In Surprise, Arizona, a pilot project is underway that combines recycling and 3D-printing technology to repurpose discarded plastic. According to the city’s Economic Development Director Jeanine Jerkovic, the program could potentially address some of the issues present in the U.S. recycling system, as previously reported by Government Technology.
A pilot program is currently being conducted by the city, with the backing of The Connective, a smart city consortium for the greater Phoenix region. This initiative has been made possible through the 2022 QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, which is being hosted by Leading Cities in partnership with QBE North America.
Automedi emerged victorious in the challenge, earning the prestigious title of City Solution of the Year and securing a generous monetary prize to further support their project. A groundbreaking solution has emerged, utilizing Automedi’s cutting-edge technology to transform plastic waste into practical products through the power of 3D-printing.
According to Eric Fitzer, director of strategic initiatives for the city, recycling has posed a significant challenge for the city over the past few years. The situation became even more difficult when China implemented restrictions on recycling imports. Following the implementation of import restrictions, the city was prompted to conduct a thorough examination of its recycling program. The investigation revealed a concerning trend: a significant portion of the city’s recycling was being sent to a landfill. In a significant development, the city has ceased processing its own recycling.
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In the past year, the City Council has expressed interest in reviving the recycling program by partnering with a contracted service. Additionally, they have been considering alternative waste management solutions to enhance the effectiveness of the existing recycling program. The city has chosen to deploy three 3D printers throughout the community after discovering Automedi’s solution through The Connective.
According to Automedi Managing Director Ethar Alali, the solution is quite simple. In a waste management system, a bin equipped with a smart sensor is used to detect when it reaches its capacity. Once the bin is full, it is collected and the waste is then processed in a machine that transforms it into a grind-like substance. A small-scale, pelletized version of plastic acts as filament in the grind. The material can be transformed into various new products using 3D-printing technology, ranging from paperclips to bottle openers and more.
A comprehensive solution has been presented to the city, encompassing the reclaimers and 3D-printing technology. This package offers a decentralized and sustainable approach to address the issue at hand.
According to Alali, current circular economies often fall short of their claims of being truly circular. One factor contributing to this issue is the city’s limited capacity to oversee the sale of recyclable waste to manufacturers seeking to repurpose the material. According to Alali, the conventional method is known for being both energy- and time-consuming. However, Automedi’s solution has the potential to make the process more accessible to a wider audience.
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