Rapid prototyping and new product development are at the heart of the innovative work done on UIUC's campus.  While this is a much-needed form of advancement, it often comes at the cost of increased waste generation.  This projects helps reduce the burden on local landfills through the following: 

• Become Illinois’s first active recycling node in the Precious Plastic network.  Precious Plastic is a global recycling movement that provides knowledge and resources for sustainable practices that have been gathered by teams around the world.  Joining the network will also provide a platform for this team to share what we learn with a wider audience. 

• Divert up to 100 pounds of plastic waste from the landfill each day (based on the capacity of the equipment) 

• Reduce the amount of new plastics used for rapid prototyping on campus by at least 1,500 pounds/year by offering a recycled option at a lower cost. (based on material consumption at the CU Community Fab Lab) 

• Educate student designers and fabricators on working with recycled materials by providing them with the opportunity to participate in the recycling process from the ground up 

• Create an Infographic showcasing the results of this recycling effort and display it on the teams website and social media 

The Fab Lab and Informatics Department will contribute through 

• Funding staffing and space to keep the equipment operational and available for use in UIUC's community 

• Ensuring the staff are trained to operate and instruct students on safe use of the equipment by creating operational and safety documentation 

• Leveraging supervisory and support staff to assist with communications, promotions, and website development 

This project will directly benefit students in 4 ways. 

1.     Reducing the amount of plastic waste being sent to local landfills from prototyping courses, organizations, and activities. 

2.     Offering an affordable recycled material alternative for student projects by selling our recycled product to campus community members at cost. 

3.     Sharing information on how to handle and utilize altered properties of recycled materials in the manufacturing or design process. 

4.     Providing education on the recycling process and common pitfalls.