Ethan Clarke
The US military has been taking steps towards recycling plastic waste and using it to repair military equipment. The US Marine Corps and research specialists are working together to build a mobile recycling trailer that will enable soldiers to fabricate 3D printing filaments from plastic waste. This technology will allow soldiers to create tools, parts, and other gadgets from discarded plastic materials. Additionally, there are initiatives such as Cell Phones For Soldiers and Tech for Troops that encourage people to recycle old electronic devices, which can then be reused by troops. These initiatives aim to reduce waste and provide support to troops by giving new life to recycled technology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do troops recycle plastic? | Yes, the US Marine Corps and research specialists are building a mobile recycling trailer for soldiers to fabricate 3D printing filaments from plastic waste. |
| How does it work? | Soldiers can collect discarded water bottles, milk jugs, cardboard boxes, and other recyclable items to use as feedstock for 3D printers to make tools, parts, and other gadgets. |
| What are the benefits? | This technology enables soldiers to rapidly develop tools necessary to adapt to changing enemy tactics and equipment. It also helps reduce waste and gives new life to old devices. |
| How can I support? | You can support troops by recycling old cell phones through programs such as Cell Phones For Soldiers, which aim to make a sustainable difference while supporting our nation's heroes. |
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What You'll Learn
US troops recycle plastic to repair military equipment
The US military has been recycling plastics to repair military equipment. The US Marine Corps and research specialists are working together to build a mobile recycling trailer that will enable soldiers to create 3D printing filaments from plastic waste. This technology will allow soldiers to create tools, parts, and other gadgets quickly and efficiently, reducing their reliance on supply chains.
Dr. Nicole Zander, an ARL researcher, explains that soldiers can collect discarded water bottles, milk jugs, cardboard boxes, and other recyclable items from their cafeteria. These materials can then be used as feedstock for 3D printers to create the necessary items. Captain Anthony Molnar of the US Marine Corps highlights the advantage of this process, stating that soldiers won't have to wait for supply trucks to receive vital equipment.
The recycled 3D printing filaments have been found to have improved mechanical properties, including increased strength. This makes them useful for repairing military trucks, weapons, and other essential tools. The US military has also been evaluating the use of recycled PET for 3D printing parts, finding that these filaments are just as strong and flexible as commercially available options.
The ability to recycle plastic waste and create needed equipment on-site provides several benefits to the US military. It reduces the time required to obtain vital equipment, enhances sustainability by reusing plastic waste, and ensures that soldiers have access to the tools and parts they need to address ever-changing enemy technology.
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The US Marine Corps is building a mobile recycling trailer
The development of this mobile recycling facility is a collaborative effort between the US Marine Corps and research specialists. The objective is to create a compact and portable system that can fit within an intermodal container (conex). This facility will be capable of cleaning, drying, and processing thermoplastics into pellets and filaments compatible with 3D printers and injection molders.
The initiative addresses several critical issues faced by the Marine Corps. Firstly, it reduces the environmental impact of plastic waste, which accounts for approximately 8% of total waste on military bases. Secondly, it mitigates the logistical challenges and vulnerabilities associated with lengthy resupply processes, which can take up to 45 days in remote locations. By recycling plastic waste into 3D printing feedstock, the Corps can fabricate essential items on-demand, improving their responsiveness to evolving tactical situations.
Captain Anthony Molnar of the US Marine Corps highlights the potential benefits of this technology, stating that soldiers will no longer have to rely solely on supply trucks for vital equipment. Dr. Nicole Zander, an ARL researcher, echoes this sentiment, explaining that soldiers can collect discarded plastic items, such as water bottles and milk jugs, and use them as feedstock for 3D printing tools and parts. This capability will enable warfighters to rapidly develop the tools necessary to counter the ever-changing technology and tactics of adversaries.
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Troops are supported by donations of recycled cell phones
Another similar initiative is Operation Shoebox, which provides hands-on support for troops deployed overseas and returning home. In partnership with Big Sky Recycling, Operation Shoebox accepts donations of old cell phones, which are recycled to purchase phone cards for soldiers to call home, provide care packages, and cover shipping costs. Big Sky Recycling is a national organization that accepts cell phone donations from every state, with drop-off locations at local USPS offices. They also offer free shipping labels for donations of five or more cell phones.
Through these programs, individuals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of military members and veterans by providing crucial communication services and reducing electronic waste. Donating old cell phones ensures that troops stay connected with their families and have access to necessary support and resources during their service and transition back to civilian life.
When donating a cell phone, it is important to take steps to protect your personal data. This includes backing up and erasing data, removing accounts and SIM cards, and performing a factory reset on the device. By following these steps, individuals can ensure their devices are safely prepared for donation and contribute to supporting troops and reducing e-waste.
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Recycled electronics reduce landfill waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams globally. In 2019, 53 million metric tons of electronic waste were discarded, and only about 35% of this waste was recycled. E-waste contains valuable materials, such as gold, copper, glass, and aluminium, that can be reused in manufacturing. However, if not recycled appropriately, e-waste can become a significant threat to health and the environment.
Electronics contain toxic substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as lithium batteries and rare-earth minerals. When these devices are discarded and improperly managed, these toxic substances can be released into the environment. Improper recycling of e-waste can result in up to 1000 different chemical substances being released, including neurotoxicants like lead. These toxic chemicals can contaminate the air, soil, dust, and water, posing risks to human health and safety, especially for children and pregnant women.
Recycling electronics is crucial to reducing landfill waste. By collecting and properly recycling e-waste, valuable materials can be recovered and reused, reducing the need for raw materials. Community drop-off points, retailers, and manufacturers offer convenient options for consumers to recycle their electronics. Additionally, donating used but functional electronics for reuse extends the lives of these products and keeps them out of the waste stream.
The United States military has also recognised the importance of recycling. The US Marine Corps is developing a mobile recycling trailer to allow soldiers to create 3D printing filaments from plastic waste. This initiative aims to reduce the wait time for new equipment by enabling soldiers to use recycled materials to rapidly create tools, parts, and gadgets.
In conclusion, recycled electronics play a significant role in reducing landfill waste. By responsibly managing e-waste through proper recycling and reuse practices, we can recover valuable resources, minimise environmental impacts, and protect public health and safety.
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3D printing filaments are made from plastic waste
The US Marine Corps and research specialists are working together to develop a mobile recycling trailer that would enable soldiers to create 3D printing filaments from plastic waste. This technology would allow soldiers to use discarded water bottles, milk jugs, cardboard boxes, and other recyclables as feedstock for 3D printers to produce tools, parts, and gadgets.
The use of 3D printing filaments made from plastic waste offers a second life for waste plastics, reducing their environmental impact and providing an opportunity for valorization. Printable filaments can be made from a range of thermoplastic materials, including recycled PLA, PET, PET-G, ABS, HIPS, and nylon. These materials can be melted and reshaped, enabling effective waste utilization to create new products.
The Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process, which is commonly used in 3D printing, relies on the simultaneous melting and extrusion of plastic filament materials. Thermoplastics, a type of plastic that can be melted and reformed without forming chemical bonds, are particularly well-suited for this process. The ability to melt and reshape thermoplastics also makes them ideal for recycling. When recycled, thermoplastic waste can be melted down and reprocessed into pellets or new filaments with minimal impact on material quality or integrity.
To promote sustainability and reduce waste, individuals and institutions can take several measures. One option is to purchase filaments made from recycled thermoplastics or fully recyclable materials, such as PLA, PETG, PC-ABS, or nylon. Another option is to invest in recycling equipment to recycle and reuse 3D printing waste, such as failed prints, which account for over 80% of 3D printing waste. Proper maintenance of 3D printers can also help reduce material waste and increase printing success rates.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Marine Corps and research specialists are now working together to build a mobile recycling trailer that will allow soldiers to use plastic waste as 3D printing filaments to repair military equipment.
You can support the troops by recycling your old cell phones through organisations such as Cell Phones For Soldiers, which gives old electronics new life to benefit the troops.
You can also recycle old electronics such as laptops and tablets through Tech for Troops, which gives used tech new life.
