This project developed a comprehensive cost model for Community-Scale Plastic Recycling Workspaces (CSPRWs). The Excel-based calculator enables CSPRWs to track costs at each stage of the recycling process, from waste collection through sorting, cleaning, and shredding. By providing granular cost breakdowns, the model allows CSPRWs to optimise operations, make informed pricing decisions, and improve financial sustainability. The calculator was tested using real-world data from two UK-based CSPRWs, validating its ability to generate actionable insights. Key findings include the significant impact of labour costs and the cost-effectiveness of processing larger plastic items. This tool supports the growth of community recycling initiatives and contributes to tackling plastic pollution.

This project employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach to develop a cost model for community-scale plastic recycling. The research began with the finding that only 9% of CSPRWs are profitable and 21% financially sustainable. I then spoke to CSPRW owners in the UK and found they weren’t monitoring the cost of their recycling process.

The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with five CSPRW owners across the UK, supplemented by data from online forums and resources. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyse this data, uncovering key processes, challenges, and cost drivers in community scale plastic recycling. This analysis informed the development of a detailed flow diagram outlining the CSPRW recycling process.

Building on these qualitative insights, the quantitative phase focused on creating a mathematical model in Excel. The model operationalised the identified recycling steps and associated cost functions. To ensure real-world applicability, the model was tested using data from two case studies: AreYouMAD in London and OneBlueEye in Cornwall.

The final cost calculator synthesises qualitative insights about CSPRW operations with quantitative modeling techniques, resulting in a practical tool grounded in real-world experiences and capable of generating actionable cost data for recycling workspaces.

The key outcome of this project is an Excel-based cost calculator tailored for Community-Scale Plastic Recycling Workspaces (CSPRWs). This tool enables CSPRWs to input data on their recycling activities and receive detailed cost breakdowns for each processing stage.

The calculator provides insights on costs per kilogram for different plastic types, colours, and sources, allowing CSPRWs to optimise their operations and pricing strategies. Testing with real-world data validated the model's ability to generate useful cost estimates, typically ranging from £2-£6 per kilogram of processed waste plastic.