Independent Study Proposal
Mehmet S. Tosun
Kyle Foley
12/19/25
Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Waste Management
Identification and evaluation of entrepreneurial waste management opportunities in local and
global markets.
Overview
Research will focus on how to more sustainably and efficiently manage various types of
waste. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and the circular economy we will look at local
and global policy analysis, and market analysis within a given entrepreneurial ecosystem. Waste
streams included in the research are:
-
Nuclear/Hazardous Waste/Toxicants
Recycling
WTE (Incineration & Biogas/Methane)
Landfill & Landfill Mining
Food Waste
Plastic & Microplastic
Sewage & Fertilizers
Industrial and Municipal Anaerobic & Aerobic Composting
Medical Waste
Pollution Remediation
Toxic Offshoring/Colonialism/International Waste Trade
Required Reading/Research
Research/Reading
- “Wasteland” Wallis
- “Garbology”
- “Waste Wars”
- “Zero Waste Solution
- “The Waste Managers”
- “Waste Wars”
- “Waste Management: An American
Corporate Success Story”
- “Hazardous Waste Management”
-International Organization Data: UN, World
Bank, IMF
-Local Market Data, public & private
-NGO’s
-University Research
Outreach
-Reno City Council
-Current startups in the space local & global
-Private Investors
-Industry Professionals & Firm PR
Outcomes Produced
The outcome of the research is to produce actionable recommendations for businesses,
governments, and startups considering or already operating in the field of waste management.
With an emphasis on practicality, we may take any findings to the City of Reno to influence
contract negotiations with Waste Management Inc. There may also be an opportunity for
collaboration and application within the Nevada Global Business Trip to Poland.
Estimated Timeline
Phase
Timeframe
Focus
Phase 1: Data,
January–
Discovery &
Research & Material
February (Start) scope
Gathering
Phase 2:
Structuring &
February–April
Organization &
drafting
Content Production
Phase 3: Outreach &
External
April–May
Proposal
engagement
Engagement
Phase 4: Synthesis & May
(Completion)
Final Report
Phase 5: Poland
Application
August
Key Activities / Deliverables
Collect data and sources; conduct
research; gather case studies; define
scope and key questions
Organize findings; draft report
sections; create visuals and analyses;
develop proposals
Prepare tailored proposals; reach out
to governments and businesses;
present ideas; collect feedback
Incorporate feedback; refine
Refinement &
recommendations; edit and format
finalization
report; produce executive summary
Application
Adapt report for application; prepare
prep
materials; submit application