First-of-its-kind plastics recycling microfactory transforms waste, creates new jobs

A new plastics recycling “microfactory” will convert waste materials into new products, provide skilled job opportunities and create a cooperative business model in Phoenix.

The Circular Plastics Microfactory opened in 2024, a result of partnerships between Arizona State University, the city of Phoenix, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, and Hustle PHX, a Black-owned and faith-based workforce development organization that serves marginalized communities in Phoenix.

Located at the Goodwill Retail Operations Center in Phoenix, the facility takes sorted plastic waste from Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona and processes it into pellets that can be used to create new products for sale.

The product options are nearly limitless — from skateboards and flat-pack furniture to plastic lumber and components for larger assembled products.

The microfactory is good news for both the local economy and the environment. The facility will employ around 10 people and is expected to save up to 550 tons of plastic from the landfill per year — over three times the weight of the Statue of Liberty. The microfactory can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the need to ship recyclable plastics to processing facilities elsewhere.

The long-term goal is to transition the microfactory into a cooperative entity. In partnership with ASU, Goodwill and the city of Phoenix, Hustle PHX launched the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Program, with workshops teaching participants how to turn plastic waste into sustainable businesses that benefit their communities while creating steady revenue streams.

Also in October, the microfactory delivered 100% recycled tables to the city of Phoenix using materials collected from Sierra Vista, Deseret Industries and Goodwill.

Once the researchers refine their process in Phoenix, they hope to replicate the concept in other communities.

We are excited to make history today in Phoenix. We have a sense that, from Phoenix, this will go throughout the world, and it’s exciting to be leading in innovation right now. Phoenix will be known for whatever great ideas come out of this facility.

— Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix, at the Circular Plastics Microfactory grand opening