How Hardware Startups Can Turn E-Waste Into Revenue

Lucas and Luna explore a rising trend among hardware startups: using e-waste recycling as a strategic revenue stream rather than a compliance cost. They dive into the story of a startup called Circular Devices, which retrofits old smartphones into IoT sensors, selling them to logistics companies at a 40% margin. The hosts break down the economics, the certification hurdles, and why this model is particularly viable for early-stage hardware companies in 2026 — especially with the EU's new repairability mandates. They also discuss how startups can source e-waste through corporate take-back programs and why the real money is in materials recovery, not refurbishment. A practical episode for founders looking to turn a supply-chain headache into a competitive advantage. #HardwareStartups #EWaste #CircularEconomy #RevenueModel #IoT #CircularDevices #SmartphoneRefurbishment #SupplyChain #LogisticsTech #Sustainability #Business #Technology #EUmandates #MaterialsRecovery #StartupStrategy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo