In this episode, Drew explores one of the most surprising shifts happening in environmental science right now. Instead of relying only on mechanical recycling or massive incineration plants, researchers are turning to living systems. Drew walks through how certain bacteria and fungi can latch onto plastic, crack its long chains apart, and turn the fragments into simple molecules they can use as fuel. The episode dives into what scientists have learned about these enzymes, how they’re being redesigned to work faster, and why some can now break down materials like PET in hours rather than months.

Drew also looks at the industrial side. The episode breaks down how bioreactors are being built to handle mixed plastic waste, how microbial communities are stabilized so they keep working at scale, and how companies could eventually feed shredded bottles straight into enzyme tanks to create new raw materials.

The episode doesn’t ignore the challenges. Drew lays out the limitations around cost, speed, and contamination, and explains why these microbes aren’t a magic fix yet. But he also highlights where the field is heading, especially with engineered enzymes and tougher microbial strains.