Switch your perspective on plastics and waste and equip yourself with the practical skills and knowledge needed for a sustainable future. In this innovative fun, one-day workshop, you’ll learn how to process recyclable plastics and transform them into something new & useful, through shredding, molding, design and 3D printing. Designed to be accessible to everyone, the course explores plastic types, circular economy principles, and includes hands-on 3D printing activities.

Who Should Attend

- Makers, tinkerers, and DIY enthusiasts interested in sustainability
- Educators and students exploring recycling and digital fabrication
- Anyone curious about plastics, 3D printing, or the circular economy
Note: Participants aged 12–17 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Workshop Content

Understanding Plastics & the Circular Economy

- What are plastics?
- How plastics are classified and sorted
- Material properties and recyclability
- The role of plastics in a circular economy
- Activity: Sort plastic samples and test their recyclability

Plastic Processing Techniques

Explore key methods for transforming plastic waste:
- Shredding – breaking plastics into reusable flakes
- Extruding – melting plastic into filament or mouldable form
- Moulding – shaping melted plastics
- 3D Printing – turning filament into new objects

Activity: Operate a shredder, observe extrusion, and explore moulding firsthand.

Designing for a Circular Economy

- Cradle-to-cradle vs. cradle-to-grave: lifecycle thinking
- The role of product design in reuse and recycling
- Localised and small-scale approaches to plastic reuse
- Activity: Design, make, and take home a product from recycled plastic

Introduction to 3D Printing

- How 3D printers work
- Turning plastic waste into 3D printing filament
- Overview of slicing software and printer setup
- Activity: Prepare a simple print file and assist in a demo print

Making and Remaking: Real-World Applications

- What can be made from recycled plastics at home or in shared spaces
- Examples of open-source designs and community reuse
- Safety tips for home plastic processing
- Activity: Group discussion and Q&A with real-world recycled objects

What to Bring

- PPE: face mask and safety goggles (provided or bring your own)
- Lunch (or purchase from nearby cafés)
- Old clothes, closed-in shoes, and tied-back hair
- Avoid jewellery and loose accessories

Accessibility

We aim to make this workshop inclusive. Some instructors have experience supporting participants with disabilities. Please let us know of any accessibility requirements before enrolling.

Tools & Materials

All tools, equipment, and materials are provided by The Bower. Participants will work directly with shredders, extruders, moulds, and 3D printers under expert supervision.

📅 Workshop Details

Date: Saturday 4th October 2025
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm (includes breaks)
Location:
The Bower Summer Hill Workshop
Inner West Sustainability Hub
7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill