Neighbor News
Minnetonka Entrepreneur Wants Your Trash
2nd Melt Solutions Needs Used Johnsonville Brat Trays… and is Willing to Pay for Them
(Minnetonka) – When he was still a teenager, Justin Anderson of Minnetonka, who is now 20, came up with the idea of collecting single use plastics that typically end up in landfills, melting them down, and turning them into drink coasters.
Over the years, he has experimented with a number of different plastic types and colors, and created some amazing works of art. Recently, he discovered that when he melts the gold trays that Johnsonville brats come on, the translucent orange they create is desirable.
These coasters are now one of 2nd Melt Solutions’ most sought after products. So he can make more of them, Anderson has contacted recycling centers, Johnsonville itself and Cascades, the company that makes the trays, but a deal has not yet been reached. In the meantime, he is turning to the public for help diverting garbage from the waste stream.
Find out what's happening in Minnetonkafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Anderson is asking anyone with used gold Johnsonville brat trays in their garbage cans to pull them out, then contact him to arrange pickup. He is also willing to pay for them.
“I have decided to start up my own version of the collection program they have in other states, where the recycling companies will pay people 5 cents for every glass bottle, plastic bottle or aluminum can they drop off at the recycling center,” he said.
Find out what's happening in Minnetonkafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Anderson is in the beginning stages of starting up a small recycling company he calls 2nd Melt Solutions, but he doesn’t yet have a physical location. “I’m thinking the best way to gather the trays will be to find partners willing to be collection points and am in the beginning stage of lining things up,” he said. “Until then, people can send an email to me at preciousplasticmn@gmail.com, and I’ll arrange for pick up.”
Anderson is currently a student at Macalester College in St. Paul. His time available to travel is limited. So, his parents, who live in Minnetonka, will be helping him out with collections.
If you have Johnsonville brat trays in your garbage right now, please consider helping out with this project.
