Plastic waste cycle biomimicry of natural nutrient cycle — An integrated technology case study

The effective combination of technologies working as a unit to cause the human plastic cycle to mimic the natural nutrient cycle is the research focus of this case study. Many studies in various disciplines have focused on the diverse problems that plastic waste causes to humans and the environment. The existence of an effective combination of technologies working as a unit to produce oil from plastic waste products that does not require grid-based electricity, is transportable and burns clean with near-zero toxic emissions, that enables the Human Plastic Cycle to mimic the Natural Nutrient Cycle is investigated. Proven models were simulated, verified and adapted to a unique set of conditions and interviews were conducted with industrial stakeholders, government agencies and technology developers to strengthen the quantitative and qualitative methods used to analyze this nonlinear challenge. The unique mix of technologies in this proposed system enables itself to be adaptable to various regional environmental conditions and still mimic the natural waste cycle. The key challenges were internal, continuous, stable heat and electricity production as well as biological composting. However, identifying the most appropriate choice of renewable energy sources will be key to optimizing this biomimicry process in diverse conditions.