Today, Mayor Kate Gallego joined Arizona State University, Hustle PHX, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona and the City of Phoenix Public Works and Community and Economic Development Departments to open a plastics microfactory, a facility where plastic waste is remanufactured on-site into new products, creating a circular system. The new program is part of Phoenix’s Climate Action Plan goals to reach 50% waste diversion by 2030 and zero waste by 2050.
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“As we continue working with a mission of reaching our sustainability goals here in Phoenix, we are taking a fresh look at how we can extend the lifecycles of everyday products in order to prevent waste,” Gallego said. “This first-in-kind microfactory will not only help us keep plastic out of landfills, but in collaboration with Hustle PHX, will also support the creation of good, green jobs. I can’t wait to see the results of this new collaborative program.”
The microfactory flips the plastics value chain on its head by extracting the economic and social value tied to waste. It does so by adhering to a new system that can be distributed, decentralized and replicable, hence the “micro” in its name. This new factory will convert materials that would otherwise reach a landfill and remanufacture them into pellets and ultimately new products. And it supports development of social capital: as a cooperative business model, the microfactory will empower its workers to be owners, too.
Phoenix continues leading the way on innovative solutions that bring together different parts of the community, from academic experts to local organizations and businesses. Just last week, Gallego joined restauranteurs and the City Office of Environmental Programs to cap off “Project REDUCE,” a 10-week program to help nine local restaurants on Historic Grand Avenue and Roosevelt Row reduce their food waste. The goal is to stop food from ending up in landfills by helping restaurants prevent waste, donate surplus food, and compost scraps. She also recognized City of Phoenix Green Business Leaders last week who are leading the way in sustainable practices.
