The purpose of this study is to examine how sustainable business models and innovations are developed and implemented by startups engaged in the waste management sector. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative method using a multiple case study approach of two startups which represent different approaches in transforming waste into economically valuable products. Data were primarily collected through semi-structured interviews.
The findings show that ecopreneurship-based start-ups are driven by a combination of environmental, economic, and in some cases, emotional motivations. These enterprises embed sustainability in their core value propositions, deliver value by adapting with market demands, leverage business-to-business (B2B) markets, and innovate through both product and process development. Despite their sustainability and innovative approaches, the scale of impact remains constrained by limited processing capacities, investment barriers, and low customer awareness. Although ecopreneurship can drive the sustainable waste management, broader systemic support is required to unlock its full potential.