Scrapp Selected as Winner in MDIA's Public Innovation Challenge for Waste Diversion

We're thrilled to announce that Scrapp has been selected as one of three winning companies in Miami-Dade County's Fifth Public Innovation Challenge: Propelling Waste Diversion and Sustainable Solutions Across Miami-Dade County.

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava officially unveiled the winners at the Miami-Dade County Innovation Challenge Winners press conference. The event took place at the Old South Dade Landfill, alongside:

• The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA)
• The Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM)
• MDIA President and CEO Leigh-Ann Buchanan
• Miami-Dade County DSWM Director Aneisha Daniel, PhD
• Representatives from all four winning companies

The Challenge: Addressing Miami-Dade's Waste Diversion Needs

Miami-Dade County produces over five million tons of waste annually, with only 37 percent actually being recycled according to Florida's Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The county faces an approximately 39.9 percent contamination rate in recycling efforts. The MDIA's Fifth Public Innovation Challenge seeks solutions that harness the power of technology to improve recycling and waste diversion efforts, including organic waste and clean yard trash reuse.

MDIA’s Public Innovation Challenge Program is a competitive open call that identifies technology companies from across the globe to pilot test their market-ready solutions to pressing local issues with regional economic engines who serve as Challenge Hosts. Structured around a strategic investment to defray the cost of a public sector pilot, it serves as a platform for companies to commercialize their solutions and expand their market reach and access a clearer pathway to revenue based growth. 

The Propelling Waste Diversion Public Innovation Challenge attracted 86 companies from 18 countries. The 3 winners are eligible to pilot test their solutions with DSWM.

This initiative is a key component in developing the County's Solid Waste Master Plan – a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the path forward to recycling and reducing waste, while promoting repurposing for a more sustainable and greener community. By addressing these challenges, Miami-Dade County has an opportunity to act as a national leader in waste diversion strategies.

The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) provides curbside waste and recycling collection services to more than 350,000 households in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and ten municipalities, including Aventura, Cutler Bay, Doral, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Opa-locka, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles Beach, and Sweetwater. 

The county is working toward becoming a “Zero Waste County”. To that end, DSWM is developing a Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) to identify policies, infrastructure, diversion technologies, and programs. The ZWMP is expected to be completed in 2026. 

Some of the key services and activities of DSWM are: 

• Waste collection 
• Recycling services 
• Waste Disposal Infrastructure 
• Drop-off & specialty services 
• Code enforcement & regulation 

How Scrapp Will Make a Difference

Scrapp develops waste data tracking and communication software, to help organizations create more engaging and efficient waste programs. What started as a barcode scanning app in University of New Hampshire dorm rooms, has evolved into a comprehensive platform that engages multiple stakeholders with one common data language. From our free mobile and web app to intelligent waste analytics, Scrapp fosters a circular economy through better data management and accessibility.

Our platform directly addresses MDIA's call for solutions that educate and engage residents on recycling efforts, increase participation in waste diversion, and reduce recycling contamination. We tackle three critical challenges: confusion at the bin, missed collection days, and environmental impact anxiety – transforming them into opportunities for engagement and education.

Key Features We're Bringing to Miami-Dade:

• Personalized Bin Day Reminders: Never miss a collection day again with customized notifications that remind residents exactly when their bins need to go out, reducing missed pickups and improving collection efficiency
• Multi-Language Support: Making waste management accessible to Miami-Dade's diverse communities, ensuring all residents can participate effectively in recycling programs regardless of language barriers
• 45,000+ Drop-off Point Locations: Our redesigned maps feature connects residents to waste drop-off locations, including verified facilities where recycling actually happens – backed by data to prove it. This transparency helps build trust and ensures proper disposal of special items
• Gamification & Community Engagement: Every scan or search lets residents vote in weekly quizzes and polls, making waste reduction engaging and fun for all ages while building community participation
• AI-Powered SmartSearch: Our intelligent search predicts what waste residents are looking for with unique search terms (e.g., type "Coca-Cola" and "Aluminum Can" or "PET Bottle" will appear), making it more convenient to search for waste types
• 100+ Educational Articles: Comprehensive knowledge base explaining packaging symbols, waste categories, and best zero-waste practices
• Barcode Scanning Technology: Instant, location-specific disposal information by simply scanning product barcodes, making recycling as simple as possible
• Web Accessibility: Available through web browsers at app.scrappzero.com, no app download required – increasing accessibility for all residents

Our Selection as a Challenge Winner

As one of three winning companies selected from a competitive application process, Scrapp will receive a $100,000 investment from MDIA and the opportunity to test and validate our solution with the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management. The selection process involved thorough evaluation by subject matter experts and an investor-led selection committee, considering factors such as level of innovation, feasibility, potential for sustainable impact, and financial stability.

MDIA bridges the gap between private innovators and the public sector to fast track innovation that improves quality of life for residents. Through their signature Public Innovation Challenge, they identify, invest in and support early-to-growth stage companies from across the globe to pilot, test and validate their technology and solutions to pressing public challenges.

Beyond the App: Building a Data-Driven Ecosystem

Our platform doesn't just serve residents – it creates a comprehensive ecosystem for waste management optimization. Local recycling coordinators gain valuable data on resident engagement with waste programs, addressing the critical gap where 95% of people get their information through mobile devices. This modern communication method enables Miami-Dade to track progress toward reducing that 39.9% contamination rate with real, actionable data.

Additionally, our platform enables brands and retailers to onboard product data, helping them design products and packaging for specific end-markets. This upstream approach means less confusion downstream, as products are designed with their disposal in mind from the start.

A Message from Our Co-founder, Mikey

"We are incredibly excited to support Miami-Dade residents in making their waste programs more convenient and easier to follow. The support from the MDIA team has been fantastic and will be instrumental in helping us successfully roll out Scrapp to reduce resident contamination rates and increase waste program engagement."
— Mikey Pasciuto, Co-founder & CSO

Learn More About Scrapp

Learn more about the latest features in Scrapp 4.0, including our AI-powered search, verified recycling locations, and comprehensive educational resources designed to make zero-waste living simpler for everyone.

About MDIA

MDIA transforms how municipalities pilot, procure, and scale emerging technology. MDIA bridges gaps between private innovators and the public sector to fast-track the procurement of technology and innovation solutions that enable municipalities to more effectively and efficiently address pressing issues that impact resident quality of life in cities.

Through its signature Public Innovation Challenge, it identifies, invests in, and supports early-to-growth stage companies to pilot, test, and validate their technology in collaboration with the economic engines and local government.

Looking Forward

This opportunity with Miami-Dade County represents a significant step forward in our mission to transform waste management through technology and community engagement. By combining education with innovative digital tools, we're helping to build a more sustainable future where waste diversion becomes second nature for residents.

The impact of successful waste diversion extends beyond environmental benefits – it also provides financial advantages by extending the life of County landfills and helping the County meet concurrency requirements. With Miami-Dade County continuing to grow, reducing waste in landfills remains especially important for creating a cleaner and more environmentally responsible community.

We're honored to be part of Miami-Dade County's journey toward achieving its Zero Waste goals and look forward to working closely with county officials, waste management professionals, and most importantly, the residents of Miami-Dade County.

Stay Connected

Follow our journey as we roll out Scrapp across Miami-Dade County and help create a cleaner, more sustainable community for all.

For more information about Scrapp and our waste management solutions, visit scrappzero.com