $20 monthly to collect items such as multilayer plastic films and batteries, materials typically rejected by municipal curbside programs. Critics, including the advocacy group Beyond Plastics, argue the company sells a "myth" of responsible recycling, citing the carbon footprint of shipping waste thousands of miles to specialized processors. Industry experts note that the service shifts disposal costs from manufacturers to consumers. Ridwell CEO Ryan Metzger defended the model, stating that the service prompts consumers to change purchasing habits and that the company prioritizes local partners where feasible.