Researchers from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) have developed a Portable Plastic Recycler aimed at addressing the challenge of plastic waste management.
The device was created by faculty members Sony Kumari, Tamanna Bhuyan and Madhusmita Borthakur, along with student innovators Sresth Ramchiary and Shakil Haque from the Department of Applied Biology. It is designed to recycle waste plastics such as polystyrene, commonly used in food containers, and polyethylene terephthalate, found in bottles, into reusable and non-toxic products.
Unlike conventional recycling units, the machine is compact, portable and comparatively affordable, making it suitable for settings such as hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies and households.
The recycler works by melting plastic at controlled temperatures of 70–80ºC in a specially designed heat-resistant reactor vessel. Within 15–20 minutes, waste plastics are degraded and reshaped into new products or moulded into useful forms. The innovation is expected to help reduce the volume of plastic reaching landfills and aquatic systems, while also opening up opportunities for small-scale revenue generation.
As part of India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, the research team used the recycler to create eco-friendly patriotic badges from recycled plastics, which were distributed among the USTM fraternity, including faculty, staff and students.
The team also designed decorative wall hangings and crafted the traditional Assamese japi using recycled material. The initiative combined cultural representation with environmental awareness, showcasing the potential of plastic recycling for creative and sustainable use.
The activities received participation and support from the university community, which researchers said reflects USTM’s focus on linking scientific innovation with social responsibility.
The team plans to promote the prototype at workshops, exhibitions and through social media platforms. They stated that if scaled up, the Portable Plastic Recycler could play a role in promoting sustainable waste management and reducing plastic pollution.
Also read | Manipur: Woman, 52, goes to RIMS for leg surgery, ends up dead