Our Vision

Trash is not something most of think about, but it’s predicted there’ll be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050 and the one of main reasons recycling and composting aren’t as effective as they could be is because of contamination. We as people often accidentally mess up batches because we wish the pizza box or the laundry detergent bottles could be recycled.

So we’re using AI to take the decision making burden off of people who want to do the right thing, reduce contamination, change the culture, and get more composted and recycled, especially for schools, businesses, and communities.

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The Founder

With a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health & Public Policy and a minor in Environmental Studies from Franklin & Marshall College, Tenny-Ann has done environmental work in the forests of Costa Rica and lead poisoning and prevention research in the communities of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As a Posse Foundation Scholar and an Aspen Climate Leader, she takes an holistic approach to leadership, not through the titles she holds, but in how she interacts with people every day. When she’s now working on Toothpik, you can find her doing climate organizing work as a Young People’s Priority Fellow at Engage Miami and as a member of the Sunrise Movement.

Tenny-Ann sees waste as a huge issue; she also sees a great opportunity to revamp an outdated and inefficient system to change the culture around trash while making lucrative for businesses to be sustainable.

Tenny-Ann's Linkedin
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Meet the team

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TENNY-ANN DANDY, Founder/CEO

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JASON ZHENG, Developer

ZARIA BURTON, Developer

Our Technology

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HURRICANE HELPER

SORTING APP

Toothpik is creating an AI-powered waste identification software for individuals, businesses and communities to get closer to zero-waste. Our AI-powered software will help sort recyclables, compostables, and waste, reducing contamination and maximizing recycling rates. Our solution offers a simple solution for schools, offices, businesses and local governments. Our goal is to maximize efficiency, reduce costs and change the culture.

HURRICANE HELPER

The Toothpik Hurricane Helper is an extension of the existing Toothpik platform designed to assist Miami-Dade residents before, during, and after a hurricane. It simplifies disaster preparedness by providing localized, real-time information on open shelters, emergency services, and post-storm waste management through a single, easy-to-use mobile app. 

Services

  • Toothpik's sorting app uses AI to instantly identify waste materials from photos, providing clear instructions on proper disposal (recycling, compost, or trash). It simplifies waste management for individuals and organizations, reducing contamination and promoting sustainable habits.

  • Our waste diversion program helps you minimize your landfill waste, maximizing recycling and compost, and most importantly, lowering your costs. Includes a pack of signage.

  • We'll provide the free Toothpik app, a tailored waste diversion plan, and handle the entire setup for you. You won’t have to worry about the operational setup and maintenance of adding a composting or recycling system.

Benefits

  • We use machine learning software trained with a diverse dataset to help you sort materials like glass, plastic, and aluminum.

  • Toothpick's features encourage community participation in sustainability efforts by making recycling fun, simple, and informative.

  • Our vetting criteria for waste removal recycling partners ensures for a transparent, data driven process with real, measurable results.

Contact us