Turning Waste into Walls

Two Problems, One Solution

Kiritimati has no meaningful waste-management system, so imported packaging accumulates in villages, burn pits and the lagoon. At the same time, construction materials must cross more than 2,000 miles of ocean and are prohibitively expensive for many families.

This program connects the two problems: plastic becomes a local raw material for affordable construction products.

The Model: A Closed Loop

Using the open-source Precious Plastic platform, the program would establish a small recycling work station on Kiritimati.

• Islanders collectThe program pays by kilogram for cleaned, sorted recyclable plastic.
• Local operators produceTrained staff shred, melt and extrude plastic into roofing tiles, planks, panels and other building materials.
• The community buys backMaterials are sold locally at a level designed to fund future plastic purchases and operator wages.

Four Benefits

• Waste managementLess plastic in villages, burn pits and the lagoon.
• Affordable materialsUseful products made on-island instead of imported.
• Paid workOperator jobs and open collection income.
• Public healthLess burning, fewer pest-breeding areas and a cleaner lagoon.

Launch Funding

• $22,000Precious Plastic production machinery and molds
• $10,000Pacific freight and customs
• $4,000Island-wide education and sorting campaign
• $7,000First-year plastic purchases and operator wages
• $2,000Contingency
• $45,000Total launch

Ways to Help

• $1,000Fund a month of plastic purchases
• $4,000Fund the island-wide education campaign
• $45,000Launch the full enterprise