Increasing Awareness of Plastics Recycling: Engaging New Zealand Communities in Transforming Household Plastic Waste Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, and New Zealand stands out as one of the highest per capita household waste producers in developed countries. This reality underscores the country's vital role in addressing plastic pollution locally to avoid exporting plastic waste.

As an ally of recycling issues, technology plays a crucial role, and one of the fastest-growing fields is additive manufacturing technology. This popularity is derived from its low price and simple application.

This project set out to raise community awareness about plastic recycling through workshops and new technologies, allowing for local plastic reuse. To achieve these objectives, the project included two surveys. The first aimed to gather information about people’s general knowledge and participation in plastics recycling. The second survey was conducted after a workshop on sorting and reusing plastics to assess the participant’s level of understanding of plastic recycling and reuse. Exploring the potential of Additive Manufacturing Technologies was a key objective of the workshops and this project, specifically in recycling household plastic waste locally.