Plastic upcycling is the creative transformation of plastic waste into new items U.3. Products from upcycled waste are functional and serve a purpose but also have artistic value and make a statement. While upcycling can be an important auxiliary to sensitise communities about waste issues, it is of limited relevance to SWM.

Design Considerations

A variety of processing techniques and products for the upcycling of plastic waste are available; the only limitation may be the creativity of designers. Ideally, materials for upcycling are collected at source before they enter waste streams. This helps ensure that they are clean, uncontaminated or soiled by other waste and that further processing is simplified. Preferably, materials are collected from point sources (such as shops, restaurants and returned waste at in-kind distributions) enabling a more efficient collection of larger quantities of adequate quality.

Materials

Existing equipment, such as sewing machines or heat transfer presses for textiles, can be repurposed for the upcycling of plastic waste. Various plastic materials can be used for upcycling, including recyclable, non-recyclable and composite plastic. Upcycling can use all sorts of waste materials and plastics can be combined with other materials such as wood or metal.

Applicability

Plastic upcycling is more appropriate in stable recovery, protracted or development settings. As upcycling does not significantly reduce SWM efforts, implementation during or shortly after emergencies is inadvisable. The primary reason for upcycling is not to enhance SWM but to facilitate livelihood opportunities, establish creative workshops in safe spaces or provide a day structure and distraction for some community members. Such interventions might particularly support women and highly vulnerable people who cannot access other interventions. If there is an existing recycling sector, most recyclable plastics should be handed to them U.1.

Operation and Maintenance

Most local communities and humanitarian and development actors lack expertise in the upcycling of plastic waste. Engaging with specialist organisations or private sector entities is therefore advisable. Upcycling equipment may require electricity, which can limit workshop locations. The limited size and operation of the electrical equipment could, however, enable energy needs to be covered by stand-alone solutions such as photovoltaic systems. Community members engaged in the processing need to be adequately trained, including in occupational health and safety X.4 so that the equipment is used safely.

Health and Safety

When upcycling waste materials, consideration must be given to occupational health and safety X.4 and the protection of the environment and public health. If plastics are thermally treated (for example stiffening food packaging with heat transfer presses) materials must not be overheated as toxic fumes may be produced. As plastic upcycling does not use all the waste material, scrap pieces require adequate disposal. End products from upcycling must be safe to use. Workers receiving and cleaning waste products must wear adequate personal protective equipment.

Costs

Upcycling can be low-tech and low budget. Depending on the type of plastic upcycling and the intended end products, investment costs are mainly for a processing workshop and equipment. Operational costs can be low; they may only include staff and energy costs as most of the raw materials are free waste. Financial sustainability for plastic upcycling is challenging in most settings, as the quantities produced and the sale value on local markets are usually low. It is always advisable to identify potent niche markets, such as supplying charity shops in larger cities, to generate higher revenue.

Social Considerations

Upcycling facilities can be creative, safe and inclusive spaces for targeted communities X.9. Upcycling can also sensitise communities about waste issues and safe waste management X.6. It is essential that upcycling by humanitarian actors does not compete with regular market products and distort local markets X.5.