EPISODE · Jun 2, 2026 · 12 MIN
How a Startup Uses Fungi to Recycle E-Waste
from The Climate Tech Podcast with Fexingo: Energy, Sustainability, and Decarbonization Companies · host Fexingo
This episode of The Climate Tech Podcast explores a groundbreaking approach to electronic waste recycling: using fungi. Lucas and Luna examine how a startup called Mycocycle is leveraging mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms—to extract valuable metals like gold, copper, and rare earth elements from discarded circuit boards and batteries. The hosts break down the science behind bioleaching, compare it to traditional smelting and chemical extraction, and discuss the economic and environmental implications. With e-waste projected to reach 75 million metric tons by 2030, Mycocycle's process offers a low-energy, low-toxicity alternative that could transform the recycling industry. The episode also touches on the startup's pilot projects, the challenges of scaling up, and what this means for the circular economy. If you're interested in climate tech, sustainable materials, or innovative biotech solutions, this conversation provides a concrete look at how nature might solve one of our most pressing waste problems. #Ewaste #Fungi #Mycelium #Mycocycle #Bioleaching #RareEarthElements #CircularEconomy #SustainableMaterials #ClimateTech #Biotechnology #Recycling #GreenTech #WasteManagement #ResourceRecovery #BusinessAndTechnology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Decarbonization Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
What this episode covers
This episode of The Climate Tech Podcast explores a groundbreaking approach to electronic waste recycling: using fungi. Lucas and Luna examine how a startup called Mycocycle is leveraging mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms—to extract valuable metals like gold, copper, and rare earth elements from discarded circuit boards and batteries. The hosts break down the science behind bioleaching, compare it to traditional smelting and chemical extraction, and discuss the economic and environmental implications. With e-waste projected to reach 75 million metric tons by 2030, Mycocycle's process offers a low-energy, low-toxicity alternative that could transform the recycling industry. The episode also touches on the startup's pilot projects, the challenges of scaling up, and what this means for the circular economy. If you're interested in climate tech, sustainable materials, or innovative biotech solutions, this conversation provides a concrete look at how nature might solve one of our most pressing waste problems. #Ewaste #Fungi #Mycelium #Mycocycle #Bioleaching #RareEarthElements #CircularEconomy #SustainableMaterials #ClimateTech #Biotechnology #Recycling #GreenTech #WasteManagement #ResourceRecovery #BusinessAndTechnology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Decarbonization Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
NOW PLAYING
How a Startup Uses Fungi to Recycle E-Waste
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m