Maya Ellison
Plastic compactors are devices that compress plastic waste into compact bales, reducing their volume by up to 70%. This makes them easier to store, transport, and recycle. They are particularly useful for managing soft plastic items, such as bread and cereal packets, vegetable containers, and product wrappers, which can be challenging to store and recycle due to their large volume and irregular shapes. While some compactors are designed for industrial use, products like the Wholly Shrinker are designed for home use, helping individuals reduce their plastic waste and carbon footprint. However, it's important to note that the most effective way to reduce plastic waste is to minimize the use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable or plastic-free alternatives whenever possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial plastic compactors | Bramidan balers, Filabot 3D printer |
| Home plastic compactors | Wholly Shrinker, Soft Plastic Compactor |
| Reducing plastic waste at home | Avoid single-use plastics, reuse plastic-free items, buy bulk refillables |
| Plastic compaction methods | Stuffing, stacking, stepping on plastics, cutting up larger pieces, melting and moulding |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce plastic usage
Reducing plastic usage is a lifestyle change and won't always be easy. However, it is important to reduce plastic waste to keep our earth a cleaner place. Plastic production is expected to more than double by 2030 and nearly triple by 2050. If we continue on this trajectory, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Here are some ways to reduce plastic usage:
Reduce
The first step is to become more aware of when and how plastic enters your life. Reduce plastic usage by buying products with little to no packaging. For example, buy bulk foods, liquids, and cleaners using your own refillable containers. Stop using plastic produce bags and instead use reusable cloth bags or no bag at all. Buy bulk, refillable, or solid goods such as soaps, detergents, and shampoos.
Reuse
Make a zero-waste to-go kit to avoid single-use plastics. For example, keep a reusable water bottle and thermos in your car so you always have them when you need them. Reuse plastic items you already own. For example, use a plate to cover a bowl in the fridge instead of cling wrap. When you have the option, choose products in non-plastic packaging. For example, choose a glass jar of honey instead of a squeezable plastic bear.
Recycle
When you can't avoid plastic packaging, look for alternatives that can be reused and infinitely recycled. Glass jars and bottles can be recycled without a loss of quality. Plastic bags, wrap, and film can be recycled but they cannot go in your household recycling bin. Ask your local grocery store or visit Earth911 to find a location near you that recycles these items. When possible, purchase products made from recycled plastic materials.
Other Tips
- Group online purchases to reduce packaging waste
- Buy used plastic items instead of new ones
- Avoid plastic foam takeout containers
- Avoid plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7, and black plastics commonly used as food containers
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Use plastic-free items you already own
One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is to use plastic-free items that you already own. This can be done by making small changes in your daily routine and making the most of the resources you already have.
A great way to start is by reusing items in your kitchen. Instead of using cling wrap, you can place a plate on top of a bowl or reuse a pickle jar to store food. You can also opt for plastic-free alternatives when upgrading items in your home. For example, instead of buying a new plastic shampoo bottle, you can switch to a plastic-free shampoo bar. This may be more expensive upfront, but it will last longer and reduce your plastic waste in the long run.
Another way to reduce plastic waste is to buy bulk, refillable, or solid goods. This includes items like soaps, detergents, and shampoos. By choosing these options, you will reduce the amount of plastic packaging you use over time. You can also reduce waste by buying in bulk and opting for refillable containers for items like laundry detergent and hand soap.
When it comes to shopping, bring your own reusable shopping bags to avoid using single-use plastic bags. Keep your reusable bags in a place where you won't forget them, such as in your everyday bag or the trunk of your car if you drive to the store. Additionally, try to group your online purchases to reduce packaging waste. Opt for slower delivery options, and consider buying from local farmers' markets or stores that offer refillable options.
Making these simple switches and adopting more sustainable habits will help you reduce your plastic waste and contribute to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Remember, it's okay to start small and make gradual changes that work for you.
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Compress plastic bags in a cloth tube
Compressing plastic bags is a great way to save space and get organised, especially when it comes to recycling. There are a few methods to compact plastic bags in a cloth tube. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Plastic Bags
Firstly, gather all the plastic bags you want to compress. It is important to ensure that they are clean and dry before proceeding. Sort the bags according to their type and size, separating any that are particularly fragile or thin.
Roll or Fold
Next, you can begin to compress the bags. There are two main methods: rolling or folding. For rolling, lay a plastic bag out flat and smooth out any creases. Starting from one end, tightly roll the bag towards the other end, aiming for a compact, tight roll. For folding, use a similar technique to folding a t-shirt. Fold the bag in half, then into thirds, and continue until you have a small, compact rectangle.
Insert into the Cloth Tube
Take your cloth tube, which should be made of a sturdy fabric, and begin to insert the rolled or folded plastic bags. You can use a thin, long stick to push the bags down if needed. Ensure that you do not overfill the tube, as you still need to be able to seal it.
Seal the Cloth Tube
Once you have filled the cloth tube, seal the end securely. You can use a simple knot, or for a more permanent solution, try sewing or gluing the end shut. Ensure that the seal is tight so that the compressed plastic bags do not escape.
Store or Transport
Now that your plastic bags are compacted, you can easily store them until you are ready to transport them to a recycling centre. Cloth tubes are a great way to keep the bags together and can be easily carried or transported without taking up too much space.
Remember to consider the recycling guidelines in your area, as some centres may not accept shredded or compressed plastic. Always check with your local waste handler before attempting to recycle compacted plastic bags.
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Invest in a plastic baler
Plastic waste poses significant challenges to businesses, impacting both the environment and finances. Investing in a plastic baler can help address these issues by reducing waste volume, optimizing time spent on waste disposal, freeing up valuable workspace, and reducing transportation costs.
Plastic balers are machines that compact and bind plastic waste into secure bales. They come in various sizes and capacities, so it is important to evaluate your specific requirements, such as the volume and types of plastic waste generated, available space, and budget. For instance, horizontal balers are suitable for large amounts of plastic waste, while compact vertical balers are ideal for small sites with limited space.
The right baler can reduce plastic volume by up to 90%easier to handle, transport, and store. This, in turn, facilitates the recycling of plastic waste, contributing to environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with plastic disposal. Additionally, plastic balers optimize time spent on waste disposal, freeing up staff time for other productive tasks and improving operational efficiency.
When choosing a plastic baler, it is important to consider the machine's specifications, operational extras, and delivery site location. The cost of a baler will depend on these factors, and it is recommended to consult with experts in the field to ensure the baler meets your specific needs.
By investing in a high-quality plastic baler, businesses can improve their waste management processes, reduce costs, and promote eco-friendly practices.
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Use a soft plastic compactor
Soft plastic compactors are a great way to compact and store your soft plastics before recycling. They are designed to make recycling your soft plastics easier by compressing them into a manageable size. This makes it easier to store and transport the plastic for recycling.
The Wholly Shrink! Soft Plastic Compactor is a popular option. It is a small benchtop container that can compress soft plastic bags, packaging, and wrappers into compact bundles that are ready for recycling. To use the Wholly Shrink!, screw together the bottom and top of the compactor. Place a bag into the compartment—a bread bag is a good size, but any plastic bag will do. Use a wooden spoon to press the liner against the bottom of the compactor. Pull and tuck any excess plastic into the 'tidy hole', then secure it by screwing the ring lock on top. Check what soft plastics are accepted by your local service, and then pop in your soft plastics and use the plunger to push them down.
The Wholly Shrink! compactor is easy to take apart and empty/rebag once it's full. It is a convenient and effective way to recycle soft plastics at home, reducing the volume of soft plastics and allowing you to store more recyclables in less space. It is also small and compact, so it doesn't take up much space in your kitchen.
Another option for compacting soft plastics is the ZeroTrash® SPC 8.4 Soft Plastic Collector, which transforms household soft plastic refuse into a 12 × 8 × 4-inch "brick". This option is easy to use and effective for transporting by recycling companies, with no more smelly liquids or dripping.
Using a soft plastic compactor is a great way to reduce your plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. It allows you to collect and compact more soft plastics, making it easier to transport and recycle them.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to compact plastic at home. You can use a plastic baler, which is a valuable and expensive secondary raw material. Alternatively, you can invest in a soft plastic compactor, such as The Shrinker, which can compact plastic by up to 70%. You can also try to reduce the amount of plastic you bring into your home by opting for reusable shopping bags and buying bulk or refillable goods.
Yes, it is possible to recycle plastic at home by melting it and molding it into new shapes. However, it is important to note that melting plastic will produce fumes that can be harmful if inhaled, so it should be done in a well-ventilated area.
Thermoplastic plastics can be melted and remoulded multiple times. However, the quality of the plastic will likely degrade after each phase of melting and remoulding. Thermosetting plastics, on the other hand, cannot be melted and will burn instead.
