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Recycling Plastic Medical Waste as a Second Life Application

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Abstract:

Environmental worries have increased due to the sharp rise in single-use plastics in healthcare institutions, especially with relation to medical plastic waste. This study explores the viability of using low-cost, small-scale technology to recycle such trash into goods with added value. Samples of medical plastic, such as vials, syringes, and bottles of intravenous solution, were gathered at Al-Shamiya General Hospital, sanitized, and mechanically destroyed. Two processing units were created: a 3D printing filament extruder and a manual injection molding machine. While the injection molding machine generated molded components based on the applied mold design, the extruder successfully produced filaments suitable with fused deposition modeling. The technical feasibility of converting sterilized medical plastics into useful products for everyday use and healthcare was validated by experimental results. The results highlight the potential of decentralized recycling strategies to lessen the environmental impact of medical waste, promote circular economy principles, and decrease plastic pollution, so long as stringent safety and sterilizing measures are followed.

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Periodical:

Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1189)

Pages:

211-227

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-TypAF8

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Cite this paper

Online since:

March 2026

Authors:

Ali Kamil Kareem*, Ikram F. Hadi, I.R. Ali, Mohanad A. Kadhem, Mohammed A. Sahab, Fatima E. Ali, Ali R. Tayeh, Tabarak H. Rahim, Ghaith M. Hussein

Keywords:

3D Printing, Injection Molding, Medical Plastic Waste, Recycling, Sustainability

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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* - Corresponding Author

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