Plastic Shredder

For my project, I am building a shredder to help combat plastic waste in my community. This shredder machine cuts plastic items into small flakes ready to be turned into new things by another machine (sheet press, extrusion, etc.). The shredder is the first step in the plastic recycling process and positively impacting ocean health. By recycling plastic waste, the project reduces the amount of plastic entering oceans, mitigating marine pollution.

This project contributed to my own personal development in four distinct ways:

Manufacturing and mechanical engineering: Designing and building a plastic shredder involves aspects of mechanical engineering. Through this project, I am gaining hands-on experience with various tools, materials, and components.
Problem solving: Overcoming challenges and troubleshooting issues that have arisen during the process are enabling me to practice my problem-solving skills.
Project management: Planning, organizing, and executing a project from start to finish is a key aspect of project management. This project required coordinating tasks, communicating with stakeholders, and managing resources.
Knowledge of recycling process: By working on a plastic shredder, I gained insights into the recycling process for plastic waste. Understanding the environmental impact of plastic and the importance of recycling has contributed to my knowledge of sustainability.