Mission

To make effective waste sorting accessible and affordable at the point-of-collection, dramatically increasing recycling rates and reducing contamination.

Vision

A world where advanced automation enables 100% recovery of recyclables materials, eliminating the concept of "waste" and supporting a truly circular economy.

Story

rStream began in 2021 as a research project at UMass Amherst, where founders Ian Goodine and Ethan Walko recognized the massive inefficiencies in traditional recycling processes.

What started as an engineering challenge quickly evolved into a mission to transform waste management through accessible automation technology. After embedding with facility managers and waste handling staff at major venues, we identified a critical need for solutions that address both sorting technology and waste movement logistics.

Our approach focuses on understanding the real-world constraints facilities face—from limited space and staff resources to regulatory requirements. By developing systems that integrate seamlessly with existing operations, we're making it possible for facilities to achieve their sustainability goals while increasing operational efficiency, without disrupting workflows.

Today, rStream is partnering with venues, universities, and commercial facilities to implement solutions that not only improve recycling rates but also generate measurable economic value through reduced disposal costs and commodity resale opportunities.