Phoenix Waste Solutions, co-founded by Tamara Webb and Yuen-Li Chan, is a groundbreaking technology that can thermally reduce 4–8 tons of unsorted municipal solid waste—plastic, Styrofoam, food waste—into 1–3% ash every 24 hours. It operates without using fuel or producing toxic emissions. Ocean Exchange awarded them a $100,000 Neptune Award in 2024.

This innovation offers a sustainable solution for remote regions facing waste management challenges, reducing waste volume by 99% and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to traditional landfills. Including capital recovery, Phoenix processes waste for less than half the cost of landfill tipping fees.

Since the funding from Ocean Exchange, Phoenix Waste Solutions has secured nearly $2 million in non-dilutive funding, including prestigious awards from the National Science Foundation and a contract with the US Air Force. These accomplishments, along with multiple green innovation accolades, highlight the company’s growing impact in the field.

Winning Formula: “Entrepreneurs challenge the process to build new businesses. Deep-tech founders challenge the boundaries of science to create new possibilities. Doing both at once is hard—but that’s exactly what makes the journey worth it,” said Yuen Li Chan, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer.

Discover more about their mission and technology: https://phoenix-waste-solutions.com/