Tero

Tero transforms food waste into a nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer through its countertop kitchen appliance. The company was founded by Elizabeth Coulombe and Valérie Laliberté, who started the project in 2017 as part of their bachelor's degree in product design at Laval University in Quebec. They aimed to create a solution for households, like their own apartments, that lacked municipal composting services. After a successful Kickstarter campaign in October 2019 raised over $1,750,000, the company began delivering its first units.

The Tero device operates by heating and grinding kitchen scraps, a process that takes between three to eight hours. This automated cycle reduces food waste volume by up to 90% and is designed to be odorless, using a charcoal and dust filter system. The appliance can process a wide range of organic materials, including fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and even small bones like those from chicken and fish. The end product is a dry, natural fertilizer that can be used for houseplants, lawns, and gardens, and can be stored for up to a year. The business model is based on the direct sale of the Tero and Tero Plus appliances to consumers, primarily targeting those in apartments, condos, or any household looking to reduce food waste and create their own fertilizer. The company also sells consumable refills for the anti-odor filters.

Keywords: food waste recycling, kitchen appliance, natural fertilizer, countertop composter, sustainable living, greentech, circular economy, home gardening, food scraps, waste reduction