A Machine That Eats Plastic and Spits Out Bricks: Is It a Solution or a Myth?
I've always been passionate about recycling, even as a kid. But as an adult, I've become increasingly aware of the challenges and controversies surrounding plastic waste. That's why I was intrigued by the Clear Drop Soft Plastic Compactor, a device that promises to transform unrecyclable plastics into bricks, offering a new way to tackle this global issue.
However, after spending a month with the Clear Drop system, I, Sean Hollister, and my colleague, senior science reporter Justine Calma, have some reservations. While the idea is innovative, we question its practicality, cost, and environmental impact. Is this machine a game-changer or just another well-intentioned but flawed attempt at a solution?
My Experience with Clear Drop
The Clear Drop subscription comes with a hefty price tag of $1,400, which includes the machine, prepaid mailers, and a protection plan. The machine itself is a 27-inch compactor with motorized rollers and a heating element, designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen. It's straightforward to use, with no complicated setup or apps.
I was excited to feed it with my plastic waste, from grocery bags to snack wrappers. But soon, I encountered issues. The machine struggled with thicker plastics, often jamming and requiring manual intervention. I had to cut away plastic with a utility knife, and over time, the rollers became more prone to false positives.
The process of brickification was also less than ideal. The machine emitted a strong, unpleasant odor during the melting process, prompting my wife to banish it to the garage. And while the rollers didn't seem strictly necessary, they caused more problems than they solved.
The Recycling Journey: Where Do the Bricks Go?
Justine Calma delves into the fate of these plastic bricks. Recycling, unfortunately, is not as straightforward as we'd like to believe. The global recycling rate is a mere 9%, and even plastic bottles are often downcycled, limiting their reuse potential.
Clear Drop's solution is to compress soft plastics into blocks, making them easier to recycle. But when we mailed our blocks, they ended up at Frankfort Plastics in Indiana. Frankfort is one of the few independent recyclers dedicated to low-end plastic films, but the economic model is challenging. The process involves shredding, melting, and creating a feedstock, which is then used in products like plastic lumber.
However, about 40% of Frankfort's feedstock undergoes chemical recycling, a process that is controversial. Most chemically recycled plastic in the US is turned into fuel, leading to air pollutants and emissions. Additionally, chemical recycling produces hazardous waste, posing risks to communities.
The Impact and Controversies
Susan Keefe, Southern California director of Beyond Plastics, argues that mail-based recycling programs like Clear Drop's do little to reduce plastic production or pollution. She believes promoting the plastic recycling myth is harmful and that eco-conscious consumers should focus on reuse and advocating for companies to reduce waste.
On the other hand, Claire Barlow, emeritus faculty at the University of Cambridge, sees value in Clear Drop's aims. Recycling plastic, even chemically, can reduce carbon footprints and free up landfill space. However, both Barlow and Keefe express concerns about the carbon pollution generated by shipping bricks across the country.
Should You Buy It?
As of now, local recyclers don't accept Clear Drop bricks, and it's uncertain if they ever will. The machine is pricey, and there's a risk of being tied to an unproven startup. Clear Drop's own head of product, Matt Daly, admits they're still opening and inspecting some bricks in Texas, and their growth path seems focused on hospitals and businesses rather than consumers.
While I appreciate the effort, I'd rather wait until local recyclers adopt this system, reducing shipping emissions. And if Clear Drop pivots to enterprise, I'd hate to be left with an expensive, obsolete machine.
This machine raises important questions about our approach to plastic waste. Is it a step towards a solution or a well-intentioned distraction? The debate continues, and we invite you to join the conversation in the comments below.
