How Retapp’s AI and design are revolutionising e-waste management

This episode of the Cambridge Tech Podcast tackled one of the industry's most overlooked crises: electronic waste. We spoke with Sonia Lange Ramontja, founder of Retapp, about building a sustainable business that's as profitable as it is purposeful.Here's a sobering statistic: e-waste constitutes 70% of all toxic waste globally, yet it remains largely invisible in mainstream conversations. Sonia recognised this gap and built Retapp to address it. Retapp ran a successful pilot from July to September 2025, collecting 860 kilos of electronics across five pop-up events in collaboration with Cambridge City Council. The product is now live on both App Store and Google Play. Retapp's platform combines consumer-friendly design with intelligent automation:Users scan devices using the app (phones, laptops, toasters—anything with a plug or battery)AI identifies categories, estimates weight, and calculates resale value or eco-pointsUsers choose drop-off or collection optionsOptional data erasure certificates available for enhanced securitySustainability metrics track environmental impactRetapp also provides detailed device insights to refurbishers and recyclers through a web portal, helping them manage the deluge of electronics without overwhelming their operations. Currently fundraising their pre-seed round, Retapp is seeking investors who understand the circular economy and recognise this as a genuine business opportunity. With EU circular economy regulations tightening and extended producer responsibility (EPR) becoming mandatory, the timing couldn't be better. Listen to the full episode on the Cambridge Tech Podcast and subscribe for weekly updates on the region's most exciting founders and innovations.Headline sponsor Holden Polestar#CamTechPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.