The University of New South Wales has developed “microfactories” that can convert packaging waste and e-waste into reusable materials.
Consisting of easily transportable modular machines, the microfactories can be set up near waste stockpiles to convert rubbish into materials useful for creating high-value products.
The first microfactory, launched in April, turns discarded electronics into metal alloys, carbon and 3D printer filaments, while the second will be able to make engineered stone from waste glass, and insulation and building panels from wood, plastic and textiles.
Professor Veena Sahajwalla, UNSW, believes microfactories can produce valuable materials and products, cut down on expensive machinery, reduce waste to landfill and incinerators, and save on the extraction of new raw materials from the environment.
“Our new recycling and reforming process via what we call a microfactory has the potential to deliver economic and environmental benefits wherever waste is stockpiled,” said Sahajwalla. “The main impediment to deploying these new methods is the lack of incentive by governments for industry to adopt them.”
According to Sahajwalla, consumers are fed up with rising waste stockpiles and use of landfill, and want government and industry to take action now.
“There is much that can be done right now given that scientifically-developed and proven methods are currently available through the green microfactory technology, yet the Federal Government is now also pushing on with an investment of $200 million into so called ‘waste to energy’ projects that actually destroy forever waste materials that can be used over and over as a renewable resource,” she said.
