What Justice Industries does

Justice Industries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise founded in 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee, that operates recycling and janitorial service businesses primarily to create jobs for people who face barriers to conventional employment — including individuals with criminal histories, in addiction recovery, with mental illness, survivors of domestic abuse, and those experiencing generational poverty. Across its lifetime the organization has employed more than 125 such individuals and paid out more than $1,500,000 in wages, with wrap-around support delivered through partnerships with 14+ local social service organizations (e.g., Room in the Inn, Project Return, Dismas House, Operation Stand Down Tennessee, Nashville Probation Department, TN Prison Outreach Ministry).

The portfolio of social enterprises is anchored by Just.Glass, a bi-monthly curbside glass recycling service operating across 21 Nashville/Middle Tennessee zip codes (residential subscription $20.50/month, commercial customized quote-based pricing). Collected glass is processed in Ashland City and resold for reuse by companies in Columbia, TN, creating a closed local supply chain. Adjacent lines include Just.Mattresses (curbside mattress recycling in partnership with Spring Back Recycling), Just.Clean (custodial and basic maintenance services for property managers and sports facilities), and Just.Wash (a car-wash program discontinued in 2024 with its vehicle repurposed into the Just.Glass fleet). Distribution is hybrid: direct-to-consumer website sign-up for residential customers, direct field sales for commercial hospitality and entertainment accounts (1 Hotel Nashville, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ascend Amphitheater, Belle Meade Country Club, etc.), and an affiliate-style school/nonprofit channel in which referring partners receive a residual monthly donation per active enrollee. Marketing channels include the Squarespace-hosted website, email newsletter via HubSpot, community-based referral, and Kroger Community Rewards / Walmart Spark Good round-up donation programs.

The business model blends earned income (64% of the annual budget, primarily from Just.Glass subscriptions and commercial contracts) with donations and grants (36%). Leadership is founder-led under Mark DeVries (Founder) with Adam Parsons as Board Chair and a small executive team led by Dr. Katy Baugus (Executive Director), Alexander Davila (Director of Operations), and Jeanie Owen (Client Services Manager). Operations are concentrated in a single Nashville-area market with a current staff of 5 plus program-level frontline workers.

Name

Justice Industries

Legal name

Justice Industries

Website

https://justiceindustries.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Justice Industries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise based in Nashville, Tennessee, that runs recycling and janitorial service businesses — including its flagship Just.Glass curbside glass recycling program across 21 Middle Tennessee zip codes — to create jobs for people facing barriers to employment such as criminal history, addiction recovery, mental illness, and generational poverty.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recycling and Waste Management Services

NAICS

Waste Collection (56211)

SIC

Refuse Systems (4953)

akta.pro primary industry

Glass Processing & Beneficiation Facilities (EUAIADAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Commercial & Office Waste Collection (Non-hazardous) (EUAIAGAA)

Keywords

• Glass recycling services
• Mattress recycling services
• Social enterprise employment
• Workforce development programs
• Custodial maintenance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Glass Recycling Subscription (Just.Glass): Residential customers pay $20.50/month for bi-monthly curbside glass pickup service. Commercial pricing is customized based on volume and pickup frequency. Subscription model provides recurring revenue with high customer retention.
2. Custodial and Maintenance Services (Just.Clean): Provides cleaning staff to property management clients and sports facilities. Revenue generated through service contracts with commercial clients.
3. Mattress Recycling (Just.Mattresses): Curbside mattress pickup service partnered with Spring Back Recycling. Pricing based on number of pieces being recycled (mattresses, box springs) plus pickup fee.
4. Donations and Grants: Charitable contributions from individuals and organizations. 64% of yearly budget comes from earned income (social enterprises), with remaining budget dependent on donations. Participation in Kroger Community Rewards and Walmart Spark Good round-up programs.
5. School and Nonprofit Partnership Revenue: Partners receive residual donations each month on every active enrollee obtained through their Just.Glass program. Creates network effect for customer acquisition.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Justice Industries operates social enterprise businesses providing environmental and facility services to fund employment for people with barriers to work. Its flagship Just.Glass program offers bi-monthly curbside glass recycling pickup for $20.50/month to residential customers and custom-priced service to commercial hospitality clients across 21 Nashville-area zip codes. Just.Mattresses provides curbside mattress recycling in partnership with Spring Back Recycling, and Just.Clean delivers custodial and maintenance services to property managers and sports facilities.

Product overview

Justice Industries is a nonprofit social enterprise that operates a portfolio of employment-focused service businesses. The organization offers four distinct products: Just.Glass (curbside glass recycling service for residential, commercial, and event customers), Just.Mattresses (mattress recycling pickup through a partnership with Spring Back Recycling), Just.Clean (custodial and maintenance services for property managers and sports facilities), and the discontinued Just.Wash (car washing). Just.Glass is the flagship industry, providing bi-weekly curbside pickup of glass for recycling at $20.50/month for residential customers. The products work together to create job opportunities for people experiencing barriers to employment while providing environmental sustainability services to the Nashville community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Just.Glass: Glass recycling curbside pickup service for residential, commercial, and event customers in Middle Tennessee.
• Just.Clean
• Just.Mattresses
• Just.Wash

Products and services

• Just.Glass (Curbside Glass Recycling) Curbside glass recycling service that collects glass from residential, commercial, and event locations in Middle Tennessee, providing jobs for people with barriers to employment while diverting glass from landfills.
• Just.Glass for My Home Residential curbside glass recycling pickup service offered bi-monthly for $20.50 per month, serving specific zip codes in the Nashville area.
• Just.Glass for My Business Commercial glass recycling service for restaurants and businesses with customized pickup schedules and pricing based on volume.
• Just.Glass for My Event Event glass recycling service for one-time or recurring events, customizing recycling solutions for specific event needs.
• Just.Mattresses Mattress recycling pickup service that partners with Spring Back Recycling to divert mattresses from landfills while creating employment opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers such as incarceration, homelessness, and addiction.
• Just.Clean Custodial and basic maintenance cleaning services provided to property management clients and sports facilities, employing individuals who face barriers to traditional employment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Employed 125+ individuals who faced barriers to employment
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Spring Back RecyclingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpring Back Recycling is a fellow nonprofit committed to environmental responsibility and second chances. Just.Mattresses partners with Spring Back to provide mattress recycling that creates meaningful employment for individuals overcoming barriers such as incarceration, homelessness, and addiction. Mattresses are dismantled and recycled by individuals gaining work experience.
• Urban Green LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban Green Lab guides communities in sustainable living through training and education. Justice Industries partners as a sustainability member, participating in the Nashville Sustainability Roundtable to connect with sustainability champions from other industries, exchange best practices, and bring sustainability initiatives back to the workplace.
• Compost NashvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompost Nashville collects food scraps and compostables from homes, businesses, and events in Middle Tennessee. Partnership enables cross-promotion of sustainable services and community education on environmental responsibility.
• Osprey InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOsprey Initiative is a specialty environmental contractor bringing tailored solutions to environmental needs. They use patented technology to collect data on litter sources and solutions, working with partners to keep rivers and oceans clean of debris.
• TriStar Solutions GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTriStar Solutions Group offers innovative and sustainable waste solutions including recycling programs, bulk item removal, e-waste pickup, and community education. Partnership reflects shared vision for environmental stewardship and social impact.
• Room in the InncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership for hiring qualified candidates. Justice Industries partners with trusted local social service organizations to provide wrap-around support services for employees while creating opportunities for individuals to experience success through employment.
• Welcome Home MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership for hiring qualified candidates facing barriers to employment. Partnership provides critical wrap-around support services and creates opportunities for employees to experience success.
• TN Prison Outreach MinistrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with job opportunities at Justice Industries. Partnership addresses recidivism by providing stable employment for people with criminal history.
• Matthew 25minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership for hiring qualified candidates. Provides wrap-around support services for employees facing barriers to employment.
• Restoration PointeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership for hiring qualified candidates. Creates opportunities for employees to experience success through stable employment.
• Operation Stand Down TennesseecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership serving veterans and others facing barriers to employment. Partnership provides job opportunities and support services for underserved populations.
• Monroe HardingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership connecting youth and young adults facing barriers with job opportunities at Justice Industries social enterprises.
• Project ReturncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership providing job opportunities for individuals returning to community after incarceration. Partnership creates pathways to stable employment and success.
• Dismas HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with work opportunities. Dismas House provides housing and support services while Justice Industries provides employment.
• Men of ValorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership serving men overcoming addiction and other barriers. Partnership provides meaningful employment opportunities alongside support services.
• Nashville Probation DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership connecting individuals on probation with job opportunities. Partnership supports successful reintegration and reduces recidivism through employment.
• 413 StrongminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership for hiring qualified candidates facing barriers to employment. Creates opportunities for employees to experience success.
• Park Center NashvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership providing job opportunities for individuals with mental health challenges and other barriers. Partnership creates pathways to stable employment.
• Nashville Street ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partnership connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with job opportunities. Partnership provides work experience and stability.
• KrogerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJustice Industries participates in Kroger's Community Rewards Program. Shoppers can link their Kroger Rewards Card to Justice Industries (code KG729), and Kroger donates a portion of purchases to support the organization.
• WalmartminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJustice Industries partners with Walmart's Spark Good program. Customers can round up orders to the nearest dollar at checkout to support the organization. Available for online purchases including pickup orders.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Waste Management Inc. Largest U.S. waste services provider, operating recycling and sustainability programs nationally. Comparable as a broad incumbent in collection and recycling logistics, with growing ESG and circular-economy offerings that could pressure niche operators.
• Republic Services: One of the largest U.S. waste and recycling haulers, offering commercial and residential collection services including, in some markets, glass recycling. Represents the broad incumbent competitive threat that could expand into Justice Industries' specialty glass niche.

Direct peers

• Greyston Bakery: Yonkers-based social enterprise bakery famous for its 'Open Hiring' model that employs anyone who walks in the door, including those with barriers to employment. Strong model peer for the open-hire / second-chance employment philosophy underpinning Justice Industries.
• Eco-Cycle: Colorado-based nonprofit social enterprise operating recycling and composting services for over 40 years. Closest direct peer in the nonprofit / social-enterprise recycling operator archetype, with comparable programs in curbside and commercial recycling.
• Homeboy Industries: Los Angeles-based nonprofit social enterprise providing employment and wrap-around services for formerly incarcerated and formerly gang-involved individuals. Closest peer in the 'employment-for-people-with-barriers' nonprofit social-enterprise model, though offering different services.
• Spring Back Recycling: Fellow nonprofit social enterprise in mattress recycling that partners with Justice Industries on Just.Mattresses. Both employ people with barriers to employment and generate earned income from waste-stream recycling services, making it the closest direct comparable in model and mission.
• TriStar Solutions Group: Nashville-area waste and recycling solutions provider offering recycling programs, bulk item removal, e-waste pickup, and community education. Comparable commercial waste and recycling service model in the same regional market.

Emerging players

• The Recycling Partnership: National nonprofit focused on improving recycling access and infrastructure across U.S. communities. Comparable as a mission-aligned nonprofit addressing recycling gaps, with potential partnership, funding, and ecosystem relevance for Justice Industries' work.

Regional players

• Compost Nashville: Middle Tennessee-based residential and commercial composting service. Operates a similar DTC subscription pickup model for an organic waste stream and is a listed Justice Industries partner, making it a direct functional peer in the local circular-economy subscription space.

Others

• Closed Loop Partners: Investment firm and innovation center focused on building the circular economy through investments in recycling infrastructure and sustainable consumer goods. Adjacent to Justice Industries as an ecosystem participant, with potential relevance as a future capital or partnership partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/justice-industries

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Justice Industries