ZeroTrash® Revolution Blog Blog
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Getting started with soft plastic waste collect...
Soft plastics are everywhere in our daily lives: from plastic packaging and shopping plastic bags to food wrappers and bubble wrap. While they’re convenient, most soft plastics are not accepted...
Getting started with soft plastic waste collection at home
Soft plastics are everywhere in our daily lives: from plastic packaging and shopping plastic bags to food wrappers and bubble wrap. While they’re convenient, most soft plastics are not accepted in regular curbside recycling, leading to serious environmental consequences. Let’s explore how you can start collecting soft plastic waste at home and take small but meaningful steps toward more responsible plastic recycling. The complexities of soft plastic recycling Soft plastics are one of the biggest household waste challenges. Difficulties start in the collection process and end with not being recycled because of their lightweight and thin structure. Statistics show that less than 5% of soft plastics are recycled in the US. It leads to landfills overflowing with more trash and climate change consequences. Soft plastics in landfills produce greenhouse gases and destroy ecosystems when they turn into microparticles. The amount of soft plastics, like plastic bags, that are recycled for now, which are mostly polyethylene and polypropylene, increases CO2 emissions while traveling miles to be transported to the actual recycling points. These issues are a huge problem in waste management and the recycling process, but with new technologies in the circular economy, the negative impact can be reduced. Why is circularity important? It is clear that the circular economy concept works on keeping materials and products in a loop and circulation for as long as possible. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, "a transition to a circular economy in just five sectors (like plastics, aluminum, and cement) could cut global CO₂ emissions by 9.3 billion tons by 2050". While benefiting the environment and slowing climate change, the circular economy aspires to improve the economy, creating new jobs and industries. "A transition to a greener economy could create up to 24 million new jobs globally by 2030, if the right policies are in place." By reusing existing materials instead of constantly buying virgin resources, plastic recycling, businesses can reduce production costs, waste disposal fees, and dependence on volatile supply chains. Moreover, it can enhance supply‑chain resilience and attract conscious consumers and investors. For the moment, socially vulnerable groups struggle the most from climate change. For instance, many landfills and manufacturing and processing facilities are located in close proximity to low-income communities.Therefore, contributing to the circular economy can help elevate social justice. How to start recycling soft plastics at home with the SPC? Identify soft plastics in your home To easily understand that you are holding soft plastic packaging in your hands, just crumple them and see if they’re easily balled up. The SPC accepts most types of soft plastic packaging, but there are some rules for its most efficient use and future recycling possibilities. The SPC is designed to accept the following flexible (soft) plastics: #2 (high density), HDPE #4 (low density), LDPE #5 (polypropylene), PP Expanded Polyethylene (EPE), limited quantities e.g. Any type of flexible (soft) plastic: Food wrappers Plastic bags for shopping Bubble wrap Cling film Stretch wrap Zip lock bags Shipping packaging Freezer bags Other types of soft plastic There are better ways to recycle these types of waste with recycling bins, curbside pickup, and other programs: #1, PET (bottles) - current recycling systems can’t handle them when they’re mixed with PE, PP, and other plastic types PLA and biodegradable plastics Paper Glass Metal and foil Organics Avoid these plastic types as they are not recyclable: #3, PVC #6, PS and EPS. E.g., Foam Coffee Cups, Packing Peanuts - not recyclable with/ polyethylene or polypropylene flow, and common in offices Takeout containers (” Tupperware”) Celluloid Clean and dry all plastic before storage We recommend removing stickers and food residue from plastic packaging when possible to keep the SPC clean and running smoothly and to prevent unpleasant odors and food buildup on the rollers or storage area. The cleaner the plastic, the higher the quality of the new product created after the plastic recycling process. Store soft plastics efficiently The SPC significantly simplifies the soft plastic collection and transforms fluffy soft plastic packaging into a shape-preserving 12×8×4-inch block, preparing it for further transportation and recycling. Hassle-free plastic bags and other packaging simply disappear out of your sight through the automated SPC feeder window and are compressed 10 times more compared to a regular collection of plastic into a plastic bag. Simply feed SPC every day, and approximately once a month, you will get a compacted block made from the collected plastic materials. Depending on the specifics of use, the cycle length may vary (e.g., if you feed more plastic in, it will compact and output “blocks” more frequently) Recycle with Clear Drop Clear Drop’s solution provides a whole circular system to bridge the gap between real soft plastic packaging recycling and everyday life. This includes a household device, Soft Plastic Compactor, for compacting waste and transforming it into a dense solid block, and a network of partners who can actually recycle it, thanks to its solid structure. Your soft plastic blocks, after being recycled, can be transformed into new materials like pallets, fencing, benches, landscaping blocks/timber, and docking. That’s how we can contribute to a circular economy and minimize our ecological footprint. Create a recycling habit: involve your household Make soft plastic recycling part of your daily routine by talking with your family about why it matters. Start conversations with friends and neighbors: normalizing the issue helps build collective awareness and momentum. Recycling is easier and more impactful when it becomes a shared culture.
How Eduardo's Bridal & Tuxedo reduced soft plas...
At Eduardo’s Bridal & Tuxedo, elegance comes wrapped, quite literally, in plastic. From delivery to post-cleaning storage, each rented garment arrives sealed in soft plastic film. It’s a common industry...
How Eduardo's Bridal & Tuxedo reduced soft plastic waste volume by 90% with the SPC
At Eduardo’s Bridal & Tuxedo, elegance comes wrapped, quite literally, in plastic. From delivery to post-cleaning storage, each rented garment arrives sealed in soft plastic film. It’s a common industry practice, but one that generates a surprising volume of waste. That’s why we partnered with the team at Eduardo’s to install the Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) and explore how a small shift in waste management could close the loop on this hidden waste stream. Challenging soft plastic packaging waste Eduardo's Bridal & Tuxedo is a long-standing, family-owned formalwear business based in San Antonio, Texas. With two locations and over 35 years of service, they specialize in bridal gowns, tuxedos, and quinceañera dresses, offering in-house tailoring and fitting services. Despite a commitment to customer care and local community engagement, Eduardo’s faced a persistent problem: high volumes of flexible plastic waste. Plastic packaging from gowns, dress bags, flexible plastics on tuxedos, and garment wrap contributed to a growing and inefficient waste stream."Customers care about sustainability, especially younger clients. The Soft Plastic Compactor helps us show we’re listening and acting. It’s an elegant solution for a messy problem." — Eduardo D., founder & CEO. Historically, this waste was sent to landfills due to limited soft plastic recycling access in the region. With increasing waste management costs and a desire to improve sustainability, Eduardo’s partnered with Clear Drop to pilot the Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC). Solution Over two months, Clear Drop worked closely with Eduardo’s team at their primary San Pedro Avenue location in San Antonio. We installed the SPC right where the waste happens: in the back-room storage and fitting area. The staff received hands-on training, and we set up clear signage guides to make using the device easy and intuitive. "It was easy to get the team onboard. We generate so much plastic packaging just unboxing dresses. It was great to finally have something to do with it besides toss it." — Laura D., store manager. Over the course of the pilot, we saw how quickly the SPC became part of the daily routine. Staff began collecting garment bags and packaging film in one place, compacting them into dense blocks ready for real recycling. Instead of piling up in bins or ending up in landfills, these materials are now on their way to our recycling partners to be transformed into useful new products. In just two months, the SPC helped Eduardo’s team significantly reduce their soft plastic waste volume. Based on their usage, the store is projected to generate around 20 pounds of flexible plastic packaging per month, now compacted into just two dense blocks. This means nearly 90% less volume compared to loose bagged waste, freeing up storage space and making recycling easier, cleaner, and, most importantly, manageable with Clear Drop partners. Soft Plastic Compactor use case Eduardo's Bridal & Tuxedo discovered the SPC through a local sustainability-focused business group. Their interest stemmed from the need to reduce overflowing bags-within-bags and make their operations visibly greener for eco-conscious customers. Throughout the pilot, the team collected: Garment plastic bags Shrink wrap from formalwear shipments Plastic film from accessory packaging Dry-cleaning bags Each SPC block was then stored in a labeled collection bin and picked up monthly for proper downstream soft plastic recycling."It’s small, quiet, and honestly kind of satisfying to use. Makes us feel like we’re part of the solution, not just the problem." — Sylvia B., sales manager. Results Eduardo’s Bridal & Tuxedo sees the SPC as a smart, hands-on tool to manage a difficult waste stream. It brought their sustainability intentions to life in a way that customers could see and staff could engage with. The feedback from Eduardo’s team has helped us refine how we support service businesses where plastic waste is part of the process, not the product. The business is considering rolling out the SPC to its second location and adding signage to educate customers about what happens to the compacted flexible plastics with the SPC soft plastic recycling system, reinforcing their brand’s modern and responsible image.
Clear Drop: how we’re revolutionizing home wast...
What if managing household waste was not a burden, but the easiest and most natural thing you do at home? And what if all our waste was actually processed? That’s...
Clear Drop: how we’re revolutionizing home waste management
What if managing household waste was not a burden, but the easiest and most natural thing you do at home? And what if all our waste was actually processed? That’s the question we are addressing at Clear Drop® trying to find innovative solutions for waste reduction in landfills coming from households. We believe that real environmental change starts not with complicated recycling systems, but with smart, seamless solutions. That’s why we’re pioneering the future of pre-recycling: a simple, effective way to prepare waste for recycling right where it’s created with the help of our home appliances. From tricky soft plastic packaging to everyday food scraps, we’re transforming how homes handle waste - and helping people move closer to a Zero-Trash lifestyle. What is more important, we create a system where your soft plastic waste is processed with our partner network of recycling facilities and your organic waste is stored in the way it can still enrich the soil. Why Clear Drop? Clear Drop is a symbol of the neutral impact of humankind on nature. It is a metaphor for what remains after human consumption. Every day we as humans consume food and buy many products in packaging. It results in waste - plastic packaging, empty bottles, paper, glass, cans, organic waste etc. While only a marginal part of that is truly recycled, the footprint of human consumption is very high. The goal of Clear Drop is to reduce this footprint to a single clear drop. A new concept of pre-recycling Pre-recycling is the approach that meets current challenges where the recycling system can’t deal with all types of waste we generate. Pre-recycling means preparing waste for its further efficient recycling before it is dropped into the recycling bin. Currently, some materials tackled by Clear Drop’s home appliances are literally not recycled as soft plastic, not being collected conveniently enough. The regular recycling process is often ineffective: trucks “transporting air”, and labor-intensive separation - together they consume a lot of energy, and resources and create pollution of their own. With pre-recycling, discarded items are conveniently separated and prepared for recycling on the spot facilitating waste reduction. Further on - the material is prepared for storing at home and further delivery to the recycling facilities of our partners. It is cleaner, denser, more convenient for transporting and all-around more manageable for further processing. Moreover, we guarantee recycling. The actual problems we address Challenging soft plastic waste An estimated five trillion plastic bags are used annually worldwide, not including numbers of film packaging and other types of soft plastic. Only 1% of households can recycle film at home today. Less than 10% of soft plastic is recycled, and the data is still not always being calculated and reported. Unlike some traditionally recyclable commodities, such as PET bottles or HDPE bottles, there is not very much publicly available information on the generation and composition of film and flexible packaging.Soft plastic is perceived as a barrier to the efficient process of recycling other types of plastic while being put together in a blue bin for recycling (link to the previous blog post). Soft plastics are lightweight, flexible and inexpensive to produce. This has made them popular choices for packaging. But this ignores the problems of disposal, including harm to nature and people when it ends up in landfills. Unless it’s compacted in a solid substance that changes the process of processing, soft plastics can get tangled or stuck in machinery at recycling or waste-processing facilities, causing inefficiencies and disruptions in the process. Clear Drop solution: compacting soft plastic waste Clear Drop offers the first step in solving this problem – business and home appliances that can prepare soft plastic waste for further transportation and actual recycling. Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) significantly simplifies the soft plastic collection and transforms fluffy packaging into a shape-preserving 12 × 8 × 4-inch block. It happens with the help of a patented plastic surface-softening technology to keep soft plastic compacted for storage and transportation that is safe for users and the environment. SPC accepts all major types of soft plastic packaging (excluding PVC and PS which are dangerous by nature) like food wrappers, soft plastic containers, shopping bags, cling film, and other types of packaging from your purchases.The device stores around one month of soft plastic waste and provides low energy consumption. The soft plastic prepared by the SPC is easy to pick up and transport, making it more manageable than any other option. The soft plastic block can be emailed to Clear Drop. We offer end-2-end service in collaboration with our recycling partners which adds more possibilities to soft plastic waste reduction in landfills. Dealing with the consequences of organic waste Organic waste is just as harmful to the environment as plastic if it ends up in landfills instead of being composted. When compostable materials, like food scraps and yard waste, are thrown in with regular trash, they end up in landfills. These materials could have been repurposed into nutrient-rich compost to enrich the soil and contribute to waste reducion, but instead, they take up valuable landfill space and contribute to 11% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. In landfills, organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is approximately 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to climate change. Organic waste in landfills contributes to the production of leachate – a toxic liquid that can seep into the ground, potentially contaminating soil and water sources. Composting not only recycles nutrients but also helps sequester carbon in the soil, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Without composting, this potential benefit is lost. Organics Collector: new technology to close the loop for organic waste To not let organic waste end up in a landfill people don’t need to do composting by themselves to support waste reduction. Clear Drop makes collecting organic waste at home convenient uninterrupted and without an unpleasant smell, leaks, dissolving organic bags, flies or the necessity to frequently empty the bin with one more home appliances, Organics Collector. Organics Collector (OC) stores and gradually accumulates food waste for several days up to one week. At the same time, the device helps to avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors and insects. Featuring non-energy-intensive processes, the OC consumes very little energy. The unique combination of the O3 generator and filtration system makes sure unpleasant smell is eliminated. Additionally, while stored, the organics in OC undergo a dehumidification process, reducing their moisture content by 30–40%. This makes all OC-collected material easier to transport and pick up and preserves composting features of the material. Once the bin is full, the dried organics can be disposed of at a municipal waste collection point or go to your local or community compost pit. Clear Drop® Founder's Message ‘These are just the first two systems we’re bringing to market. The problem is massive, and Pre-recycling is still in its infancy. But many more solutions are coming. Our promise to the world is that everything processed by our appliances will be recycled — if disposed of properly. We wouldn’t do this if we couldn’t make a difference. Let’s work together to make our future look like a hopeful science fiction story — not the bleak dystopias we risk if we don’t change our approach to waste management.’ Ivan Arbouzov, Founder & CEO of Clear Drop®
Why business recycling matters: a key to corpor...
Corporate sustainability has become a major component of any company’s ESG (environmental, social, and governance) program and has become a fundamental aspect of their overall business strategy. Corporate sustainability influences...
Why business recycling matters: a key to corporate sustainability
Corporate sustainability has become a major component of any company’s ESG (environmental, social, and governance) program and has become a fundamental aspect of their overall business strategy. Corporate sustainability influences the hiring process, partnership deals, and company image. Business recycling has emerged as a crucial element, helping companies reduce waste, minimize their environmental impact, and align with ESG principles. This is not only true for large corporations with formal corporate sustainability programs, but also for small to medium size companies looking to minimize their environmental footprint and align more closely with customer and employee expectations. Corporate sustainability: satisfy both employees and customers Business sustainability practices are an essential part of corporate culture and necessary to attract top talent. A recent study by PwC revealed that "68% of job candidates say that environmental practices are important in choosing an employer". Employees want their companies to invest in sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon, using renewable energy, and reducing waste. Moreover, a Deloitte study found that most employees believe their companies should contribute more to addressing climate change and sustainability. Two-thirds of employees globally report that they do not think their employers are doing enough to address climate change and don’t have enough business sustainability practices. In addition, more and more consumers expect companies to be more active in sustainability efforts. Forbes reports that "87% of consumers have a more positive image of a company that supports social or environmental issues". Consumer behavior also shows a trend in sustainable purchases and willingness to pay more for sustainable products. According to Nielsen, "55% of consumers are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to a positive social and environmental impact". And about half of respondents (47%) in a Deloitte survey, Sustainable Consumption Trends, said they had purchased a sustainable good in the last four weeks. Expanding sustainability: beyond carbon to business recycling As companies strive to meet ESG goals and reduce their environmental footprint, business recycling and waste stream management programs are becoming essential. According to EPA data, 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable, but only about 30% of it is recycled. While businesses produce about 25% of all the world’s waste every year, business recycling rates tend to be lower than residential. The growing plastic waste crisis More than 95% of plastics generated are put in a landfill or incinerated for energy. The EPA also revealed that while plastic recycling is on the decline, the per capita generation of plastic waste increased by 263% since 1980. And what about soft plastic-- or film plastic? McKinsey reports recycling rates well below 10 percent, although plastic film recycling is not widely tracked and reported. Soft plastic tends to reduce the efficiency of recycling other types of plastic, since it disrupts the sorting process when it is co-mingled with plastic bottles and other semi-rigid plastics. Business recycling programs Businesses across various industries have implemented waste management programs that not only mitigate waste generation but also promote recycling, reusing materials, and fostering circular economy principles. Corporate: many companies, such as Apple, have set ambitious landfill diversion goals. Apple has committedto becoming carbon neutral for corporate operations and aspires to divert over 74% of its waste from landfills through their business recycling and reuse programs. Healthcare: University of Michigan (U-M) Health has completed a plastics recycling program at Mott Children’s hospital and the Von Voigtlander Women’s hospital. Operating room plastic was collected over a 6-month period and U-M was able to divert 2.64 tons of plastic from landfills. The program is now permanent and will be expanding. Higher Education: Virginia Tech, University of Richmond and Arizona State University are three examples of the many colleges focused on collecting and recycling soft plastic waste. Examples of film and soft plastics collected: air pillows, bread bags, bubble wrap, produce bags and shrink wrap. How to set up waste recycling programs for your business Setting up a comprehensive recycling program involves several key steps: 1. Conduct a waste audit: Check the types and quantities of waste that your company produces. This will provide a better understanding of these waste streams and the resources needed to better address them. 2. Separate recyclables: collect each type of waste separately including plastics, organics, glass, metal, cardboard and paper, and electronics. 3. Educate employees: Employee engagement is crucial. Create recycling educational programs to raise awareness and communicate how they can and should recycle at their workplace. Create easy access to recycling bins as well as simple instructions on what is recyclable and where it should be placed. 4. Set clear goals: Set specific goals for waste recycling, such as diverting 50% of your waste from landfills. Track your progress and share with your team regularly to ensure you’re moving forward with your targets.5. Collaborate with certified recycling facilities: Negotiate with local recycling centers that are certified to process specific types of waste. Ensure that they are capable of recycling the materials you are collecting. 6. Invest in technology: For some companies, the complexities of recycling in the workplace may limit employee participation. Leverage online and app-based training tools to educate employees. Further, emerging innovative technologies are also enabling a shift towards a more convenient and circular approach in recycling programs. Smart solutions for efficient plastic waste management A new, innovative solution is now available that can help bolster your business recycling program by making your soft plastic waste collection more efficient and preparing it to be recycled more easily. The Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) is the first business and home appliance to simplify soft plastic collection and ensure it all goes to recycling. The SPC transforms fluffy plastic packaging into a space-saving 12×8×4-inch block. The plastic brick is then processed at a dedicated recycling facility, using environmentally safe methods to give your plastics a second life and ensure the efficiency of your recycling programs. As businesses continue to implement sustainable practices like comprehensive recycling and waste management programs, the focus on diverting plastic and other waste from landfills becomes increasingly important. Through innovative technologies, employee engagement, and organized programs, companies can reduce waste, meet landfill diversion goals, and enhance their corporate sustainability efforts. Savvy companies are recycling more; because customers expect it and employees want to be part of it.
Tackling plastic in the healthcare industry: ch...
5 million tons of plastic waste is generated in US healthcare annually The healthcare industry, while vital to human well-being, is a significant contributor to plastic waste. From single-use syringes...
Tackling plastic in the healthcare industry: challenges and solutions
5 million tons of plastic waste is generated in US healthcare annually The healthcare industry, while vital to human well-being, is a significant contributor to plastic waste. From single-use syringes and IV bags, to sterile packaging, PPE, food packaging, regular business operations, and more, the sector relies heavily on plastic materials to ensure hygiene, patient safety, efficiency and convenience. However, this reliance generates vast quantities of plastic waste - much of it non-recyclable due to contamination or mixed materials. According to a report by Healthcare Without Harm, hospitals in the U.S. produce over 5 million tons of waste annually, with plastics making up a substantial portion. To put it in perspective, 5 million tons is the equivalent of nearly 3 million midsize cars! Given the environmental urgency, healthcare sustainability professionals are increasingly seeking ways to reduce plastic use and improve recycling within their facilities. Here are six practical solutions that can make a meaningful impact: 1. Conduct a plastic waste audit A comprehensive plastic waste audit allows healthcare facilities to understand the types and volumes of plastics being used and discarded. By identifying high-waste areas, sustainability teams can target specific processes or departments for improvement. For example, operating rooms are known hotspots for single-use plastics and can benefit from focused interventions. However, we must remember that plastic plays a critical role in modern healthcare, offering numerous benefits like improved sterility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. So it’s important to not instantly demonize plastic, but instead examine how its use can be reduced or how recycling the material can be improved. A good audit will provide insight into opportunities for any healthcare facility. 2. Switch to reusable medical supplies where safe Many plastic products in healthcare are single-use for safety reasons, but some items can be safely replaced with reusable alternatives. Surgical instruments, gowns, and certain types of trays can be sterilized and reused. Hospitals should evaluate which plastic items could be replaced with reusable versions without compromising safety or compliance. 3. Implement recycling programs for clean plastics While contaminated plastics are difficult to recycle, clean plastics—such as packaging from sterile instruments—can often be recycled. Establishing a system where staff can easily separate clean from contaminated plastics encourages recycling. Partnering with specialized recycling companies can also open new avenues for processing healthcare-specific plastics. “As a research institute conducting studies on the impact of microplastics on human health, we analyzed how much non-contaminated plastic waste we were producing ourselves,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director and Lead Research Scientist at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, Maine. “We couldn’t ignore the irony and decided to take action by evaluating how we can reduce that waste and also better ensure that as much of it is recycled as possible. We’re now working with suppliers that offer lower or plastic-free packaging, but we are also soon beginning a pilot program with Clear Drop to test their Soft Plastic Compactor device, which reduces the volume of the waste by about 90% - making it much easier for us to manage and also for recyclers to collect and process for re-use.” 4. Source bioplastics and eco-friendly alternatives The market for biodegradable and compostable medical products is growing. Items such as bioplastic syringes, eco-friendly bedpans, and compostable packaging can replace traditional plastic counterparts. Healthcare procurement teams can prioritize suppliers who offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. 5. Staff training and engagement Sustainability initiatives succeed when staff across all levels understand their role in reducing plastic waste. Regular training sessions, visual aids near disposal areas, and recognition programs for sustainable practices help create a culture of environmental responsibility. Engaged staff are more likely to follow recycling protocols and suggest improvements. 6. Work with manufacturers for sustainable product design Healthcare institutions can leverage their purchasing power to influence manufacturers toward more sustainable designs. This includes advocating for products with minimal or recyclable packaging, modular designs that reduce material use, or take-back programs where manufacturers reclaim used products for recycling. “There’s no single solution to solving the problems that are related to plastic waste,” said Ivan Abrouzov, President and CEO of Clear Drop, Inc. “Whether it’s within healthcare or other industries, many factors have caused the issues we face, especially when it comes to recycling. It will only be through multiple solutions that we can begin to reduce waste, improve recycling and create what we like to refer to as a ZeroTrash® Lifestyle. Our technology and products are a step toward making that a reality. Whether it’s with our products or not, I encourage everybody to be part of the solution.” Reducing plastic waste in healthcare is not without its challenges - safety, regulatory compliance, and cost all play a role in shaping what’s possible. However, by adopting targeted strategies and fostering innovation, the industry can significantly reduce its plastic footprint. Collaboration between healthcare providers, manufacturers, and sustainability experts is essential for developing scalable, practical solutions that protect both human health and the environment.
