Film Plastic Diversion Program Design
Overview
The project’s primary objective is to design viable film plastic diversion programs tailored to organizations that lack the volume and processing capacity of larger facilities, or lack access to backhaul distribution centers. The analysis encompassed multiple economic and industrial sectors, including institutions, retail, hospitality, food service and healthcare.
Outcomes
This program has the potential to divert 153 tons of film plastic annually across the initial locations, with the scalability potential to divert 949 tons of film plastic produced in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Locations with large volume, and the capacity for full-size balers, showed significant potential for a positive return on investment. The project demonstrates that with proper source separation, baling and local hauler partnerships, film plastic diversion is both economically viable and environmentally beneficial.
Project partners
● For the AEPW report, the team engaged with stakeholders across a variety of sectors via interviews and visits, including Sprouts, Honor Health, Mayo Clinic, Macerich, Sky Harbor Airport and many others.
Film Plastic Diversion Program Design
Film Plastic Diverse Program Design
July 2024 | Final report
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, in partnership with the Arizona State University Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service, has undertaken a comprehensive project to design and implement film plastic diversion programs across various sectors. This initiative aims to overcome the challenges associated with the collection, sorting and recycling of film plastics, which are high-volume, low-density products. The project’s primary objective is to design viable film plastic diversion programs tailored for organizations that lack the volume and processing capacity of large facilities or access to backhaul to distribution centers. The analysis encompassed multiple economic and industrial sectors, including institutional, retail, hospitality, food service and healthcare.
Film Plastic Diversion Program Design
The Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service is home to a number of projects that address the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Familiarize yourself with our ongoing work by taking a look at our full projects list.