Trash to Tiles–Exploration of Creating Products from Waste Plastic in Uganda

Plastic waste contributes to major environmental, health, and economic issues, especially in developing countries. In Uganda, 60% of stray cattle die from ingesting polyethylene bags. This research aims to help reduce plastic litter and burning in developing countries by creating quality, marketable products from plastic waste. A numerical heat transfer analysis was developed to estimate the time and energy required to melt plastic in various scenarios. The analysis included a transient finite difference scheme, which was used to model the melting of plastics. The results of the analysis showed that the time and energy required to melt plastic varied depending on the type of plastic and the conditions under which it was melted. The research also involved a field assessment in Gulu, Uganda, where a need for a local solution to the plastic waste problem was identified. Partnerships were forged, and over 200 interviews were conducted across three districts. The results of the survey showed that 46% of interviewees were most interested in buying plastic roofs, while 75% preferred extruded over same-form plastic products. Small-scale prototype roofing tiles were made from plastic waste that were 1.4 times stronger and 4 times more flexible than industrially manufactured plastic roof tiles. Prototype pavers that were more than 14 times stronger than traditional concrete mixture pavers were also made. A franchise and training model plan was developed to scale to other large towns across Uganda. An exergy analysis of a plastic roof tile manufacturer in Uganda was also conducted. The analysis revealed that the total exergy consumed to produce one batch of 75 industrial plastic roofing tiles is 91.7 MJ. However, by installing insulation over the extruder barrel and adding a heat engine to the solar sand drying process, the company could realistically recover 44% of its consumed exergy. The research also involved a business analysis, which identified measures of success for the project. The measures included the number of jobs created, the amount of plastic waste recycled, and the revenue generated from the sale of plastic products. The business analysis also identified potential challenges and opportunities for the project, including the need for a reliable supply of plastic waste and the potential for partnerships with local businesses. Overall, the research aimed to create quality, marketable products from plastic waste in Uganda, while also addressing the country's significant plastic waste problem. The results of the research showed that it is possible to create strong and flexible products from plastic waste, and that these products could be sold in the local market. The research also identified potential challenges and opportunities for the project, and provided recommendations for how to overcome these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.