Food waste startup Mill announced on Tuesday that it has signed a deal with Amazon to install its bins in Whole Foods produce departments across the country, beginning in 2027. Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund is also investing in the startup, though the specific amount was not disclosed. The company has raised a total of 250 million dollars to date.
Food waste is a significant problem. Approximately 10% of all food, equaling 43 billion pounds according to one 2014 study, is discarded every year at U.S. grocery stores. For an industry that operates on thin margins, every pound thrown out represents a missed financial opportunity and increases a store’s carbon footprint.
Mill hopes that its sensor-equipped bins can gather sufficient data to help Whole Foods reduce the amount of produce it discards. After the bins dehydrate and grind the food waste, this material will be turned into chicken feed. That feed will then be shipped to the suppliers of Whole Foods’ private label eggs.