The Precious Plastic initiative is a global, open-source movement focused on recycling and repurposing plastic waste at a local scale. It provides freely available designs and blueprints for DIY plastic recycling machines, enabling communities to process and transform waste plastics into new products. The core machines typically include:
- Shredders: To break down plastic waste into smaller flakes.
- Injection Moulders: To melt and remould plastic into new items.
- Extruders: To create filament or raw material for further fabrication.
- Compression Moulders: To shape plastic into larger, solid products.
Integration into Albany Makerspace
The Albany Makerspace will attempt to incorporate Precious Plastic as part of its sustainability and circular economy efforts. This will involve:
- Plastic Collection & Processing: Sourcing local plastic waste from community donations and local businesses.
- Hands-on Recycling Workshops: Educating members on plastic sorting, processing, and repurposing.
- Product Development: Creating new items like furniture, art, or functional tools from recycled plastics.
- Collaboration with Local Schools & Businesses: Running educational programs and potential commercial partnerships to supply sustainable, recycled materials.
