Before Google Maps, before Yelp, there was Earth911—a simple directory that solved a fundamental problem: where do I take this trash? In 2024, it still commands more backlinks than most Fortune 500 sites, proving that utility trumps flash in the sustainability space.

"Earth911 is the internet's version of a public utility—ugly, essential, and impossible to replace."

The company's 17-person team generates $2.1M in revenue—that's $123K per employee in a low-margin industry. While the data doesn't show their monetization model, the traffic patterns suggest a hybrid approach: likely local advertising for recycling centers and national sponsorships from eco-conscious brands. The 40% organic search traffic proves they're not buying clicks; they're earning them through pure utility.

• Pre-Google directory model that still works because it's specific, not general
• 3.4M backlinks from municipal sites, schools, and environmental organizations
• Direct traffic (45%) indicates brand recall that most modern startups would kill for
• Owns the 'where do I recycle X' query better than any government website