Design of a Sustainable Process for Converting Plastic Waste into Fuel Oil in Developing Countries

Plastic waste is a global challenge impacting the environment and human health. Plastic effects our terrain, our lifestyle and our food. The environment is littered with plastic. The lack of infrastructure in the developing world amplifies this problem. One potential solution is that plastic can be converted into polymer derived fuel oil (PolyFuel) through thermal decomposition. The goal of this research is to design a low-cost processor for use in developing countries. PolyFuel is clean and sulfur free. The process can provide economic opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs around the world. A more sustainable world benefits everyone, from Kentucky to Uganda. Since 2012, our work has been implemented around the world, including Uganda. The focus of our project this year was implementing four processors at Upcycle Africa in Mpigi, Uganda. Upcycle Africa is a non-profit organization focused on enabling entrepreneurs for the benefit of the community. They equip people with the tools and knowledge they need to be successful. During the summer of 2022 we spent 3 weeks working with Makerere University and Upcycle Africa. Our combined goal was to put the processors in the hands of regular families. In hopes of creating a source of PolyFuel and income for the community. This PolyFuel can be mixed with diesel and used to run equipment or used in cookstoves as an alternative to kerosene.