plasticon
whatIsPlasticon
What is PlasticOn
PlasticOn is a plastic recycling workshop and the main project of Zero Waste ZP NGO. It’s our power place — one that not even russian rockets can destroy.
Our eco space was created based on the Precious Plastic project, which aims to show that plastic is a valuable resource in the hands of inspired people. Now, under one roof, we have:
01
Plastic drop-off point
Zaporizhzhia residents can bring their clean used plastic to our workshop. During the war, we are unfortunately only able to accept HDPE 2 plastic, which is the easiest to work with. But we believe that after the victory we will resume accepting PET 1, LDPE 4, PP 5, PS 6, films and bags, as we did before the war.
02
Plastic waste recycling workshop
Bottles, cups, buckets and other plastic items with appropriate labeling are shredded in our shredder after being sorted by color. We currently have two shredders: electric and manual. The first is fast, the second is our blackout edition.
Then the plastic flakes are sent to the extruder, which produces a uniform plastic thread. Slowly winding the thread around a mold, we create baskets, planters, boxes and more. This machine can also be used to fill metal forms for furniture bases.
Before we got the extruder — and were already eager to recycle plastic — we bought an electric oven. We still use it to bake plastic 'pies'. With silicone molds, plastic takes the right shape. After a bit of finishing, we get parts for jewelry, keychains, or succulent pots.
The oven and our handmade mechanical press allow us to make plastic sheets, which are then 'cut' by a CNC router. You can see the finished products on the PlasticOn page on Instagram. DM us if you'd like to buy our ready-made products or order a custom item made from recycled plastic just for you.
03
Workshops
We believe that once you see the recycling process with your own eyes and try it yourself, you'll never throw a plastic cap in a regular bin again. That's why our workshop gladly welcomes small groups of adults and children (10–15 people) for plastic recycling workshops — including mobile ones. We also offer guided tours of the space and lectures on conscious consumption and responsible waste management. You can wait for our public events (currently irregular) or book a private event for your friends, family or colleagues. We answer all booking questions on Instagram.
Is it safe?
Plastic in our workshop melts at safe temperatures and does not ignite. The room is well ventilated and has an exhaust system. So it's completely safe to be in the workshop. See for yourself!
How the workshop was created
Creating PlasticOn was an incredible experience of fundraising, team building, and believing that anything is possible if you want it.
In the fall of 2020, we had the idea to start the workshop. Recycling in Zaporizhzhia was underdeveloped and not very accessible to regular eco-conscious citizens. But there was one problem... we didn’t know how to recycle plastic.
So we turned to those who did — Precious Plastic Ukraine — and went to Odessa to learn from them.
After a few months of planning and looking for funding, the International Renaissance Foundation supported us. They gave us 60,000 UAH on the condition that we raise another 60,000 through crowdfunding. So we launched the first successful crowdfunding campaign in Zaporizhzhia on the Spilnokosht platform.
Over two months, we held an online eco-habits marathon, a kayaking clean-up, a plastic bag collection, and talked about our project every chance we got. And 160 supporters believed in us and contributed.
By the end of 2021, we were able to buy equipment, renovate the space, and start accepting plastic for recycling.
In 2022, we planned the official opening and the first workshops, but then RUIN RUSSIA! Now we continue to experiment with plastic and grow the workshop in every way we can.
Where is PlasticOn located
We are located at:
Zaporizhzhia, 30 Serhii Serikov St., in the historic Nibura Mill building.
Watch the video on how to find us.
How the workshop works
