Chloe Zhang
With over 100 million tons of plastic manufactured globally each year and only 9% successfully recycled, many are seeking ways to recycle plastic waste at home. One method is to shred plastic items into consistent regrinds, which can then be extruded into filament for 3D printing. Before shredding, it is important to separate and clean the plastic waste, removing contaminants such as stickers, tags, dust, and liquids. Some people use blenders or meat grinders to shred plastic, while others invest in plastic shredders or cutting mills. For those seeking to grind plastic into a powder, cryogenic grinding with liquid nitrogen or dry ice can be used to make the plastic brittle before grinding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic grinding method | Liquid nitrogen, dry ice, or cryo-mill |
| Plastic type | PET, Polyester, PEHD |
| Plastic form | Powder |
| Plastic size | <1mm |
| Plastic cleaning | Remove stickers, tags, dust, and liquids |
| Plastic storage | Store clean plastic to avoid dust and moisture |
| Plastic shredding | Shred one material at a time, break large pieces into smaller parts |
| Equipment | Meat grinder, blender, oven, laser cutting machine |
| Plastic recycling projects | Plastic Smoothie, Precious Plastic, Dave Hakkens' machines |
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What You'll Learn
Separate plastics by type
When grinding plastic at home as part of recycling or upcycling, it is important to separate the different types of plastics first. This is because each type of plastic has a different melting point and will react differently to heat. Shredding each type of plastic separately avoids contamination and ensures consistent results.
The first step is to identify the different types of plastics. This can be done by looking at the recycling symbols on plastic items. These are usually found on the bottom of containers or packaging and indicate the type of plastic resin used to make the item. The most common types of plastic are:
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This is a common type of plastic used for items such as water bottles, food packaging, and some textile fibres. It is identified by the number "1" inside the recycling symbol or the abbreviation "PET" or "PETE".
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): This type of plastic is often used for making detergent bottles, milk jugs, and some toys. It is identified by the number "2" inside the recycling symbol or the abbreviation "HDPE".
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is used for a variety of products, including pipes, siding, and food packaging. It is identified by the number "3" inside the recycling symbol or the abbreviation "PVC".
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): This type of plastic is commonly used for plastic bags, shrink wrap, and some containers. It is identified by the number "4" inside the recycling symbol or the abbreviation "LDPE".
- PP (Polypropylene): Polypropylene is used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, textiles, and reusable containers. It is identified by the number "5" inside the recycling symbol or the abbreviation "PP".
- PS (Polystyrene): This type of plastic is often used for disposable cups, containers, and packaging. It is identified by the number "6" inside the recycling symbol or the abbreviation "PS".
Once you have identified the different types of plastics, separate them into different piles or containers. This ensures that each type of plastic can be processed appropriately and avoids contamination during the grinding or shredding process.
It is important to note that not all plastics are easily recyclable, and some may require specific processing techniques or equipment. Additionally, it is crucial to clean the plastic items thoroughly and remove any stickers, tags, or other contaminants before grinding or shredding.
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Clean plastics
When preparing plastic items for shredding, it is important to ensure they are free from contaminants. This includes removing stickers, tags, dust, and liquids. Properly cleaning and storing your plastic items will ensure they remain clean and are not affected by moisture or dust.
There are several methods for cleaning plastics, depending on the type of plastic and the level of cleaning required.
For general cleaning, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the plastic with a cloth or old toothbrush. This paste should be left on the plastic for 20 to 30 minutes to loosen dirt and grime, and then rinsed off with clean water.
For grease stains, a solution of vinegar and water can be sprayed onto the plastic and wiped down with a clean cloth or sponge. This method also helps to remove mildew and hard water stains.
For stuck-on grime, a paste made from dish soap and baking soda can be applied to the plastic before adding any water. The hydrophobic nature of oil means that applying soap before water is an effective way to disperse the grease.
For disinfecting and whitening, bleach can be used, but this may discolour plastics that are not white. For smaller plastic items, the dishwasher is also an option, but it is important to check the recycling number on the plastic first, as some plastics should not be washed in the dishwasher due to the potential breakdown of chemicals. Plastics with the numbers 1, 2, and 4 are generally considered safe for the dishwasher.
Finally, to remove odours, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied, or the plastic can be washed with mild dish detergent and water, and dried with a towel.
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Store plastics
Plastic is a durable and inexpensive storage solution, but it is not suitable for all items. It is important to store plastic containers properly to avoid damaging their contents or the containers themselves.
When storing food, avoid using plastic containers for raw meat, oily, fatty, or greasy foods, as well as hot food and liquids. These can cause the plastic to break down, release harmful chemicals, or increase the risk of contamination. Tomato sauces, curries, garlic, onions, and certain cheeses should also be avoided as they can cause the plastic to degrade, absorb odours, and stain.
To store plastic grocery bags, you can repurpose household items such as tissue boxes, coffee cans, or large plastic bags to keep your bags organised and accessible. The "roll method" is a popular technique where bags are smoothed, folded, and tightly rolled together, allowing them to be dispensed easily from a container.
For plastic storage containers, choose a safe area and stack them sensibly, ensuring each box slots securely into the lid of the box below. Avoid overloading the boxes and stack them with lighter boxes on top. Seal all contents within the boxes and consider using shelving kits for added stability.
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Break plastics into smaller pieces
Breaking down plastic items into smaller pieces is the first step in recycling plastic at home. This process is known as shredding and can be done using a variety of tools, such as a blender, a meat grinder, or a plastic shredder machine.
When shredding plastics, it is important to separate the plastic items by material type and clean them thoroughly to remove any contaminants such as stickers, tags, dust, or liquids. This ensures that the shredded plastic is free from impurities.
It is recommended to break large plastic items into smaller parts before feeding them into a shredder to avoid overloading and potentially damaging the equipment. This can be done by hand or with the help of simple tools like scissors or a knife. However, it is important to exercise caution when handling sharp objects.
Some plastics may be more challenging to shred and may require special techniques or equipment. For example, PLA plastic obtained from 3D printed objects or old filaments can be cut into short pieces by hand if it tangles with the blades of a blender. Additionally, certain plastics may require cooling to make them more brittle and easier to grind into a fine powder. This process, known as cryogenic grinding, involves using liquid nitrogen or dry ice to achieve low temperatures.
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Use a meat grinder or blender to shred
Using a meat grinder or blender to shred plastic is a possible option for grinding plastic at home. However, it is important to note that not all blenders or grinders may be suitable for this purpose, and some may be damaged in the process. It is recommended to use a blender with a glass housing and thicker blades, as plastic components may be damaged by the force required to shred plastic.
Before shredding, it is important to separate and clean your plastic items, ensuring they are free from contaminants such as stickers, tags, dust, and liquids. This is crucial as each type of plastic reacts differently to heat during the extrusion process, and contaminants can cause blockages in your grinder or blender.
When using a meat grinder or blender, it is recommended to break the plastic into smaller pieces first to avoid overloading the machine and causing malfunctions. Ensure that the plastic pieces are cut into sizes that can fit into the grinder or blender safely.
It is also important to note that some plastics may require cooling before grinding to make them more brittle and easier to grind. This can be achieved using liquid nitrogen or dry ice, though it may not be necessary for all plastics.
Finally, when using a meat grinder or blender to shred plastic, it is crucial to follow safety precautions. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to avoid injury from sharp plastic pieces or flying debris.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to collect and separate plastic waste.
The second step is to clean the plastic items and store them correctly.
The third step is to shred the plastic. This can be done using a blender, a meat grinder, or a plastic shredder.
The fourth step is to create a plastic smoothie by blending the shredded plastic with other ingredients.
The fifth step is to use the plastic smoothie to create new objects through processes such as 3D printing or injection moulding.
