Food-waste collection and composting for restaurants
Starting costs about $4,690 in the United States and 828,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,450 net per month in the United States and 376,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 9 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4,690 | $1,450 |
| Nigeria | 828,000 NGN | 376,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £3,170 | £1,000 |
| Kenya | 203,000 KES | 50,900 KES |
| India | 106,000 INR | 37,100 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Restaurants, canteens and markets throw away peelings and leftovers daily that end up mixed with general waste, adding costs and sometimes breaching sorting rules.
The solution
Clients get bins, food waste is collected one to three times a week, composted at a partner farm or plot, and the compost is sold.
Your customers
Restaurants, school and workplace canteens, greengrocers, markets, hotels and caterers within a short radius.
How you make money
€40-200 monthly subscription depending on volume, plus compost sales at €8-15 per bag or per cubic metre.
Competition
Large waste companies, municipal community composting, farmers collecting for free and anaerobic digestion plants.
Who has an edge
A gardener, market gardener or farmer with land, strict on hygiene and able to win restaurant owners with a reliable service.
The risks
Health rules on food waste, smells and pests, the need for permitted land, and clients who sort badly and contaminate the compost.
The first 3 steps
- Find a partner plot or farm and check permits.
- Offer a free one-month trial to five nearby restaurants.
- Weigh every pickup to calibrate price and frequency.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,200 − costs €1,200 = €1,000 net per month. Revenue: 20 restaurants × €90 + 40 bags of compost × €10. Costs: van, fuel, composting site, bins, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Restaurant food-waste compost?
About $4,690 (United States), 828,000 NGN (Nigeria), £3,170 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,450 (United States), 376,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,000 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 9 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Health rules on food waste, smells and pests, the need for permitted land, and clients who sort badly and contaminate the compost.
Where do I start?
1. Find a partner plot or farm and check permits. 2. Offer a free one-month trial to five nearby restaurants. 3. Weigh every pickup to calibrate price and frequency.
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