From Plastic To Water: Photocatalytic Trash Can

Plastic buildup in the environment is a huge issue for the health of the earth and humanity, and overall quality of life. 

This device and method in development presents an elegant solution to a global problem that could contribute to removing plastic from circulation and even producing water, a precious resource, and useful gas like hydrogen in the process. 

A portable device or trash can for the home that completely breaks down trash would change the landscape of waste management in an unprecedented manner. 

While it’s very important to phase out plastic and use biocompatible materials instead, this would address the issue from a different and very effective direct angle, and could hopefully also be applied to any type of waste.

My solution is a portable device that uses different types of light configurations to break down plastics into harmless and useful byproduct. I have recently begun testing the prototype and while there is much work to do, it shows promising results so far. Please also check out the ongoing lab notes on www.studio-shangri-la.com. 

I am targeting the everyday household and public areas. Location doesn’t really matter. The trash issue is global. This is the type of device or product that also represents a powerful photochemical process that could vastly improve environmental health for any place it proliferates, whether that’s in someone’s residence or at a public venue like a park. It would of course take some time to see the effects. The process would also have a considerable amount of crossover value.

I am well positioned in that I am determined to bring my innovative ideas to reality. Even though I am currently working out of a basement and the like, I have the vision and the attention to detail and safety, and dedication to learning that have gotten this project off to promising start. It would mean the world and then some to see this idea succeed for environmental impact reasons. I do not represent a particular community — this would be a more broad-based impact. A lot of people care about our home the Earth and upgrading systems to turn the tide of ecosystem destruction and bring about restoration, in different ways. I am looking forward to the idea circulating, further development in chemistry and design, finding support, funding, and upscaling the device. 

I am in the process of building and testing the prototype, and making design modifications. The effectiveness is promising thus far, producing a little water from a couple of different types of plastic. The focus now is creating a formula or easily deployable variations that work consistently with different materials, and that is fast and safe / non toxic. So far there are very promising results with the process and device also tripling as an air purifier in addition to producing water.  

I am applying to Solve for the spread of the idea, and support in funding and upscaling for manufacturing. The exposure for the concept will also be highly beneficial. Thank you for considering this innovative circular design solution, one novel approach to a massive global issue. 

What’s innovative is the chemistry, or use of photochemistry, which could have far reaching impact in different applications.The circular design represents a new approach to waste management, changing the nature of what it means to recycle and decentralizing the process to potentially remove a lot of trash from the environment. 

The first goal of course is to complete the prototype such that its efficiency can have an immediate effect on the surrounding household or environment. The impact of the idea itself though is immediate and I hope inspirational. 

Photodegradation of plastics and waste is not a new concept because that occurs in landfills, but slowly. This is an enhanced process. And that represents the new and accelerated version. After all, the study of light is at the forefront of innovation and there is still much to discover.

I am looking forward to figuring out the possible impact of the proliferation of this device, ie how many tons of trash could be removed from the environment over time.And how much purified water or hydrogen would be created. 

The first goals for the prototype are related to efficacy, efficiency and safety. I am measuring results with frequent tests in order to reach the right combination.

The core technology is photonics, specifically photocatalysis or photodegradation, the breakdown or exchange / redox caused by light, with no combustion and that bypasses toxicity.

I am a solopreneur at the moment, and I hope that will change soon.

This has been in the idea mode for about a year and this marks year two, of the design build.

While it is just me as a solopreneur at the moment, I greatly value a diversity of perspectives and as the company grows this is very important, not only for social reasons - definitely intellectual and creative ones also in creating of wealth of perspectives, knowledge and experience.

I am currently a sole proprietorship with the intention of forming of larger company or corporation. The product to be produced would provide convenience and improved public health / quality of life and environmental stewardship. There are other ideas and designs waiting to be realized that in my opinion are too important to not at least try to build. I am seeking more business education as I go along, including from MIT Sloan.

I have begun seeking funding in the form of grants as I continue development using what I have on hand. The efficacy of the device and explanation of the science are my primary focus at the moment. The immediate funding would go towards a more suitable workspace and equipment / supplies for testing and design modifications and refinement.