Clearwater, Fla. – Local founders Adam Hohlt and Kevin Smith have taken a major step toward keeping electronic waste in the Tampa Bay area. Their company, American Circular, was accepted into spARK Labs, the ARK Invest incubator based in St. Petersburg, and is now operating a state‑of‑the‑art recycling and refurbishment facility in Clearwater.
AI at the heart of the operation
The new plant relies on artificial‑intelligence technology to sort, assess, and securely destroy electronic devices. Computer‑vision cameras scan each item as it moves through the line, feeding data into a proprietary database that catalogues roughly 20,000 device types, including schematics, component values and resale potential. This rapid identification allows the team to extract valuable parts that might otherwise be shredded, while also flagging items that contain potentially hazardous materials.
Data security and compliance
For banks, hospitals, universities and government agencies, data protection is a legal requirement. Hohlt explained that the facility meets stringent standards, employing military‑grade handling procedures and multiple security layers to ensure that all data is fully erased before any device is recycled or destroyed. “If you’re a bank or a hospital, there are certain standards you have to meet,” he said. “Our facility is built to that degree.”
Keeping e‑waste local
Historically, much of Pinellas County’s electronic waste has been shipped out of state or overseas, creating compliance headaches and extra costs for businesses and municipalities. By processing the material locally, American Circular reduces transportation expenses, eliminates the environmental impact of long‑haul shipments, and keeps valuable components in the regional economy.
Community partnerships
Beyond recycling, the company is exploring partnerships with nonprofit groups such as Habitat for Humanity. Refurbished devices can be donated back to the community, providing schools, families and charitable organizations with functional technology at little or no cost.
Support from ARK Invest
Hohlt and Smith have long admired ARK Invest and its founder, Cathie Wood. The 2026 “Big Ideas” report, which highlights emerging technologies and industry convergence, inspired the duo’s business model. Joining spARK Labs gives them direct access to ARK’s research team, mentorship and a network of like‑minded innovators. “It’s nice to be part of a community that has real excitement and passion,” Hohlt said.
Looking ahead
American Circular plans to expand its service offerings, adding more sophisticated data‑destruction protocols and increasing the volume of devices it can process. The company hopes its AI‑driven approach will become a model for other municipalities seeking to manage e‑waste responsibly while creating local jobs and supporting the regional tech ecosystem.
For more information about American Circular’s services or partnership opportunities, visit their website or contact the Clearwater facility directly.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
