University researchers have teamed up with businesses and city officials south of Tokyo to launch a new recycling project. They're set to open a facility in Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, where they'll turn discarded plastic items into new products.

A machine starts the process by breaking down plastic into tiny pieces, which are then melted. A 3D printer uses the resulting material to build new objects.

Tanaka Hiroya, a Keio University professor who's overseeing the project, says the idea is not just to cut waste but also promote awareness.

The team in charge says from July, members of the public will be able to contribute their plastic waste to the project by depositing it in special collection boxes around the city.