Dave New’s Innovative Solution to Plastic Recycling Challenges
In a quiet neighborhood in Melrose, Massachusetts, Dave New has revolutionized the way we deal with recycled plastics. Tired of seeing loose plastic materials piling up in his home, New set out to find a solution that would not only compact these plastics but also make them more easily recyclable. The result is OBAGGO, a kitchen appliance that transforms loose plastic into dense, recyclable pucks. This groundbreaking invention has the potential to address the growing problem of plastic waste and offer a sustainable solution for households worldwide.
A Plastic Densification Appliance
OBAGGO is a plastic densification appliance that simplifies the recycling process for households. By crushing loose plastic materials, such as cereal box liners and paper goods wrap, into compact pucks, OBAGGO reduces the volume of plastic waste significantly. The appliance operates by compressing the plastic under heat, transforming it into dense disks. The compacted capacity of the plastic increases dramatically, making it easier to handle and transport for recycling purposes.
Solving a Global Plastic Packaging Problem
Beyond the immediate space-saving benefits, OBAGGO addresses a larger global issue: the exponential growth of plastic film packaging. Plastic film is currently the fastest-growing type of packaging material, with an annual growth rate of approximately 6%. Despite bans on single-use grocery bags, many curbside recycling programs do not accept plastic bags and film due to the challenges they pose in recycling machinery. These thin and flimsy materials often clog the sorting and recovery facilities. However, by transforming the shape of the plastic into dense pucks, OBAGGO turns a potential contaminant into an object that can be automatically sorted, consolidated, and shipped to plastics manufacturers for reuse.
Reducing Plastic Waste at the Source
OBAGGO aims to intercept plastic waste at the household level, diverting it from the garbage can and redirecting it into the recycling stream. By encouraging individuals to compact their plastic waste using the OBAGGO appliance, New hopes to create a more sustainable approach to plastic recycling. The compacted pucks can then be transformed into various useful products, reducing the demand for new plastic materials and minimizing environmental impact.
A Family Operation and Growing Success
Dave New’s idea for a plastic recycling appliance began in 2010, and through crowdfunding efforts, he has been able to fund his entrepreneurial endeavor. OBAGGO has already gained popularity, with shipments to 48 states in the U.S. and six different countries. New has also partnered with the company Trex, which upcycles the plastic pucks into decking material. As more communities adopt the use of OBAGGO and allow curbside pickup of the pucks as part of their regular recycling process, the potential for reducing plastic waste becomes even greater.
Conclusion:
Dave New’s OBAGGO appliance offers a practical and innovative solution to the mounting problem of plastic waste. By compacting loose plastics into dense, recyclable pucks, OBAGGO not only reduces the volume of plastic waste but also makes it easier to handle and recycle. With its potential to transform the way we view and manage plastic waste at the household level, OBAGGO represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future. As more individuals and communities embrace this technology, the impact on plastic waste reduction could be substantial, leading us closer to a circular economy where plastic materials are reused and recycled, rather than discarded.
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