🥝oceania

I am around 50km from Brisbane, QLD and started more as a traditional "scrapper" for a few extra dollars, although I am slowly but surely adding more and more materials to my recycling mix with the long term goal of seeing communities like this one take on the challenge (and reap the long term profit) from facing the "too hard to be bothered (translation not instantly profitable)" problem big business and Australia faces when it comes to our growing lack of internal recycling (even more so as increasing numbers of countries are refusing to take our plastic export). I am probably not much help to anyone, although I will certainly try to be so if you have any Australia based questions or info to share I can at least tell you I don't have a clue.

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Hello, all Breadtags For Wheelchairs, that started in South Africa, has expanded to Australia and New Zealand. Check it out. http://www.breadtagsforwheelchairs.co.za/ https://m.facebook.com/breadtagsforwheelchairs https://m.facebook.com/aussiebreadtags https://m.facebook.com/nzbreadtags/ https://youtu.be/Hc5ik3Cl_bw (edited)

If NZ gets picky about having things spelt right, i suppose I should point out @davehakkens that it can probably be Australia not AUaustralia

I don't see Costa Rica under Latin America

7:29 AM

I feel offended, I'm leaving this group (edited)

or you could suggest it in the feedback channel. Costa Rica is definitely not in Australia though so this channel isn't much help to you

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This channel isn't for Australia either, its for AuAustralia, a remote island in the middle of the bermudas triangle

We had better get this channel moved out of Oceania then if that's the case (for the record anyone with mod privileges don't take this seriously)

I think if you're on Android, you see the country code AU. If you're on iOS, you see the Australian flag. That's the emoji incompatibility I was talking about.

hmmm, i'm using desktop client

Android version is also a factor. It actually just reads the code, and then renders the emoji, unless it's a custom one stored as a tiny image. Twitter is similar. The web-interface displays emojis differently than the mobile app. It could also be due to a copy-and-paste from another app. Herewith is a screenshot of what happens on my server, when I paste our flag from WhatsApp into a topic header:

I see a flag.

1:18 PM

So 21st August we are at the start of a revolution. No idea how I can help but hit me up if you have any ideas....

Oi oi oi! Gday

G'day to you also, I for one certainly can't wait until the v4 files become public, holding off on creating equipment for the workshop at the moment is killing me

5:20 AM

that and if I have to get another 1000L IBC to store any more milk bottles my wife will not be impressed at all

Haha :)

Hey! Hugh here from the version 4 team. Melbourne born and raised, originally at Precious Plastic Monash where I was the Marketing Lead. Am now the Community Manager here in Eindhoven and was wondering what you all thought of the Discord and how it is running so far

Hi Hugh, still getting used to it but the #activity-bot is pretty useful for keeping up with the forums :)

good to hear

Hi Hugh. Yeh at the moment it's good to just see what's going on in the different channels and keep up to date

Probably the most useful thing about the discord is it actually tells me when a forum post happens :) I foresee it being more useful once v4 information becomes more readily available

yeah once v4 info comes out then the Discord will be really useful for discussion and passing on knowledge

for people like myself i'm impaitently waiting focussing on my metals and "10c returns" and collecting as it doesn't seem smart to start building to expand what i can process until "newer, bigger, better" info that exists is released, then I expect everyone to go crazy

Yes definitely. Like version 3, we expect the community to make modifications and alter the new machine designs as well and so Discord will really help the community find new ways to collaborate with these modifcations

yeah i'm already starting to get some of the math together in an effort to use the same shredder to do printed circuit boards and some light steel as well

wow that sounds really interesting, would be good to see if people would want to discuss that in the shredder channel. Im sure some members would find that interesting/know how to approach that

I will certainly be getting chatty in their in the future, a lot of math though is speculative until I know how you have all done with the single/dual shaft designs etc.

definitely, very exciting stuff!

suppose being midnight here and all I should consider some sleep, counting sheep never works, maybe counting plastic granules as they come out of a shredder

haha perfect!

Hey folks. Dave from Sydney here. I have an online furniture business and I'm hoping to start offering recycled plastic tabletops once the V4 sheet press designs are released

4:24 AM

Keen to know how people went putting their shredders together? I gave up when a laser cutter quoted me $1000 just to cut the shredder box

Ouch!! Its not cheap but should be that much David! I can do you a full kit for less than that. As for how our shredders goes? Havnt stopped it yet ;) even saw a guy drop a solid lump of 3D print the size of a golf ball and it even chomped that.

Once the v4 drops and I will certainly be looking for people around Australia for "group cuts" but we still have a bit of waiting to go yet.

@CartlinRecycling I saw there is a Brisbane precious plastics group. Do you attend that at the state library

Do you have a site by the way @More Than Ten Cents I am always keen to get more sources for the stuff I can't find lying around as scrap

5:00 AM

@cparry I do not currently although have spoken with them in the past and now you have reminded me of them i should hook up with them again and see how they are doing. (edited)

I've been meaning to attend, as was looking into starting a Maker lab in Brisbane somewhere for recycling

@CartlinRecycling yes, morethantencents.com not as up to date as it should be ;)

I am up on Mount Glorious/Nebo where we have no council pickup which means lazy locals will dump everything into the landfill skip to save a few seconds sorting and walking the 10 metres to the recyclable skip. So my initial focus is on landfill redirection which means picking up from locals/businesses and cashing in on materials that have a current recyclable value (such as metals and the beverage containers) and using those profits to offset the costs of moving or processing the materials people aren't buying or buy for less than it cost me to get it to them (currently things like wine bottles and scrunchable plastics). I would love to get big enough to find some land down off the mountain to run something truly spectacular but that is still only in the dream phase so I will certainly be keeping an eye out for things like your maker lab to see if I can divert resources I can't otherwise process to a good cause. (edited)

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@More Than Ten Cents Yeah I think the guy was taking me for a ride honestly. How much do you charge for a "full kit" and what does that include?

5:53 AM

feel free to dm if you'd prefer

Full box kit - laser cut parts, axle, bearings bolts and threaded rod is around $1000, assembled and welded box $1350 full machine kit - assembled box, motor shaft and couplings $3400, fully assembled machine sans hopper $4700

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Okay thanks. Laser cutting is about the same charge as the other guy :)

9:35 AM

Mind if I ask where you get your motors from?

9:35 AM

Or at least what type you use if you dont want to share that info?

Lol no its not? $1000 gets you everything, not just the laser cut?

Sorry I should have been clearer. His quote was $1100 for laser cut and materials

9:37 AM

Then Id have to assemble

So bearings, bolts, axle, threaded rods, sieve the lot? Thats a good price thn. I thought you meant juzt tbe laser parts.

9:40 AM

Motors are from a local supplier, 4 pole, 2.5hp with 25:1 reduction box.

Okay cool, thanks. Is the reduction box custom made?

No

Good to know. Thanks!

Sundays are playtime :) todays play

nice colouring, what sort of size is it?

About 180mm x 8mm

in my mind i can see them scurrying up a wall or garden shrub instead of the metal lizards you sometime see which would look heaps cooler given colours vs rusty metal (not that i don't like the rust look but this is cooler)

Re: Gecko.

Smaller indoor design might work as kitchen hooks, coat hooks or fridge magnets.

I have a mold for 10cm ones, this one is from testing our new bigger molds :)

9:02 AM

These are also the larger hex molds

Hi team PP Australia! I'm Holly, I'm new here. I've introduced myself on the introduction thread. Looking forward to working with you all at some point.

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Hi holly and welcome

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Hi Holly

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Hi Aussie Plastic Warriors! David here. I work as the Engagament Lead for Precious Plastic Monash down in Melbourne. Keen to stay in touch and share ideas

4:04 AM

Nice to meet you David, Im Melodie from Darwin. Love your work :)

Darwin Plastic Makers are having trouble setting up insurances for the space. Is nyone else with a working space able to offer a suggestion? Who are you insured with?

Hi Holly what is beyond cleaning?

Hey David! Great to see you on here

! PPM represent

Good evening! Just wanted to give a shout-out to Peter at The Edge fabrication lab (State Library Queensland). He talked us eager bunch of 15 or so, through the PP resources available for community use, at The Edge. If you're in or near Brisbane, and looking to get started with a PP project, I recommend attending a SLQ PP Meetup. I haven't seen a date for October, but if you're keen to attend a future Meetup, sign up to the newsletter for further details.

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11:40 AM

11:41 AM

I put the shredder to good use

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Awesome! Wish we had something like this down in Sydney

@Erazik you do :) https://www.defydesign.org/

Defy Design

I noticed in the thread that you are doing large hex tile moulds? Can you quote me on a set via do?

10:09 PM

I meant DM.

Ha! Thats awesome. Thanks @More Than Ten Cents

Gave +1 Rep to More Than Ten Cents

So... I did a thing: https://preciousplasticaustralia.com.au/ I hope it is a useful thing ... from little things

Precious Plastic Australia - PPA - Home

My site

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@More Than Ten Cents this is fantastic. Are you happy for me to start sharing it?

Aw Thanks! Share away

If you know of any spaces I havnt added yet please send me the info here or on the forum or via the email preciousplasticaunetwork@gmail.com

Hi @renben, I added an introduction on the intro page to explain that. It is my business which is where the donation for precious plastic comes from. If anyone is offended by me including that, I'll remove it. (edited)

8:58 AM

Hey @Miss Eco Warrior and the rest of Aus PP, here is the article I wrote about our visit to the Edge. https://www.beyondcleaninggroup.com/the-edge-shredder/ (edited)

Holly Gano

The Precious Plastic

️ Shredder

️ in action at The Edge ...

Eleven enthusiastic plastic recyclers gathered this Spring Saturday to see the shredder machine in action that The Edge. Here is how it went. The Edge Biochemist Peter Musk and Queensland tax dollars are the force behind this Precious Plastic project. The Edge is a maker sp...

3

it is really exciting to see spaces emerging all over the country.

Loving all the great work we are doing in Australia!

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Hi PP Aus, This forum looks stellar. Happy to join in on the discusion. I'm based in Sydney.

If it is ok, I am a bit happy and wanted to share - 2 years ago today I started working towards my goal - equipping/Supporting/sponsoring 100 Precious Plastic Spaces around Australia. ❤ Two years ago this was a pretty new idea but now it is growing and I truly believe we - the people - can win the war on plastic waste together. I know how ovewhelming it can be to wake up and realise just how much plastic has mooched into our lives until even the most ridiculous things are wrapped in plastic and now, has spread in micro form through our food chain until now we are all eating around 6g of plastic a week. (A credit card worth!) Building the tools others need in order to deal with plastic in their community is my way of dealing with the overwhelm.. by helping you get your Precious Plastic space set up I can contribute to so much more than I ever could working alone thanks to @davehakkens and the @preciousplastic team. The war is real, the waste is not going to dissapear but with the right tools, the daily battle is ours! http://morethantencents.com/ Happy birthday to us

(edited)

Australian Precious Plastic machines made to order.

Now available in Australia, Precious Plastic machines allow anyone to start rcycling and reclaiming waste plastic that would otherwise go to landfill.

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3

1

Amazing! Congrats on making it to the 2 year milestone, fair innings so far! Keep up the great work

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Wow that's really great to read! Thank you for all your energy and efforts! @More Than Ten Cents Getting started can be overwhelming, so the work you do is a huge help

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@More Than Ten Cents happy birthday, and thankyou for working so actively to make what plenty dream about, into something that is making a difference. (ps. sorry on the late reply I have been in Tassie with no discord for the last week)

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I posted this in the plastics/questions area but maybe someone here also can help? I have been asked to look at making "bio balls" out of recycled HDPE or PP for a local fish farm (They are used to filter the water from bacteria) so I am looking for information about how recycled plastic behaves in water...has anyone done anything similar? Do these plastics "leach" any chemicals or toxins that might affect the fish? I am sure the answer is here somewhere but I have not found it yet, any advice/thoughts gratefully received.

Hi guys, Brisbanite here looking to start getting more active with precious plastic! For now I think I'll be relying on The Edge for their machines to start testing the waters and to see what can be made

Hi Wakelord, The Edge are doing great stuff, welcome to the PP family

Hi Wakelord, I am also keen to get myself on as many of The Edge's inductions as possible as some of their equipment I certainly won't have in my back yard for quite some time to come.

Hello, I am looking for a machine manufacturer to mix sand and plastic to make paves and sheets of coating for house and a hydraulic pres machine for molding. The machine name is simple screw extruder machine whasap 005215537757963

Well I just had a reasonable day of driving to alleviate my impatience waiting for v4. Picked up a small metal lathe so instead of building from scratch now I can just modify it to work via cnc instead of manual, and 8 1kw 3phase 240/415 motors with (mostly) 20:1 gear reduction boxes on them (1400ish to 70ish). Now I have plenty to keep myself busy and some motors ready for when v4 does launch.

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5:03 AM

p.s. yes that is a terrible looking oil spill behind the motors, I should really have gone with my gut when I said yes to taking used motor oil from someone (their container leaked overnight flooding the carport), sticking with veg oil in the future and i'll pretend I believe people are doing the right thing with their waste motor oil.

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@CartlinRecycling I have a hard time to imagine to have a small lathe or worst, a worn 3 jaw chuck for PP related work

Congrats on the motors, that will keep you definitely busy for sure

I'd love to see your CNC conversion btw.

"small" lathe fits with my current "small" budget of "which bill will i put off a week to buy me toys"

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Thanks for the welcome everyone, and sorry for the slow replies! It's too easy to forget to check into Discord. Just yesterday there was another catch up at The Edge for PP - the injection molder is stil a WIP but it is a step closer to being ready.

9:54 AM

And Cartlin Recycling, that's a lot of motors! Are you aiming to focus primarily on the gathering / preparing /shredding of plastic, or more on the manufacturing of finished products?

9:55 AM

(FYI just updated my username from an old videogame tag to my more recycling-focused one)

9:55 AM

(Not sure if/when it will update on here...)

@wakelord Initially I started as a "scrapper" doing "urban mining" for metals to recycle (and make a couple of dollars). I have since moved to a mountain which both slowed down my ability to readily acquire metal scrap, although seeing as the local community does not have council garbage/recycling collection it has opened up the opportunity for me to collect plastics instead. Ultimately I want to see as many varieties of material reused as possible rather than just what the council deems worthy of recycling which means focusing on moving on "valuable" materials to other processors to help offset costs involved in developing ways to deal with other materials. I guess really my drive is to give myself something to do that doesn't trigger my PTSD, doesn't need to involve being social if i'm having a bad day and keeps me somewhat busy, although of course like everyone else if I was giving an elevator pitch i'd leave most of that out and run with saving the environment/world instead

I think that's great! Honestly I feel like each PP focusing on a 1-2 particular parts (gathering / cleaning / making) makes a lot of sense - we each have our own passions, networks and goals. In your case gathering and onselling a variety of recyclable goods seems really good!

2:24 PM

How this upcycling and recycling also allows socialising as you want it is just another boon

It would be good if more maker spaces / community sheds got into plastic use ... but I guess plastics can be toxic more easily than just lumber.

Hi all, can we talk about insurance? Darwin Plastic Makers Space are really having a hard time getting insurance for their workshop. I have reahed out to a heap of insurers but they all balk at "recycling projects" one quote asked for more details and this was their comment: " Does the Insured store plastics at their premises? .... If this is essentially a recycling risk, we would not be interested in quoting."

12:55 AM

At present the space can only be open to the public when an artist with workshop insurance is present (for example my artist insurance covers sculpture and welding as well as working with fire and if I am conducting a workshop at the space, insurance is no problem) However, this does not cover equipment or tools and limits public activites.

12:57 AM

Has anyone else had better luck? If so, please share your insurer details, I would even be willing to set up an association so all Aus PP spaces go through the one insurer (maybe save costs and headaches for everyone while sorting our own?)

12:58 AM

I even contacted the insurer wo covers Men's sheds - these guys cover workships with bandsaws and metal presses and all manner of machine - but they also balked at recycling projects.

12:58 AM

Any help greatly appreciated ❤

Maybe need to talk to the invision people who run the projects in robe

12:59 AM

Or change the language used to just Maker space

12:59 AM

Maybe the industry isn't ready for the terminology

Thanks Cparry, I will email Brad. I tink his might be different as he is a business not a community group?

1:00 AM

Cparry the name change makes little difference, the insurers ask for details about activities etc... not preparedto lie to them

1:02 AM

Just to clear up any confusion - Brad Scott at Transmutation (Robe SA) is not envision.. envision are the mob making prosthetics from bottle caps

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.abc.net.au/article/11342298

Bread tags to bowls: Turning waste into beautiful everyday objects

Recycler Brad Scott is using his Robe studio to convert used plastics into everyday items like bowls, doorknobs and cheeseboards.

Yes, I am already in touch with Brad at Robe, just flicked him an email

1:06 AM

Maybe go NFP route, but charge yourself costs+wage

We are NFP and run by volunteers, no costs/wage to charge

1:11 AM

Im not sure who is in this group - any chance of a show of hands from those who actually have workshops running?

My "workshop" is in a transition phase from scrap metal separation to also including plastics, collection side is happening, space ready to go, machines i'm waiting on v4 which i hope releases very soon before i drown in 2L milk bottles from cafes. As the plastics machines aren't yet up and running i'm a one man band + a couple of kids who do most of the sorting and come along for collection for the free coffee at the cafe. Once I have the machines built that is when I would call myself a plastics workshop and others would be welcome to make use of it.

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@More Than Ten Cents I dont have a workshop, but I do work as a commercial insurance broker so I can shed some light on why insurance companies do not want to provide insurance. There is a a large fire in a recycling factory in Australia approximately once a fortnight. Some of these are metal, some timber, but many plastic. Add to that the "cowboys" who are stockpiling warehouses full of plastic waiting for recycling to become more profitable (particularly in Melbourne), and things get worse. One extra challenge for plastic recyclers is that when a fire does break out the fumes are bad, and in many cases firefighters are not able to put out the fire. So that means when a fire does happen, it's going to be a BIG fire.

7:43 AM

The significant majority of insurance companies in Australia have therefore said "no thanks" to recylers until there are better practices in places, and a lot of international insurers feel the same. I believe there are a small handful of insurers (at least one in Singapore) who can do it, but they charge an arm & a leg and may place some very high expectations on you (the most basic being something along the lines of single/dual spinkler access to 100% of floorspace)

(just adding my little piece of info; in France, as long as you never have more than 1ton of plastic in your "factory", insurance is easy to access here)

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(*international insurers who provide insurance for Australian companies)

Not sure if we have any NSW PP guys, but I just came across this grant which might be applicable! https://www.lgnsw.org.au/policy/increasing-resilience-climate-change

Have just got a government grant in Tasmania

Oh, awesome! Which grant was that?

Congrats @VisualScientist i'm originally from Tassie (was even back visiting family for a couple of weeks about a month ago). As per sidequest request any grant info would be great to get more of an idea what is out there in different states and what types of grants people are having luck receiving funding from.

I did hear that Bin Trim (also in NSW) was being applied for by an up-and-coming Byron Bay PP team. Let's hope the other areas of Australia start following suit!

It was a local waste management grant from a mob called re think waste. I'm currently in discussions with rotary hopefully they'll be donating a 30ft bus that will then be fitted with machines and sent around schools to teach the value of recycling

11:58 AM

Been thinking McDonald's do community grants on a local and nation wide basis might be worth applying for some of them. Would really help with there image at the moment would be a good thing to get behind.

That would be amazing to see! The Magic Toolbus (on instagram) might be able to give you some inspiration as well on the bus side of the things. Which part of Tas are you operating from?

I work for a mob called envision we run work for the dole I float around the sites here but mostly based in launceston have a site in Burnie and devonport and maybe be expanding again soon

What is the Australian counterpart for the extruder barrel? The first one I made cost me a fortune because I had to get it made at a machine shop. Also looking for a second extrusion screw in Australia hopefully to cut the cost a bit any ideas?

@VisualScientist , what diameters you need ? you can try looking up 'precision pipe' or 'seamless precision pipe' . india and china produce this cheap. here in europe it's around 40 - 80 Euro on ebay. machining one in a normal machine shop is insane crazy; i tried this recently and it requires very custom made tooling in top of high grade reamers - making those reamer extensions can take 1-2 days - but yet - never again

10:11 AM

I think @More Than Ten Cents knows shops in AU

Visual Scientist, my fabricator just uses seamless pipe for the extruder barrel, it is inexpensive. Our next version is machined to match the compression screw and but these are expensive.

10:35 AM

If you need help finding local fabricators, give me a call, I may be able to help :)

Yeah I'm after one to handle compression screw this time around I'll have a better look when I get to work today. Has anyone done very much work with abs? I've had an offer to swap raw plastic bottle tops for brand new abs granuals

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Who is making your screw? They should be able to make the barrel to match.

No one yet! Ive been trying to find a local too make it for me but one of jobs are dear has anyone brought one before? What did you pay for it? Or what did it cost you too make

Sorry I misunderstood, thought you already had one, looking to make a second? I had lots of drama getting them locally, the guys here have the machinery but not the software (yet, its lots of $$$ but they are setting it up) so we had to go OS for them for now.

Oh sorry I have one but it was before my time I'm not sure where it came from

We order in bulk, costs around $380 US for a screw, no price on the next version yet

10:29 PM

Im out of stock now but will place another order in November for December delivery

10:30 PM

I sell them retail for $900 aud.

@More Than Ten Cents , after doing 20+ (20 hours each, followed by extra treating service) screws myself on a manual : it's better to buy them just. it requires quite some machinery to get those right. Here a short video about - they have a long version too - worth every second to watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7q5Rph6DZA

Glycon Corp.

How Is a Feed Screw Made? Complete Process for Screw Manufacturing...

12:04 PM

China & India vendors however do them according to your spec and from what I've learned, doing custom screws greatly benefits your setup

@VisualScientist I did some work with ABS from a 3D printing side. It's a smelly plastic and there are some concerns about its VOCs, but it's a good, strong plastic with a lot of uses. Sturdy, a little bit of flexibility and fairly good heat stability. (edited)

Great to hear @Sidequest Co , Out of interest what was the original ABS products that you recycled? One huge interest of mine is stopping metal scrappers from sending all the ABS plastic from tvs monitors etc. to landfill although the issue with those is (apparently) the flame retardant they include in the ABS so I always get excited when I here of people using ABS as a material

Ah sorry, I haven't recycled ABS - I was using ABS filament in a 3D printer. In that sense the ABS I was working with was intended to be remelted (by the printer). If metal scrappers are concerned about the flame retardant being added, it could be worth finding out what the concern was. eg: health or visual or mechanical.

2:15 AM

(I'm new to PP and using the machines as they are installed in my local state library)

the concern tend to be all of the above as not knowing which flame retardant was used can have unknown health consequences, the fact that by design makes it resistant to flame also changes the melting temps in varying ways making it harder to melt consistently to produce a consistent finish on a product.

That would make it hard. I'm guessing if you had a reliable source (eg: only sony TVs) you could find out over time, but realistically I'm guessing your ABS would be different every day? It's derived from petrol too, so it's going to be on earth for a long long time ...

3:18 AM

Could that be a case where the "mix everything together, add cooking oil & sand, get sludge, make road bricks" would work? I've only seen it in a video set in SE Asia, but it looked like a way to avoid sorting & cleaning plastic.

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It works!

4:17 AM

@Sidequest Co forum post here where i talked about the process https://davehakkens.nl/community/forums/topic/off-grid-plastic-recycler-trash-incinerator/#post-149123 (edited)

Guda

Off grid plastic recycler / trash incinerator - Dave Hakkens

Hello, I want to build a machine that uses burnable garbage to help supply energy to melt plastic & Styrofoam into blocks &/or pavers. I want to be able to use all kinds of plastic, - Dave Hakkens

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Interesting. What's the strength like? Plastic tends to get brittle if not dried before re-melting, but I wonder whether bulk products have that issue

Not brittle but the surface is "soft" you can hand turn a wood screw into the surface I'll be playing with the ratios trying to get a stronger surface

Small world visualscientist haha, hello follow Aussies, A while ago I brought a desktop extrusion machine to make my own 3D filament, however after hitting some big stops and other stuff we were unable to use it for the reason we wanted to. My question is to anyone that can help, do you think I could change the screw in this and use this machine to extrude beams just like the PP extrusion machine? I've been talking in extrusion forum and think it might be doable, Does anyone make the screws or know where to get them in Aus?

10:25 PM

@More Than Ten Cents will have a better idea on machine modification and where to get the screw

Perfect, I have talked with him a few times about other things and he has been super helpful. A while ago they were talking about it in here and the screws by the looks of it. I will pull it apart today and get the dimensions for the screw and that so I know what I need to order. Thanks Adz.

@Zero Plastics Australia where abouts in Australia are you?

Just in Ballarat, Victoria. What about you mate?

Ooh, 3D filament. Colour me interested! I always thoughts those machines were quite small (eg: to make 1.75mm filament you probably don't need a 50mm diameter of extruded plastic) but I've never seen one in person. Was it the filabot?

Yeah filafab pro 350 used it for about a week in total.

@Zero Plastics Australia I'm doing much the same. I've got a filastruder, just need to figure out getting the shredder to break down the plastic fine enough, as well as clean the plastic

I used an old blender and it did the trick.

Yeah I tried that today with a cheap one like a nutra bullet didn't work too well very very loud and could only process small amounts I currently do alot of work with hdpe and ldpe from bottle caps and could only process 5 at a time

9:27 AM

Was almost quicker too attack them with a pair of scissors

Yeah takes me 15min to blend up 600grams (1 sheet worth of lids) with mine. But the blades need sharpening

2:22 AM

Can I have some electrical help from us here in Australia I've got around 230v going in but only getting 2.2v output I'm really confused on the point of the ssr it wants

2:22 AM

Firstly, i'm not an electrician, any information I give is probably liable to cause death and or dismemberment for which I take no responsibility for etc. etc. etc. However, on the DC side what voltage are you putting in, I have seen people trying to use the 3V from computer power supplies which was not enough for the device to work, although switching to the 5v worked fine. Other than that i'll throw up my thoughts on wiring for you to compare on how you have yours wired.

How is 5v supplying enough power to the heat bands to get hot? Shouldn't this all be done at 220-240v

The DC power side is not actually providing any power to the bands. The SSR is a bit like a light switch or a switch on a power point. Those two are both mechanical examples where you turn them on or off by physically opening or closing the circuit by moving the switch, whereas in the case of the SSR it uses either the presence or lack of DC power to either allow the 240V AC current to flow through the active line or not. So in other words you would have a controller (for example an Arduino) that is monitoring an input (for example a temperature probe) and that would have rules set up so that when the input hits a certain level (eg. temp getting too hot) it will not send an output signal (just meaning it doesn't put DC voltage through the output to the ssr), or when the input is under a certain level (eg. temp is not hot enough) it does send the output signal (puts DC Volts through the output). As the SSR is either ON or OFF, the controller determines how complex things will be, above was a very simplistic on/off, although the controller rules could be quite a bit more complex where it only allows the switch on or off after certain minimum times or a minimum temperature drop or increase. If I am just causing more confusion than sense I can certainly try work through what you are trying to achieve specifically if you want if you let me know what equipment you are trying to connect together.

No that helps thanks

@VisualScientist : https://raw.githubusercontent.com/plastic-hub/firmware/master/documentation/Injection-Wiring.png

11:34 AM

terminal 1 : 220V input, terminal 2 : 220V output (so the relay toggles the flow between the both) | terminal 3 : PID control - Positive | terminal 4 : PID control Negative. Please ensure good connections with crimps but better weld the wire on the crimp as well

11:35 AM

so, terminal 2 will provide the second line to you heatband , the other one is wired directly on the mains - kind of (edited)

and here again for the creepy crappy Rexc100 : https://raw.githubusercontent.com/plastic-hub/firmware/master/documentation/Injection-Wiring-RexC1002.png

12:01 PM

@VisualScientist : you may also run the auto-tune routine on the RexC100 ; it's just improving holding temp. and so you still have overshooting but still better to waste energy for nothing ....

12:01 PM

You're welcome :-)))

We just had some of our bowls launched in the flagship store of a major fashion label (Country Road) for recycle week. This is hopefully the beginning of major brands promoting the circular economy.

1:09 PM

very nice congratulations

Well done, what do you have written on the paper in the bowls?

1

Dude that's amazing, ❤

9:34 PM

Did you have any problems or complaints about BPAs with using food in your bowls. I'm from Victoria and it stopped me in my tracks with the laws we have here. You should be stoked at what you have done here this is amazing for Australia. I wish you all the best with this.

Great work @Bauple

Hello. Please supply links to the above on the forum and/or social media. I would like to show the folks in South Africa, where Breadtags For Wheelchairs started. (They're not on Discord much.) EDIT: Okay, never mind. Found it. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=546568682798094&id=299478880840410 https://m.countryroad.com.au/livewithus/remade-in-robe-from-bread-tags-to-bowls.html (edited)

Hey guys I've got a stainless extrusion barrel 26.4mm 3.3mm thick wall is this gonna be able to do the job?

@VisualScientist it should work but it needs to be seamless. if you look on the inside and you see a seam it will blow out under pressure

@Zero Plastics Australia I have the bowls currently being tested for BPA and Phthalates by the Uni SA as well as Country Road doing their own testing. I get the results in the next few weeks. As far as my chemistry tells me they should be foodsafe and microwave safe but the testing will confirm (or deny) this.

Fingers crossed mate I think it will be. Good luck.

Can bowls theoretically be sold with some kind of warning label about food safety? I automatically assume that since I can't control the manufacturing of the base material, I can never guarantee food safety, on a large scale. I've been thinking about using a "Not food safe" branding coin, like the PP branding coins used to mark the products. Because adhesive labels will go missing.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/598888903994376201/610911722974216193/IMG_20190243_033512.png As an example, I'm trying to sell a shipment of these horn bowls, in South Africa. Very plastic-like, once they are polished and/or lacquered, but ultimately an organic material (basically keratin), that is not food safe. But people buy them for display purposes.

Yeah I think for legal reasons that a stamp/mark would be a safe bet.

Hello Everyone ! My team and I would love to have your opinion on some projects around Precious Plastic's machines ! Do you have a minute ?

https://forms.gle/JDcZDc4gi7rNvQWV7

How about a new feature on your machines ?

Polyloop, a young team of 6 engineering students, highly motivated to make improvements in people's daily lives by recycling more effectively ! As Precious Plastic members, we are going to need your precious help :)

Where are you guys based in?

Hey guys looking to start a team in st kilda Melbourne. Anyone from the same area? :)

V4 Rocks !!! anyone had a look yet

12:21 PM

?

Did you get a chance to have a glimpse of it??

12:22 PM

@protohub

No I was wondering if anyone had a look yet Im super excited and cant wait Thats what I meant by V4 rocks

V4 drops at 2am Sydney time, original countdown was off

Thanks I was wondering when it was going to hit our shores

@dbutler hi David. Do you know how I can get involved in Melbourne CBD area?

@Qure Plastics in st kilda

1

Looks like we have a few teams down in the Melb area - @protohub @Qure Plastics and im in Ballarat, with us being so close I'm sure we can really get this going down this end of the world. Thoughts? Others?

Maybe some interested ppl in my office, already tinkering with 3D printing

I want to sell my prusa m2 i3 but don't know the best place to start or how much I should charge.

@Zero Plastics Australia @Qure Plastics.This is a great idea I'm up for it. I think maybe a meetup of sorts where by we can exchange info and techniques etc. (edited)

4:33 AM

@Gene I run a workspace if you want to come down and have a look. We are open to the community.

4:35 AM

@Zero Plastics Australia In regards to your prusa go onto meetup and find the 3d printing groups and then offer your machine to them. (edited)

Thanks mate will do, hopefully going to use the coin from that for my injection machines

Let me know if I can help in sourcing stuff I have gone through the process and have some suppliers or can find some stuff cheap if that helps. just send me a list via email and I will have a crack at it for you.

I am in Melbourne. We teach with the PP equipment at Templestowe college. We have an injector, extruder and granulator.

hi

I'm in Newcastle and currently investigating the cost of getting one of each machine built here to start making a difference

we did it for fairly cheap. The injector was around $300, the extruder was about $700 and the granulator was bought at auction for $400. I am working on pricing the sheet press now, but I don't know if we will have the space for it

that's promising

I expect mine to be a bit more expensive as I'm having a fabricator quote them (metal work isn't my skillset) but still hoping they come in < $1000 per machine

It will be pricey to have them built.

if it's too pricey i'll look for alternatives

Hi Folks, is anyone around from Northern Rivers/Byron area?plssss

Hi @thrax We might be able to help you with fabrication. I run a team of students based at the University of Wollongong. DM me what machines you're looking to build, and we can discuss quotes and construction

1 of each mate, at this stage

2:17 AM

im at the very first step of exploring options and costs

Being shredder, injection, and extrusion?

2:18 AM

And are they the pro machines or the original ones?

https://preciousplastic.com/solutions/machines/basic.html

Precious Plastic Basic Machines

The Basic machines are perfect to get started into plastic recycling and create educational workshops. These are the Shredder, Extrusion, Injection and Compression machine.

2:19 AM

just basic to start I beleive

2:19 AM

though i hadn't seen pro until now

2:19 AM

id still only start with basic

Sure, I'll chat to my team and discuss getting some quotes for you

thanks mate, much appreciated

@lcdm Can I get a quote as well I get asked for machines all the time and don't have the time to build them as I run the workspace and I'm flat out with our members and workspace stuff (edited)

@protohub sure, I'll send all the quotes through on here for both you and @thrax. It will be a couple of weeks at least before I can get quotes as my team will be heavily focused on building our V4 shredder so we can progress with other areas (collection, extrusion, community outreach etc.)

8:50 AM

@protohub where are you based?

@Elsee I'm based in Melbourne Brunswick, no rush. Let us know how you go with the build and any insights you can share.

Will do

Hello Australian PP community!! My name is Michael (from Melbourne) and I worked on developing the V4 sheetpress. After some investigation - I’ve discovered that we cannot locally acquire the RHS section sizes in which we designed the machine. That’s why I’ve revised the sheetpress CAD, drawings and laser files from the download kit specifically to suit what’s available here. Let’s make some sheets!!! Link to download Australian drawings and laser-cut files: https://www.dropbox.com/s/59lr06pq65c59md/Sheetpress%20AUSTRALIA.zip?dl=0

Sheetpress AUSTRALIA.zip

Shared with Dropbox

2

5

1

Awesome work Michael, really appreciate the effort you've gone to with V4, and I see the grind never needs for some!!

@michael_makes_ thank you so much.

Nice work! We will be making one in Templestowe this year. I was going to reach out to a local water jet companycto get the sheet metal cut in the next few weeks.

@michael_makes_ Thanks Michael give us yell when you get back from the US.

Is Michael in the US?

Hey Folks, Just wondering if anyone here is based Northern Rivers area? Lismore, Byron, Mullumbynbi area?

Hi Y'all - sorry if this is a noob question - I can't find any info on what gizmos are used to control the shredder motor. I have a single phase 2.2kw motor and want to be able to reverse if needed to unclog the shredder. I have 3 way switch and emergency stop button but realise there's more to the puzzle. Daves video on building the shredder just glosses over "...all the electronics are inside this plastic oil bottle..." and isn't helpful at all... thanks for any advice.

Hello from Canada

@JustinKerr I bumped into a similar situation. You will probably need a Variable Frequency Drive or some sort of control board. I bought mine on Amazon/wish but my problem is I need to convert single phase 120vac to 3phase 220vac, just need to be careful which one you buy. They are fairly inexpensive comparative to the cost of a new or even used motor.

Thanks for the reply

@michael_makes_ thanks. That is so good for us Australian machine makers. I am not building a full workshop space where I will have 4 x compression, 1 x injection, 2 x extruders and now a sheet press

1

@lcdm Im not sure if Micheal has gone yet or was thinking of going. I might have spoken out of context and apologise to @michael_makes_ If i was not supposed to divulge any of that information.

@protohub No dramas! For anyone who’s interested ( @Elsee ) I’ll be spending some time in the US further developing plastic recycling machines

4

Hiya. Does anyone know if the machines (namely the compression, extrusion, injection and shredder) comply with any standards? AS, AS/NZS, EN, ISO? Cheers

@VivMcDaugherty I dont think they do. You have to bring them upto standard and add the features that is needed for the standards. Are there any standards in particular you refering to?

interesting topic - we'd like to know more about since customers keep asking this and as far we figured - there should be at least the ISO9001:2001 - 2015 in place : https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html. ISO 9001:2001 is also the most adopted certificate by vendors on Alibaba. PP wise, this might be an expensive and lengthy process for a company as far I remember from our time in companies. In top you have then local standards, and another bunch of specific certificates per application (schools). Would be great to have a map or guide for all this.

@Elsee how did you go with those quotes mate?

@protohub sure, I'll send all the quotes through on here for both you and @thrax. It will be a couple of weeks at least before I can get quotes as my team will be heavily focused on building our V4 shredder so we can progress with other areas (collection, extrusion, community outreach etc.)

^ From my last message, we're hauling ass right now, I'll try and get the first quote by the end of next week (most likely the shredder)

3:26 AM

We're also making a modified dual axle shredder that's smaller size, I'll send through more info as we progress with it

no worries

Hi all, has anyone tried using a wood cutter or mulcher to shred plastic? Some of these second hand machines seem cheap which would give people more funds to build heat press, extruders etc

I think the chips would be to large to run through the machine. I have bought 2 industrial granulators from Grey's online for under $1000 each. If you have some time to scroll through their auctions it is a good way to get a granulator.

@tburr how do the granulators go? Worth the money? Or think a shredder is still best?

@tburr Heidelberg General Engineering(HGE) in Thomastown do water/laser cutting also (edited)

We have students using the granulator, so I was not comfortable with them using the PP shredder. They work incredibly well

3:47 AM

I will keep HGE in mind. They are 2 minutes from my house

We use them alot at work, And they were fairly reasonable priced when I got a little personal job done

@More Than Ten Cents do you have any v3 screws and barrels left?

Ho all, has anyone used brass for the hex shaft? I'm having trouble finding steel or stainless

Brass is composed primarily of copper, that's too soft for a shaft

10:13 PM

it will twist in no time

@VisualScientist I may have a V3 screw and barrel I can part with.

I think the chips would be to large to run through the machine. I have bought 2 industrial granulators from Grey's online for under $1000 each. If you have some time to scroll through their auctions it is a good way to get a granulator.

@tburr I've heard people suggest getting granulators off of Grays but I never find any on there.

You have to check on Tuesday s after they add auction items. It can take a month or so, but they will eventually come up.

@0502 dm me

@protohub done

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) I've just picked up my second granulator from ebay $350 it runs amazingly really nice unit runs well! well.... its a good machine now i've built a new hopper before the thing would shoot plastic bottle lids at you as you put them in the machine.

Can you show me the type you got?

1:53 AM

@VisualScientist can you show me the type you got?

Damn. Nice and compact too. Nice find.

3 phase plug or 30A single?. Nvm its 3. (edited)

Guys, hello everyone from Russia. I want to ask those who are constantly involved in plastic processing (sorry for directness and pragmatism): "Can you tell us about the financial side of your business? What products from PLASTIC have the main profit? Who are the customers?"

@ilia_frolov Do you think you could stop spamming every channel with this message? There has to be one appropriate venue for it. Perhaps #deleted-channel

@Steve Soldwedel - Bronx sorry, man. I'm bad gay

8:33 PM

In Australia all so aggressive? @Steve Soldwedel - Bronx

G'Day all, just wanted to pop in and say hi, loving the forum and the new PPU, we have been ticking away in the background for a while, planning, mind mapping, building and communicating. We have been busy identifying problem areas and solutions (ongoing) based around recycling and sustainability for Victoria primarily but Aus wide is the over all focus. We are in the process of setting up a purpose built maker space to handle the processing of several recyclable materials into new products and obviously a focus on plastic. We have a V3 extruder running and half way through the V4 Shredder (2-3 weeks away). Our facility should be open some time in April, so I just wanted to give a shout out to say we are here and keen to make a difference.

1:40 AM

@ilia_frolov I would suggest if your primary goal/attitude is to make profit from the PPU I would suggest you are starting out wrong. I also feel there is no direct and comprehensive answer to your question. Spend some time to identify your local markets and needs. Russia is a very different climate and life style to most places.

Not sure how out and about in the community this is, only a few days left but have your say. http://zerowastevictoria.org/2020/01/07/federal-government-public-submissions-rethink-waste-recycling/

Kirsty Bishop-Fox

The Federal Government is calling for public submissions so Austra...

Sad that my timeline and where I'm upto in research and business case etc don't line up for that submission.

2:24 AM

but even sadder that it's been open for 3 months and only 4 submission have gone in

@thrax Yeah was only brought to my attention today by @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) It's disappointing how our Gov conveniently does not readily promote things like this.

absolutely

@NoMorePlastic oh hi Mat!

2:24 PM

There's also a Plastic recycling Conf in Canberra in March.

2:25 PM

And the Vic government is overdue on it's small recycling grants I think.

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) Victoria's circular economy policy is also now 3 months over due (apparently the reason for the hold up on their decision making and grant allocating), hope we see some movement from the Gov this year.

I've heard anecdotally that it'll take quite a long time. Because it's simply way more difficult than they thought.

12:29 AM

Also I should mention, I've made a few more fairly interesting connections. I should let you know about them when I have time.

is there a list of au people who manufacture shredders? only found one so far

@ninja Apart for more than ten cents with the basic line, I don't think anyone is manufacturing any of the PP machines. There are a few companies making industrial grade shredders but they start around $30K

5:00 AM

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) does not surprise me, shame they have shut the whole support system down while they generate it.

@ninja try @CartlinRecycling for prices on machines. We are too busy at the moment with our orders that we had to stop making machines and focus on the workspace and members.

cool, do you have a website?

6:00 AM

im not ready to buy a machine right now, just looking into it. the more than ten cents site had a full machine at 4700 + gst which is a bit much for me

@ninja It's still under construction looking at getting it up and running in about a month. (edited)

6:32 AM

@ninja the more than ten cents guys are right with the price it costs a lot in materials and time, unless you want to build it yourself the labour part will save you money.

Since you're not in a rush, I might as well pipe in.

7:34 AM

I'm developing and documenting a pipeline (slowly alongside other projects) to build the tooling for, and create a shredder for far less than $4,700. That is; you'd end up with a shredder, welder, CNC plasma cutter, 3D printer and more for that total. And have the ability to keep making more.

7:34 AM

But there's a LOT of labour and learning required.

@ninja we picked up a brand new industrial granulator from a place in Dandenong

12679-0318.pdf

220.87 KB

7:37 AM

Attached is the quote

3kw!!!

Also if anyone in Melbourne wants to get started with injecting instead of shredding I can supply you with enough plastic to get you going.

Have you spoken to @NoMorePlastic about that?

No. Note yet, but the offer stands if they are keen.

They have an extruder but no shredder right now.

7:42 AM

Sorry; I believe they have a shredder but their planned facility with 3 phase is not available yet.

yeah i have no idea about pricing but i understand labour costs and selling them as a business

Ahh. Well if @NoMorePlastic is keen the offer stands

i'm interested in something very small, to handle my relatively small volume of acrylic scraps

I would suggest looking at DIY scale stuff then. Try to find a super heavy duty office paper shredder.

i was thinking something like a smaller shredder and some kind of gear or differential system that can hooked up to a regular bike

Acrylic is a pain. We create a ton of waste acrylic from laser cutting and right now it just get out in a pile

because the shredder itself isn't too expensive

7:45 AM

have you tried shredding it?

7:45 AM

do you mean pain as in difficult to shred?

There's a group in Germany that made a PP shredder out of a bike.

i've seen 2 bike based shredders so far

No, have not tried to shred it. The melting point is the pain

neither of them fit what im imagining. one had no gearing (thus no torque) and the other was huge

7:46 AM

havent even looked into whether shredded acrylic is even useful

7:46 AM

maybe more of a decorative thing, to be used with a resin

Kind of low melting point?

there's also the matter of removing the paper/plastic film... quite annoying

The melting point for acrylic is higher then most plastics, that is why it is not commonly recycled

Ohhh I was looking at the TG.

google says 160C but i imagine it's not easy

7:53 AM

for some reason

7:53 AM

maybe because no one has the time to painstakingly peel film off

I don't know if that is correct

Google's misinformed. Some PMMA begins to soften at 160c.

7:53 AM

But I've definitely printed it at under 300c.

oh yeah i watched this video a while ago, guy uses and over and hydraulic press https://youtu.be/9kLUnlSEMa4 (edited)

Leif_Maginnis

Recycling acrylic scrap using an oven and a hydraulic press

I have seen that as well. Need to add that to "to build" list

would be so cool, theres SO much acrylic wastage

It would. I may see if any of the systems engineering students would be keen to take it on

would be cool...... lots of interesting angles when it comes to pressing

Sorry guys was busy off site machine building yesterday. Discovered our compression screw was not true and need some help, and assembly work begun on our V4 shredder. I tell you this thing is going to be a tank! @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) thanks for the shout out. @tburr we would be quiet interested in obtaining some shredded plastic, lack of this resource for product testing has set us back several months and is what has led to the construction of our machines. What types of plastic do you have to offer?

No worries Mat. Gotta connect those dots.

1

@NoMorePlastic I have contaminated white PE and a verity of clean PP. You are welcome to come by and pick up a few kg. I will be on site Monday and Tuesday next week.

@tburr great sounds like a plan, i'll dm you for details. Thanks.

Hi all, just stepping back in, we went quiet for a while due to some family tragedy but we are still building macines. V4 PRO is now being setup, should be ready for production by March 1st

1:22 AM

Pricing is scary though, double the price of V2 .. trying to trim it down but there isnt a lot to trim!

These are open source designs. This is generally the trajectory. Prices rise as features improve, and once the feature set is desired enough, design simplifications and improvements result in reductions in cost.

1:48 AM

I remember when Reprap 3D printer kits cost similar amounts to these new shredders. I paid $2,500usd for my first. It would be worth $250 now.

Hello everyone. I am brand new here and a novice in every way. Just looking to see how I can get involved. Anyone have any suggestions?

@kelly pellas In your local city or town find a group and start doing a project with them. That way you can get a feel for what its like.

1

@kelly check out preciousplasticAustralia.com for spaces in your area (edited)

@More Than Ten Cents Will do! Thanks!

We are at assembly stage of the V4 Pro shredder, we do not have the total final cost yet as there may need to be some adjustments as with all these machines but at this stage its looking to be around $5000 - $5500. Once completed and operational I will share our suppliers list and total costs. Our basic extruder version came in at around $2800

12:49 AM

@kelly pellas we are working on a cool program that needs more minds and hands if you are in Melbourne. Also look at the map on the PP site its a little more up to date as it slowly repopulates, also here is the old map that may also be useful. New map https://community.preciousplastic.com/map#defy-design- old map https://oldmap.preciousplastic.com/

@NoMorePlastic - Thanks! I am in Melbourne. How can I help? I have been emailing @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) , I believe... after getting his details from the map . I’ll check out the old map as well. Are you building the shredder yourself?

3:54 AM

@NoMorePlastic wow. The old map seems to have a lot more participants? What’s the difference?

@kelly pellas the old map is a few years old and it seems plenty of people on there are no longer active. The new map only launched a couple of weeks ago so it will take a while for people to add them selves to it but it will be more currently active people. Plus there are several new categories on the new map allowing different types of operations to be shared and developed. Direct message me and Ill give you a rundown on some of what we are working on. Yes we are building our own machines.

1

@kelly pellas Hi again Kelly. Would you mind if I replied to the contents of your email here?

5:02 AM

I can instead reply by email if you'd prefer.

@NoMorePlastic - don’t mind at all if you reply here.

Ok! So you were asking about things you could do domestically, to be more active in recycling, and this is an area I'm kind of passionate about. But I'm also acting in possibly an eccentric fashion, so take it with a grain of salt. I have ceased putting out a recycling bin for my apartment building. I sort the materials on site, into a variety of categories.

5:07 AM

I am attempting to document a mix of simple ways to utilise those materials in what you could call cottage industries.

5:09 AM

My relationship to Precious Plastics is as I think I mentioned quite peripheral. It is one of the methods I am documenting, which is more on the serious small commercial / large community org side.

1

5:10 AM

You can start making things out of sorted plastic with common household appliances; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6ydNxqHhOE

Construct Icon

HDPE Carvers Mallet

1

5:14 AM

This page describes most of my experiments; https://recyclopaedia.org.au/wiki/The_Avenue And the website itself is my primary project at the moment. One that I am planning to recruit editors for this month, and launch to the public in March.

The Avenue

Wow!! @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) ! That’s fantastic. What I would love to do is set up an environmental club at my kids’ school where we work to raise awareness about ways to recycle/reuse, similar to what you’ve done but on a much, much smaller scale. What you’ve done is inspiring. I’ll spend some time reading through the links you provided. Also, I might be able to help you with your website. I have some experience with HTML and CSS, and Wordpress... and editing for that matter.

The site is built on MediaWiki which is another CMS, like Wordpress.

6:01 AM

One suggestion that I'd make immediately for a environmental club at school. If you can identify the common plastics in kids lunches, you could provide separate bins for those plastics. Such as PET, and HDPE.

6:02 AM

A lot of schools were already collecting HDPE lids for the Lids4kids program, but they've stopped accepting them.

I saw a poster yesterday at my kids school about lids for making prosthetic hands, I think. For the last four years, my kids have gone to a distance education school, so I am a bit out of touch but looking around campus yesterday I saw mostly plastic bottles and chip bags on the ground.

You could also see about getting a RedCycle bin for the school for plastic bags.

I saw on the page you shared that that’s how you recycle plastic bags. Do you envision a problem with Woolies/Coles being unwilling to accept such a large quantity? Do you know if there is a program for collection or is it just a matter of finding a red bin and making it happen?

No; it's just the logistics of it.

6:21 AM

I believe RedCycle will accept approaches to add new locations to their system. If you're comfortable carrying all the bags from one location to another on a regular basis though, you could do your own bin.

6:22 AM

I could be misinformed, but I thought some schools already had official Redcycle bins.

True to form, I drive a Prius so not heaps of space for my own transport, but for one school, I could make it work, I think.

Another issue you might run into is the space in the bin at your local supermarket. Occassionally they are too full even for my apartment waste.

6:25 AM

But you'll figure that out.

It looks like redcycle doesn’t offer their service to schools for logistical reasons as you noted. Their bins are quite unique in that they are just a frame with a huge bag, right? That would be ideal as trying to get the contents out of a bin would be a comedy. Could possibly time the drop offs for just after redcycle makes their collection.

Ah, I didn’t read far enough, but there are schools doing their own program!!’

1

Hi Australia! We are a community machine shop in Queensland. We helped build a shredder 2 years ago, and right now I'm restoring an injection moulding machine. We can help with some of the more complex machining tasks and design molds too.

@Sunshine Coast Maker Space welcome, good to see you here.

Yay!! More builders! Welcome @Sunshine Coast Maker Space from Darwin Makers Space!

@Sunshine Coast Maker Space do you have a price for the v4 pro machines and an injection machine?

@Zero Plastics Australia not yet, but I can give uou a quote. Do you need a specific part, or entire machine. Do you want a kit you can assemble?

I am after an injection machine first off, the less I need to put together but also understand due to postage.

@Zero Plastics Australia can you email me at info@scmakerspace.com.au and I'll organise a quote for you this week.

@Sunshine Coast Maker Space thanks mate will do.

@VisualScientist not in stock, I have another order in but they take about a month to make

9:30 AM

@Zero Plastics Australia "him" is a "her"

What's up everyone. This the Ariq from Precious Plastic Monash. We're currently sourcing materials for the V4 sheet press and shredder. We're pretty close to getting a detailed quote for the sheet press. Anyone else planning to build one soon

We are planning to build on at Templestowe College, but we may build a half size one

What bed size @Qure Plastics

That's our next project once we are in our work space. Going to tweek the design a little as well.

@Qure Plastics hi Ariq. You and I met at the Maker Faire. What stage are you at for the shredder?

2:28 PM

There's a current project by PP BCN to make a much more cost effective v4 shredder.

@a ♹'r we're planning on making the standard one on the PP website. Though we might make it pneumatic. @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) currently sourcing materials and getting quotes to put fwd to the uni. Don't worry I definitely rmb you

@NoMorePlastic hoping to speak to you soon. Let's make it happen

@tburr half of the one on the PP website?

Also anyone have suggestions of where we can get a motor for the shredder at a reasonable cost. And also laser cutting places.

@Qure Plastics we would build a half size sheet press. And for a motor try https://www.melbournemachinery.com.au/right-angle-1-5kw-geared/70rpm.html

@Qure Plastics we have a motor but it’s at the bottom end of the suggested power. Decided to try and locate a bigger one. Maybe a two buy may save us both a little of $$

@NoMorePlastic gotta start somewhere I guess. Any ideas of where we can source a second hand one....

So, a couple of points. I think that it's not impossible to run two motors on the v4 shredder, if you can find two weaker motors, say in recycled household appliances.

2:16 AM

Also; stall detection will reduce your need for a heavier motor.

2:17 AM

Oh and number 3. Another way to avoid using a bigger motor is to install a fly wheel.

2:17 AM

Second hand motors are usually from scrappers. There are scrappers who specifically take motors. Usually paying by the kg. I'd suggest looking around for that.

@Qure Plastics hey Ariq dm me the files and I can get you some quotes if you want? (laser cutting) (edited)

6:10 AM

@Qure Plastics try these guys for a motor http://www.electricmotorrepairs-srp.com.au/

Electric Motor Repairs, Servicing and Rewinding. New & Used Electr...

JGE is Melbourne's Electric Motor Repair specialist. We have over 50 years experience in Electric Motor Repairs, Rewinding, Servicing and New & Used Sales

Hello, I´m looking for some experiences on sale strategies of the shredded material. anyone available to talk?

@Precious Platic - The Gambia#5458 are you from The Gambia, Africa?

1:26 PM

If so you may be able to request a channel for your country in the Feedback channel.

I've been working on a version of the Injection machine that is easy to ship & assemble. It has laser cut parts that are bolted together, and is designed to suit readily available materials in Australia. Once I have everything complete I'll list it on the Bazaar for sale in Australia.

1

2

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) I think whatever we end up doing it'll have to quite well finished since it'll live at the uni for the seeable future

12:51 AM

@protohub thanks I'll check the place out. If you could share some laser places it'll be easier for us to follow up on it ourselves

12:52 AM

@protohub also what's your plan with V4 I'd be interested to know

@Qure Plastics Hi Ariq, we used Alliance Laser in Cambellfield, very happy with service and price.

I'm sure I've mentioned before, but the Engineers club I'm in recommended Ultimate Laser to me a few times.

4:27 AM

They'll want a pre-packed CAD file.

@NoMorePlastic yeh just got a quote quite reasonable just a bit of a drive from Monash but all good

@Qure Plastics yeah location sucks. I have family that side so worked out ok.

Hey guys, I'm new to the precious plastic community but I'm hoping to start building my own injection machine in the next few weeks. I have noticed there is another member on the community map quite close to me and I was hoping to get in touch with them, is their any way of getting a contact email or phone number through the community?

You can message people on the map and ask as far as I'm aware.

12:53 PM

Actually; maybe you can't anymore. It used to be possible, but I've had two people contact me through my website which is linked on my pin.

@Qure Plastics @NoMorePlastic We use Alliance laser and since we have dealt with them many of times I have files there so that they have an easy repository of all the pp files. I have done the research and found them to be the best in service and price across all of Melbourne. So what I do now is chat to them and refer to a particular file for ease of locating said project. Thats why I wanted the files so I could set this up for anyone to access.

2

https://environment.au.citizenspace.com/environment-protection/national-plastics-summit-2020-survey/ - the government is having an invite only plastics summit in early march, and has a survey up if you're interested in giving them your 2c.

National Plastics Summit 2020 survey

Austr...

This site contains consultations that are run by Australian Government Department of the Environment.

hi guys, is anyone here currently running a business (non-profit or profit) using the Precious Plastic machines or related designs? I'd love to have a private chat about it and get some real-world practical knowledge about what others are doing

hi.@thrax im planning to run a machine shop in china.I need practical knowledge too.

If I find out anything useful I'll give you a shout

4:27 AM

Specifically I'm interested in seeing if anyone is making enough money to operate any sort of plastic recycling operation (whether it be profitable through product sales or making enough for a few people to do it full-time as a not-for-profit).

thank you

@thrax @ShrednMelt_Xu the idea of using recycled plastic is not new and commercial versions of the machines have been around for decades. PP has just made it affordable to the individual person and building a community to collaborate. As for a small operations its probably to early still to see if the community accepts consumer level recycled plastic items. There are a few examples within PP but I would say they are not self sustaining yet. There is definitely a market for shredded and pelletised plastic in bulk amounts. One company doing amazing things with recycled plastic here in Melbourne is Replas but they are a commercial enterprise with government contracts and have no affiliation with PP could give you some ideas though. Find a market and attack it, like anything make a good desirable product and it will sell, especially as the whole world is now switched onto waste reduction and control. The markets will grow, other than product development, we are working on an education program based around modified versions of the PP machines.

@NoMorePlastic thanks a lot for your infomation. Actully before i joined PP.I was machine manufacture. and i already made my own shredder for industrial use. the machine is not good enough ,less effient. they are still some machincal problem to be fixed.after watching PP's videos on youtube.im really spired.very educating. Ive download the open-source package. and learn a lot from the the opensource file(and also i revise a little bit).then i decide to build one. the shredder have big market here in china. not only plastic recycling. there are some other area need this machine ,like food industry.so im planning to set a machine workshop for this.and i also put a lots of thought on the business model of plastic recycling here in China.Ive talked with some people actually work in plastic recycling area.and try to figure a new business model.still working on it.

5:31 AM

here is my shrederr for industrial use

5:31 AM

1

I'm trying to work out a feasible model for Australia too

I want to use each machine and have a small-scale end to end workshop, but the numbers behind getting one off the ground don't even seem feasible

you mean the cost for building machine?

5:38 AM

iit depends

i do, specifically as someone that is not a designer or engineer etc, so everything has to be out-sourced

the pp machine i think it's inexpesive compare to commercial machine , you just need to send the drawings to your local manufacture. they will help you out i think.

@thrax yes it is cost prohibitive fro an out sourced view, we are mixed, some out sourced and some in house. Once completely set up we hope to produce most things in house. Where are you based?

I'm in Newcastle - getting the machines quoted to spec by local manufacturers is in progress, but the ones I've got so far are looking around $7K - $10K per machine (this is using a brand new motor etc)

i recommand to use second-hand reducer and motor.

Yeah sounds about right for the V4, labor costs kill it.

V4 shreder ?

7:07 AM

7:08 AM

laser cut the pieces,

7:09 AM

how much it will cost in Austrila?

7:09 AM

@NoMorePlastic

approximately $2000 AUD for the laser cut parts.

wow

7:15 AM

big money

yep lots of tax

what? tax?

7:16 AM

the government even tax on laser cut?!

Haha Ill be here all day explaining how much tax we pay by the time a product gets to the consumer. Yes every step of the way from digging the ore to laser cutting gets taxed

$2000 AUD include material and the labor costs ?

yes that is delivered.

hahahaha poor you

7:18 AM

we dont pay tax

well its not so bad the average hourly pay rate is $38ph

how about the whole shreder box? i mena include bearings , hexbar ect

7:21 AM

in china . average hourly pay rate is 25 RMB/h . about 5.3 AUD

all up for a complete shredder materials are looking like about $5500, no labor. We are still building it.

2000AUD what material? just steel?

Yes that is why most of the global manufacturing is now in China.

7:23 AM

A

2000AUD what material? just steel?

@ShrednMelt_Xu a hardened steel called hardox

chinese are cheap.

we are cheap. proud of being cheap.hahahahahha

1

7:24 AM

im using stainless steel

7:25 AM

to make the machine waterproof

stainless is too expensive here.

then you can wash it whenever you want.

7:25 AM

i thinks it's eco-friendly

7:26 AM

OK , I will build one. share with you guys.

7:27 AM

because of the conovirs

7:28 AM

we can not go outside to work now

7:29 AM

whats why i have time to kill online.

@NoMorePlastic i saw lots of news about the fire in australia . how about now?

7:39 AM

forest fire

Ill dm you. we are getting off topic.

ok , sorry... 0 0

@thrax hihi fellow newcastle person!

Hey @Deleted User! How goes it?

Is there much of a community there? I have a friend who spends some time up there who is involved in my recycling experiments.

9:02 AM

I'm from Melbourne; doing general recycling experimentation, over and above Precious Plastics specifically.

No idea @Mortar Art (Melb, AU), am an it/woodworker hermit. Social stuff is for other peoples

9:14 AM

@thrax damp mostly at the moment, got home from Tamworth this arvo and it rained most of the drive. Was great to see

I’m only just getting into it really, haven’t found much trace of a community yet!

10:24 AM

@Deleted User I’m an IT/gaming/family man hermit

hermits unite! separately!

No idea @Mortar Art (Melb, AU), am an it/woodworker hermit. Social stuff is for other peoples

@Deleted User ahhh, well he's a sculptor, but I can't say he's strictly a hermit.

11:20 AM

What kind of woodworking do you do?

mostly boxes and small stuff

11:43 AM

turning as well

11:43 AM

last18 months or so I've been looking after my parents so nothing much of anything has been made

Do you do much carving?

1

11:46 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg2A61R5XTw

Black Beard Projects

DIY HDPE Damascus Mallet

11:47 AM

There's heaps of recipes for this. Figure it's as good a reason as any to start sorting plastic.

Definitely would be less labour intensive with a shredder though.

not heaps no, but hdpe projects was one reason I was looking at shredders

12:00 PM

bugger cutting it up by hand, that sounds like too much actual work

hdpe? what is that

High density polyethylene.

ok, i see

12:06 PM

this bottle is HDPE

Yup! It's pretty common for containers / bottles.

12:27 PM

Not as common as PET.

im looking for some tools to get rid of the stickers on the bottle ,before i shred it. any suggestion?

Ohhh, that's more likely to be discussed in the plastic academy chat group.

12:30 PM

Or on the Precious Plastics forums.

ok.

@ShrednMelt_Xu if you need to get labels off soaking the plastic in nail polish and water works really well.

6:56 AM

Nail polish remover*

Hey guys, I've been keen to get involved in this kind of program, wondering if anyone is active in Perth WA?

@Enjay try the Margret River folk they are pretty active.

@protohub thanks ill look into it

1

Precious Plastic Perth also exist they're really good as well

Hi everyone, quick re-introduction: I am leading a team of about 20 students based on the University of Wollongong working towards building a plastic recycling initiative. A few weeks ago, I mentioned we were construction our new shredder, inspired heavily by Precious Plastic V4. We have our completed design, and we have made a number of changes compared to Precious Plastic design. One of my team members, @JShalala, redesigned it using his knowledge and expertise as a toolmaker. A couple of people here were interested in quotes for a shredder as we have the access to the resources necessary to construct it (@Zero Plastics Australia @MayorParched @protohub @thrax). We will be doing all the machining ourselves for our shredder, but we are looking at quotes for outsourcing this, so please don't expect these numbers to be final. Our current quotes sits at around $2500 just for the parts. This includes all the steel for the walls, blades and gears, bearings, hex bar, motor, and gearbox. We have designed it run off 240V single phase mains. Several other optional components are yet to be quoted such as top and bottom plates, polycarbonate hopper, frame, and of course the labour. Hope this helps people get a ball park figure for shredder costs, please don't hesitate to contact me on this channel or to DM me. Happy recycling!!

@Elsee Does it have the same capacity of running the pro machine in terms of throughput and strength to cut through thicker plastic?

9:04 AM

@Elsee will be there be some instructions on how to build or do we have to figure that out for ourselves?

@protohub great question protohub! That was our main strategy for the new design was to cut through thicker plastics. The opening for plastic is 220 x 206 mm with the total machine dimensions measuring at 388 x 250 x 200 mm (not including shaft, motor, or gearbox). So it will be smaller than the Precious Plastic Pro shredder. In terms of power, we have less to work with as we designed for single phase power as opposed to three phase (which many industrial machines use). We countered this by shrinking the overall design to allow for greater power transmission (the gearbox has less steel to turn, therefore more cutting power). If it doesn't get through thick plastics, then back to the drawing board!!

9:12 AM

@protohub We will provide instructions for construction (ooh that rhymed) either through documentation or video. That will be worked out as we start building our own one

9:14 AM

Also standard power in the Netherlands is 400V, 16A compared to Australia's 240V, 10A mains power. So that's 6.4kW compared to our 2.4kW

what type of torque will it need?

9:15 AM

Thats interesting about the power difference

Torque for what? Do you mean what's required to cut plastic or what is the torque of our machine? (edited)

the torque of your machine what motor will you hook up to it?

@Elsee have you spoken to user @Deleted User who is also working with people doing a redesign?

10:54 AM

Also, are you planning on open sourcing your redesign?

10:54 AM

And what thickness is your shaft?

2

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) : for now we have a v3.5 ish proprietary shredder , v4 is too big for us - at least for a while and there are too little requests anyways. More likely in March/April there is then all the plans for a v3.1 ( @Landry : we just need the files, lots of people are waiting for this update and we are very surprised it's not there as actually promised in the forum - as part of the v4 release ...) as well an open source v3.5 shredder. We and others long-term users have been always surprised that lots of builders join and benefit from PP but don't release any plans ... (edited)

@Deleted User we had the same thoughts. V4 was a bit too large, so we used the V4 design and shrunk it closer to V3 size (dimensions are above)

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) we are proud to say that our redesign is open source!! We are using a 1.5kw (3HP) motor with a 1:100 reduction gearbox. The hex bar is 43mm or 50mm point to point

1

1500w motor sounds like a great size for 10a power @Elsee , I look forward to your experiment results! (sometimes it sucks living in a house where I can't get 3phase :()

Thanks @Deleted User we wanted to make it accessible to as many people as we could

12:03 PM

And also any place outside of an industrial level workplace (edited)

@Elsee , @Landry : there is a place to drop whatever you have : https://forum.precious-plastic.org/t/incoming-community-files/53, we take care about the rest (formats, academy pages, etc..). steps are easy, signup, create a reply and upload your zip, done

1

We're still working out all the details, but I'll keep that website in mind. Thanks!

the new forum is rather just a drop point, we publish this usually afterwards in the wiki which has lots of traffic

anyways, there is lots of new infrastructure coming up, all community focused

1

I'm glad I put you too in touch. Lcdm - did you consider a dual motor design?

1:06 PM

And what about jam detection?

1:06 PM

Are you currently at the drawing stage, or making parts?

Thanks @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) We did consider a dual motor design, but opted for spur gears, for simplicity, cost, and ensuring blade alignment Jam detection is something we want to do, we'll be getting a team member to start designing soon, but it can be added as a later attachment without affecting the current design. We'll be purchasing parts this week and start machining next week, I can send through our current BOM if you're interested

I would be!

1:21 PM

I may take a look at your plans and try to simplify further for the more DIY inclined.

1:22 PM

My angle / interest in Precious Plastics, is in documenting the ways people can process domestic recycling at a small neighbourhood level, using as few outside resources as possible.

1:23 PM

That and, I'm building a general recycling wiki, and designing a small CNC plasma cutter that I hope will be able to make parts for some of the tools.

Part List (BOM)

1:51 PM

We're open to any feedback you have about the shredder. We're always interested in making it more accessible to all. Ours will be using as many local parts as possible, whether to our region or just Australia.

@Elsee where are you sourcing the spur gears? we are getting the usual run around and zero replies on inquiries.

@NoMorePlastic https://khkgears2.net/catalog2/Ssg3-28j40

1:27 AM

https://khkgears.net/new/how_to_buy.html?a1=SSG3-28J40&a2=2

How to Buy | KHK Gears

This is a page to explain how to buy KHK stock gears in your country. KHK stock gears can be purchased through distributor or directly from KHK.

1

@NoMorePlastic @Trukku (Ohio, USA) we are in fact sourcing them from KHK as well! We were aiming to source as locally as possible, but the gear had to be an exception. We will be buying the spur gears with a blank hole and expanding that to fit our shaft

I pulled that info from your part list. It was very easy to read.

Oh that makes sense haha, thanks Trukku

I don't have much PP experience, but my industrial experience makes it second nature.

@Trukku (Ohio, USA) @Elsee thanks guys for the info, we thought we had sourced them here in Melb but the lead has gone quiet unfortunately. All the rest we have sourced out of Melb. We picked up a second hand motor and gear box for next to free, only 2kw, so we looked into a new one 3.5 kw and was quoted $3200, anyone found better pricing than that? @protohub @Sunshine Coast Maker Space

Have you already checked industrial surplus warehouses? They usually just charge double scrap price in the US and will entertain offers over scrap price.

@Trukku (Ohio, USA) yeah I haven't actually been able to find many scrap motor places. That quote was from one but the had nothing so quoted a new one.

Have you tried industrial auctions? I found this in WA, but I'm unfamiliar with Australian power standards. https://www.pickles.com.au/trucks/item/-/details/OBL-Process-Diaphragm-Metering-Pumps/1040249627

OBL Process Diaphragm Metering Pumps - Pickles

LP120 X9A 68 FA M0, Teco AEUB-UCDCC 3kW 4 Pole Motor

11:39 PM

And geography, of course

I'd go talk to a motor repair place, see if they deal in 2nd hand ones or can point you in the right spot. Like up here there is a place I've taken power tools to before for repair. When I'm actually at a stage I can build, I'll go hit them up and find out where to get the good stuff from

11:49 PM

(unless you've already done all that, in which case I'll shutup)

@Trukku (Ohio, USA) yeah ill look into it. @Deleted User that's what this place was, need to do more research, there must be so many old motors sitting around somewhere!

What's the maximum sum amperage in your workspace?

3 phase min output is 50amp, not my department tho.

What's the mains supply?

well standard household is 240 vs your 110

3phase is 415v I think ?

Yes

12:22 AM

well technically 400 flat, but same diff

12:22 AM

And thats phase to phase, phase to neutral is single phase so 230

12:23 AM

Its fairly rare for households to have 3 phase, It happens, but non standard

Hmm. Australia is pretty sparsely populated, and I guess that goes for industry, too. You've still got options, though. You could post a wanted ad on kijiji/gumtree and one might show up. Alternatively, you could try beefing up your 2kw motor with a flywheel /auto-reverse. If you can find two 1.5kw motors you can couple them in a siamese configuration if at least one of them has a tail shaft (or have a dual input driveshaft, your call). The motor controller would be a bit more complicated, but they're becoming very popular in electric cars.

Grays online would be the best place to get stuff like that I believe

12:27 AM

There is alot more industry than you would expect.

Possibly, but I live in the rust belt, so I'm used to nearly tripping over this stuff.

I'm trying to find people in #tasmania #auaustralia who are interested in developing a plastic recycling business "eco-system" using the precious plastic resources. The cost of transporting over Bass Strait creates an incentive to recycle plastics and value add into new products right here in Tasmania. Australia is in the process of banning the export of all recyclables by 2022 so this will change the economics of the industry completely. I can see opportunity!

1

@Tas there's someone doing similar around Hobart.

3:46 AM

With support from city council I believe.

Interesting. If you have contact details please private message me. I'm in local government.

I am looking back through my chat history on FB. Hopefully I find them.

1

@Tas I found them, contacted them. Asked them if it's ok if I put you in touch.

Thanks for that. I appreciate it.

No worries.

@Tas Sorry; that'll be a dead end for now.

6:24 AM

They're focused on unrelated things.

https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0035-3016822/engineering-and-toolmaking/qty-1-x-plastic-granulator?spr=true

1

11:40 AM

Big granulator for sale in Melbourne.

Hi, I'm 14 and looking to start recycling plastic as I have a passion for making things and the environment. A few of my friends are also interested and we are looking to start a recycling workspace. If we started a gofundme campaign, would any of you be willing to help us achieve our goals by donating. We already have access to tools like a mill and a lathe at our school so really only need funding for the construction of our machinery to start out

I reckon you might be better off asking here for advice on how to work with others to build shared communities.

2:33 PM

A lot of us put our own money into our projects, so it can be difficult to justify donating to others doing the same, but we do have other resources we can share.

our plans are to run it completely as a not for profit and donate all profits made to local charities

Good on you #evanh3103. It's great to see some young, social entrepreneurs. I agree with #Mortar Art that this is primarily a forum to exchange ideas with other likeminded people, however the crowd funding idea might work if promoted through different channels. (edited)

Hi Tas, where would you recommend I promote this?

@evanh3103 @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) is spot on, we are mostly all funding our own projects. We are set up as not for profit as well and self funding until our products are ready to sell. We will be applying for grants both government and educational and also looking for business sponsorship. Go fund me is an option but also look to your local community and council for sponsorship. It takes time, patience and lots of work to set this kind of thing up. Build your self a business plan and work out exactly what you are trying to do and WHY, what you want to create and what products, service you are wanting to sell. Build a presentation so you can easily articulate what you are doing to prospective investors. Also talk to your school, most schools are really getting behind these ideas and you may find they will help you set something up together. Even provide you a space to do it. Maybe talk to @tburr as he has set up several pp based school facilities.

I have already spoken to my headmaster and he is unwilling to really affiliate it with his school, but my head of design technology has agreed to let me in at lunch times and supervise me using the mill and lathe

That's a start. Interesting response from your headmaster, where are you located? Have you shown him the PP Universe and the movement behind it?

I am based in Gloucestershire, UK and he doesn't want people using hot stuff and doesn't think that school insurance will allow it

10:53 PM

whenever we do metal casting in dt, the teacher has to operate and pour from the furnace and we aren't allowed to use the forge as well as many other machines as they are "dangerous" (school is worried about them being misused by certain students)

Yeah ok the UK system is a little old fashioned still and those ideals are quite antiquated. But regardless he is the boss. Do what you can with them and at least the support to help build the machines is useful. Then maybe follow some of my suggestions above within your community. Also try to connect with your local community on here.

I have a local company potentially willing to have me help out in the workshop prepping stock, cleaning machines and doing whatever small tasks they need in return for access to a plasma cutter, cnc mill, hydraulic press for broaching and a welder as I recently became trained to do both MIG and TIG welding

11:04 PM

I am also working on a design for a mini sheetpress that can run on household powerwith Jeff Wubbs if you would like to see that when it is finished

That sounds great you are on the right path.

It really is just funding now. I think what I ned to do is approach companies who make what we need like motors and ask if they would be willing to donate them, or loan them until we are able to buy them

Yep hit up the community, is your best option and maybe your local government representatives.

Not really sure who to approach in Britain as the council already do recycle

Ah but do they?? We found here plenty of dodgy recycling going on within the council setup. What do they do with it once its been collected, follow the bread crumbs.

there is heaps of waste out there that you don't see as a consumer too. I just learned about how much plastic is used in shipping clothes around to shops yesterday

How would you recommend I go about following the trail? Is it as simple as tailing a bin lorry, seeing where it goes and taking it from there?

talking to people would be a start

I doubt the local authorities would be willing to tell me what they do with their waste as they probably will gear I will use their dirty secrets against them to run my business

have you tried talking to them? you might be surprised

12:22 AM

by all means pre-judge them though, that will do you well ...

There is some commercial protectionism around certain parts of the process, but at the local government level you'll get a lot of information if you reach out.

4:21 AM

Have you tried the UK group?

did anyone here end up getting the granulator?

@TRM

not me

(edited)

@TRM we have just ordered all the parts for our shredder redesign

Does it have reverse with the single phase motor?

We will be wiring up a reverse and auto stop after assembling

Hi, has anyone found gearmotors from Alibaba with the right specifications? I'm having trouble finding the right gearboxes to fit motors I'm seeing

Hey anyone here from #Australia with a complete machine workshop and making mould for bricks? we want to purchase the machines from someone. We have the collection point and community

1

Hi @Save the Ocean 2020 we're progressing well with building our shredder and filament extrusion machines. Where are you based?

1

@Save the Ocean 2020 where are you based in Aus?

Brisbane @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) @Icdm_ (edited)

@Linh

@Save the Ocean 2020 what machines are you looking to purchase? We have a working V3 extruder and 70% complete V4 shredder, Not in our work space yet but once we are (April/May) we should be able to help out but in Melb so shipping will be costly, maybe chat to @Sunshine Coast Maker Space

Hi... I'm new here, but have been watching the Precious Plastics Channel since the videos first started appearing on YouTube. I learnt to be a plastic welder when I was 16 (that was some 28 years now) and I have an extensive knowledge on plastics and some of the hidden places the more suitable plastics can be found in large quantities... I'm currently designing a modified version of how the Precious Plastic model works (and building a website to display it) To make it a more viable solution in Australia ... . The primary issue is that plastic hasn't been given a serious monetary value as a resource... When this really doesn't have to be the case... In my version of the model I am including more types of Work Spaces. See full list below:

Collectors - collect clean de-labelled plastics for 10c/kg
Collection Points - pay that 10c/kg and resell to shredder work spaces for 30c/kg
Shredder Work Spaces - buy the plastic for the 30c/kg and shred into large, medium & small particles for $1, $1.50 and $2 per kg respectively
Compression Work Space
Injection Work Space
Extrusion Work Space
Sheet Press Work Space
Sand Blasting Work Space - not all plastic comes paint free, buy @ 10c/kg - Sell for 30c/kg (PP and PE are common plastics found in large quantities in cars)
3D Printer Work Space - Using recycled plastic filament bought off a extrusion work space @ around $20/kg (which is around retail $)
Machine Shop - currently looking for a machine shop that's willing to build all the machines & molds... - I am willing to build a dedicated website for them to sell the machines and molds directly to the people who want them - in exchange for my machines to be built for free or @ a lower price (I'm wanting to start a Mix work space in Central Queensland)

1

Hi @Swaino welcome, good going, the more work spaces the better chance of developing the right products and teaching the plastic cycle and general awareness to the wider community. Finding the market will be your challenge, we have been quoted for food grade PP and PET pellets at $2.35 per kg delivered, so you will need to undercut that. The demand is high and recycled plastic is now a commodity, commanding higher prices than virgin plastic (this is a changing market however). Shredded plastic is not as available and it seems quite a few consumers process their own for their own purposes as we will do. There is most probably a market for smaller amounts of clean shredded plastic for these smaller processing spaces. As for the machines they are quite pricey to build, have large footprints and weight, making shipping also a large part of the price @Sunshine Coast Maker Space can most probably help you out for a local price. The V4 shredder is looking to be around $8K to build from new materials and weigh between 350-400kg, just to put it into perspective for you. We built the V3 Extruder from a mix of second hand parts for $2800 but I would recommend new as the end result is much better, these are ex labor costs. Given the materials cost, retail pricing will need to be high to make it worthwhile to build and sell the machines as a dedicated business and I can not see many consumers out there with the coin to spend on an experimental market. Demand is definitely growing for them but they also need plenty of work to get them up to Aus safety standards if intended for a commercial work space. Hope that all helps a little on your PP journey, its s great growing community.

@Precious Plastic Victoria (AU) sorry... I should have been clearer... The deal for the machine shop adds the plastics machinery as a complimentary product line with its own dedicated webpage (on top of their existing page and business)... Transport from the sunshine coast is only a 6 hour each way drive from Central Queensland, I'd just go pick them up.. The major issue of limited availability of waste plastics can be resolved by the 10c per kg price tag... And the automotive metal recycling industry (most of which is either incinerated or sent to landfill) this providing a good solid plastic stream from panel beaters or wreckers While another hidden supply of plastics comes from electronics recycling systems. At this time most plastics coming out of the metal recycling industry goes directly to landfill (edited)

1

@Swaino form talking locally, there seems to be a never ending supply of plastic waste to tap into across many industries, it just needs the right products and markets to develop around its reuse (what we are all trying to do). Stacking websites isn't that productive, people generally get frustrated after 2-3 clicks if they can not find what they want. There are also quite a few machine/mechanical seller websites around but keep the idea out there and see what comes back. It's all uncharted territory at the moment. Commercializing waste plastic will happen once the right system is developed and implemented. We probably all need to work together to define the markets and develop the systems and logistics around it. Keep up the good work.

@Swaino very interesting ideas you've got there. I'm in PPV's area, and I've met and chatted with them a number of times about this stuff. I like that you've got a few ideas for the roles individuals might have, and what price they might get for the material. A few notes on top of what PPV has said.

2:39 PM

E-waste is a great source of plastics, but there's some complications. Some of the types of plastics contain fire retardants, which might now be banned due to being persistent organic pollutants. These parts are often marked with +FR after the type of plastic (ie PS-HI+FR) but the fire retardant itself is not named, so that's a big of a problem. You may not be legally able to make a lot of products out of that. And if you can, you might find it limits your use cases.

2:42 PM

There's also a few 'variations' so to speak within an individual type of plastic. ABS is not always the same as ABS, in terms of the amount of A, B & S, the length of the polymer chains etc. Between this and the fact that a lot of polymers degrade when reheated can mean that you won't get the best properties out of a recycled plastic product, compared to virgin. Which in turn can mean that you need to over-engineer products. That is; make walls thicker, use more plastic for the same result. Not a huge issue, but it's something to consider.

2:44 PM

Which brings me to 3D printing. You mentioned that as a specific type of shop. I want to eventually detail a path from having a 3D printer, to building all the required tools in the chain to produce filament. From a CNC plasma table, shredder, filament maker etc. But I am cognisant of the fact that there's going to be a lot of troubleshooting at the filament production, and printing end, to get good results. And those results will probably not be as consistent as I currently get in my 3D printing business, using high quality virgin plastic.

2:45 PM

So, getting recyclers to share the burden of R&D is going to be critical in my opinion.

I really like the idea of commercializing shredded plastic and feel there is a market for smaller amounts. But I need to get my head around the container deposit scheme (in most states and now coming to vic). 10c per item?? There are approx 50 water bottles in a kg making unprocessed plastic $5 per kg, where in you can buy pelleted plastic for $2.35 per kg. Can anyone shed light on how exactly this deposit system works? I'm definitely missing something. Obviously there are bountiful amounts of other waste plastic out there but from a collection deposit scheme I can not see how it works. Who funds this? If we collected the containers and paid the contributor the 10c return we would then claim that money back?? Then what happens to the funds that don't get returned say people just send it out to the recycle bin rather than take it to a refund point, The 10c is never returned??

the consumer pays the deposit at point of sale and gets it back when they return the bottle

1

3:56 AM

if you don't return the bottle and just drop it in your recycling the council gets the 10c

3:57 AM

in Tamworth these guys do the sorting for recycling and they get the money afaik and use it for their charitable works https://www.challengecommunity.org.au/business-services/services-we-provide/recycling/

1

Ok, so lets say we want to collect and shred the bottles so therefore will not return to a refund point as we want the plastic. Is there a system in place for that refund to come back to us?

don't think so. the ones in nsw are run by a company. they set up reverse vending machines in shopping centre carparks

4:04 AM

you feed the bottles in and they are scanned and sorted, get a voucher at the end and you can take it to coles for redemption

4:05 AM

think they do paypal deposits too, not bothered to sign up for that though

4:05 AM

it'd be neat if you could take the labels off the bottles before shredding and then just scan them to get the deposits

Hmm ok, seems more investigation needs to happen, there is plenty of time, they don't plan to start to roll it out for 3 years here! That's the idea though, return the labels as maybe be an authorized collector so people cant just collect the labels and toss the bottle.

I'm sure there would be a way to do it

4:15 AM

hafta talk to people tho, ewww

Yeah doesn't look to be to complicated from that point of view. I've sort thrown myself out there to do that down here, someone needs to start to rattle cages and bring the community together, develop a platform to tackle the issues and develop the markets for us all to utilize on a small business level. Well Ill have a crack anyway lol. Look for me in the obituaries soon!

Maybe there are people in SA that will have some insights too, they've been doing container deposits forever

1

@NoMorePlastic so what I wonder is if we could make a representation to the relevant minister, suggesting that there be a sort of accreditation system for PET recycling businesses, so that we could basically act as micro refund schemes. So long as we're somehow accounting for all the bottles that we're collecting, surely we too should be able to collect the 10c AND either onsell the PET or provide it to say a bottle manufacturer

Are there companies producing moulds in aussie

do you have a machine already?

Yes, have some basic bird moulds, but looking to expand. Brought the bird ones from overseas.

where are you loacted

Darwin

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) yes I would image someone would be keen to set up a structure to do this, seems counter productive not to. Something to work on.

12:51 AM

@kerry Injection molding or compression? What types of molds? Do you want off the shelf or custom? Do you have designs in mind? We do not make molds but this is what you need to consider. Most engineering places should be able to help out locally, also try @More Than Ten Cents they are in Darwin.

Shout out to everyone in Australia, add yourself to the new PP map, it will make it a lot easier for people to find you, to connect locally and nationally. Build the community. https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Precious Plastic Community Platform

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

1

I have tried to add our workspace, but the site will not recognize the address

@tburr This is a glitch with the map service they are using. Just add the suburb and you should fine or an address that is close by. (edited)

I think I managed to add a street behind my place.

close enough, send the plastic pinchers to someone elses house

@tburr same here, just kept trying locations until I got close

Yeah I had an issue with this as well so just had to put my home town.

Thanks

Who are our machine builders here in Australia?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-02/pm-to-overhaul-recycling-rules-to-cut-plastic-use/12016220

PM to overhaul recycling rules to cut plastic use

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he will change Commonwealth procurement rules to ensure greater emphasis on using products made from recycled plastic.

This is great news!

Is any one here from Sydney and wants to have a table at this event. Its free: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIsJT_EcOmL4d5Wi37qUIMrS7ayKaerzVe8TRUwtLmnp0u3w/viewform

Sydney Climate Action Summit Expo EOI

Spark Festival is producing the Sydney Climate Action Summit Expo, an exciting free opportunity for startups, SMEs and other projects working on climate change activities (either adaptation or mitigation - see the form below for full details of the themes and sectors we are lo...

1

6:07 AM

Sydney climate action summit expo - it appears to be part expo, part science fair and 100% about sparking conversations across the full spectrum of responses to climate change. Targeted for startups SMEs and other projects You can apply to get a free stall in the Expo but closing date tomorrow Wed 4th March.

Which brings me to 3D printing. You mentioned that as a specific type of shop. I want to eventually detail a path from having a 3D printer, to building all the required tools in the chain to produce filament. From a CNC plasma table, shredder, filament maker etc. But I am cognisant of the fact that there's going to be a lot of troubleshooting at the filament production, and printing end, to get good results. And those results will probably not be as consistent as I currently get in my 3D printing business, using high quality virgin plastic.

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) My team is currently working on a filament extrusion system in conjunction with our modified V4 shredder. I will provide updates in a few weeks when we finish construction

1

Accidentally wrong reaction.

Hi All, just going to get a start with this in QLD, how are you all finding it, and how long have you been a part of Precious Plastics?

1

Welcome to the madhouse @Bodaciouswha1e. I find it on https://preciousplastic.com/

8:56 AM

Here is a keycap mold I did this week for a customer. Not sure if he is on PP, but I'll ask him when he picks it up.

1

thats awesome

Hi All, just going to get a start with this in QLD, how are you all finding it, and how long have you been a part of Precious Plastics?

@Bodaciouswha1e Depends, what you are in it for. Its a great community with lots of info and support to access. However its plenty of work with plenty of logistical challenges and rather costly depending on how you set it up to work and what skill sets you posses. Its early days for this space, so as for equipment access, markets and monetary systems is all over the place. We have been working the PP component of what we are doing for just over 6 months. The more people in it the easier it will become.

1

ok thats great

Which brings me to 3D printing. You mentioned that as a specific type of shop. I want to eventually detail a path from having a 3D printer, to building all the required tools in the chain to produce filament. From a CNC plasma table, shredder, filament maker etc. But I am cognisant of the fact that there's going to be a lot of troubleshooting at the filament production, and printing end, to get good results. And those results will probably not be as consistent as I currently get in my 3D printing business, using high quality virgin plastic.

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) About filament production chain - talk to Greenbatch (https://www.greenbatch.com) in Perth they seem to be commercialising PET to filament production. They don't mention ABS but presumably they might share their equipment supplier with you as a starting point. https://www.rtpcompany.com may be able to give you some guidance regarding flame retardents and other additives although they may have little experience with recycled product.

RTP Company | Your Global Compounder of Custom Engineered Thermopla...

The Process Technician is responsible for clean up and operation of various equipment including but not limited to single extruders and high speed mixers.

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) does not surprise me, shame they have shut the whole support system down while they generate it.

@NoMorePlastic @ninja According to the PP map a firm in Nairne SA was producing the laser cut blades for V2 at around $400 (presumably F.O.B.) although they show 'out of stock' but they may be in a position to manufacture V4 - https://http://www.firepantsfab.com.au

@Sunshine Coast Maker Space oh nice, do you mind sharing who that was? i'm deep in the mechanical keyboard community.

9:36 AM

regarding blades, i've put this recycling idea on hold for now. I don't operate at a volume that justifies a machine, and I can't find a clear path forward to turning PMMA/acrylic into new stuff without even more investment

https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=216

Machines :: Shredder :: Shredder Parts :: Laser Cut Shredder Parts....

1:01 AM

https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=127

Machines :: Shredder :: Shredder Kits :: Stainless Shredder. ( Lase...

Hi Everyone! Kellie here from Geraldton WA, I am very new to the world of Precious Plastics and very excited to get started, I have collected bottle lids from my community in preparation to start some melting and creative trials before I leap in and start purchasing more expensive equipment, looking for some advice as to how others shred their plastics on a smaller scale, as I have burnt out the blender I was using very quickly so realizing that this is no longer a option for me. Thanks in advance

@PPCapiSpain so are you in Sydney or Spain? The bazar links are showing both locations?

6:04 AM

Hi @Kelliefromgeraldton, I've seen some interesting looking small shredders on instructables.com, maybe have a look around on there for something that will work for you

Hi @Deleted User thank you for your reply, I will have a look there, so much to learn and I am loving this

@Deleted User. Im in Spain. :)

@PPCapiSpain ahh ok cos the bazar link says Lilyfield for location (which is in Sydney) and this is the Australia channel so wasn't sure what was going on

There is a problem. I live in Spain (near Seville). but I have already sent several kits to Australia. That's why I put it in this chat, in case anyone else is interested.

10:21 AM

10:22 AM

Theresa is not a problem.

Coolio

Hey @channel can anyone get heater bands at the moment having trouble getting them from china (edited)

nah but I can sell you some dunny roll for cheap

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hi there

2:24 PM

can someone send me a link maybe for k type thermocouple suitable for extruder - many thanks

Is there any demand for 1. Shredded pkastic 2. Shredder machine for hire or on-site use? My objectives with this is to offer shredded plastic for others to make stuff from. I am not interested in making anything specific myself. I feel it is prudent to find out if there is sufficient demand for these services before I invest money on equipment. I am located at Taringa, inner Brisbane

3:56 AM

Can't edit posts :-( www.d-wizz.com/plastic

@sli21 try Hales in Melb, we got ours from there. https://www.hales.com.au/

Home

6:28 AM

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) This is still yet TBD, all we have seen so far is the companies who use recycled plastic mostly grind their own. We have found a couple of people who only grind plastic full time but to its destination we are unsure. Its a growing space no doubt.

@Sunshine Coast Maker Space I'm a little late to the party but welcome! I'm down Brisbane way, and interested in the injection moulding machine. Do you have a rough ETA on when it might be available?

d-Wizz - if you could give me a quote on the shredder i would be very interested mate, Thank you

@Bodaciouswha1e I'm thinking about a per hour rate to come here and use it. Haven't bought one yet but I found a Chinese one for about $1,200 which looks good. Can't find anyone to help me make a PP shredder so I'm exploring alternatives. Thanks for your interest

Hey @NoMorePlastic I was reading the return and earn website for something else this morning and found this little nugget. You can sign up to be a return point it would seem. So it might be easy peasy to get plastic from the public that way! https://returnandearn.org.au/partners/return-point-partners/

11:21 PM

would assume Victoria would have something similar when it gets going

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) Are you in Taringa, QLD? The Edge in Brisbane recently made a shredder and 1/2 an injection machine.

1

@Deleted User great find, yes this is exactly what we need, Hopefully they just do it when it all launches but ill be sure to push for it as well.

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) (Each meet up is first Saturday of the month, unfortunately I've had bad timing and missed the last 3)

@Sidequest Co I went there last Saturday for their monthly meetup and their shredder wasn't working properly. Even when it's fixed, it wouldn't be suitable for my needs because there's no way to remove the mesh between batches so contamination is guaranteed :-( unless you only shred the same type and colour. Yet another reason why I wanted a human powered one is that it removes all dependency on electricity and batteries... (edited)

I did some looking into the bicycle shredders and it looks like in almost every instance they lacked the power or stability to do the job - ATM it seems a human powered shredder is someone with a pair of scissors. The lack of a removable mesh plate was a problem for me too - I was there to shred PL but PET is definately the main thing they shred there. I did some post-shred cleaning and it's allright now.

We will probably have the V4 shredder running in the next few weeks, It will be interesting to see how it performs. Hopefully well considering how hard its been sourcing parts and the costs.

@Sidequest Co That's interesting because what I've been reading on here suggests PET is very difficult to work with. I have doubts about the ability of the shredder to process PET bottlenecks, given that it stalled on only two thicknesses of bottle wall plastic. Planning to do some tests with these involving a hammer at some stage. As for the bicycle shredder, I haven't researched it in depth but torque seemed to be the big problem as you say. All these experiences are teaching me why plastic recycling is so uncommon in this country: it's difficult and expensive.

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) It's also dangerous and full of regulations. A professional recycling factory catches fire most months. They catch fire for a variety of reasons, and as a micro-scale operation we avoid some of them reasons while likely increasing others. Getting insurance is very difficult (and expensive), so any repairs the business incurs they need to pay themselves. I'm trying to manage it by focusing on one very small niche - waste PLA from 3D printers.

Hey everyone! I'm a part of a Precious Plastics based in Monash University and we're about to get started on making the V4 Sheetpress this year. Just wondering if anyone here has attempted (or has created) the Australian equivalency of the new sheetpress. Thanks!

Hey kevG! I'm leading PRISM, (Plastic Recycling Initiative of the Student Makerspace). We're based at UOW and we've been following along some of the work you've outlined online. We're currently building our version of the V4 shredder, along with a filament extrusion machine. We've looked into the new sheetpress, and one of team members is looking to improve it at the moment. Hopefully we can answer some of questions

1

Hi @kevG wasn't one of your team members involved in the design of the sheet press? You guys should be teaching us. We will be starting our press in coming weeks as we finish off the V4 shredder. @Elsee we would be keen to hear your experience as well.

3

I have made myself a smaller version of the sheet machine and soon hope to have a kit that people can purchase. Its taken me a little over 2 years to get to where i am and think this could be be a very simple purchase for anyone wanting to make smaller sheets. Would anyone be interested if i was to make these kits?

5

definitely

Probably, depending on funds in my account at the time

@Elsee @kevG @NoMorePlastic Great that you guys are looking to build the sheetpress and improve the designs! Before you put too much work into redrawing the CAD; note that I’ve already revised the sheetpress drawings to suit Australian steel dimensions. Link to download Australian drawings and laser-cut files: https://www.dropbox.com/s/59lr06pq65c59md/Sheetpress%20AUSTRALIA.zip?dl=0 (Mentioned it on this channel a while ago but that message is long lost)

Sheetpress AUSTRALIA.zip

Shared with Dropbox

2

@michael_makes_ have you come across a cartridge heater supplier here? Can not find matching sizes, should we just adjust to match?

Most of that kind of stuff tends to come from China. You might be able to source some from RS components but they won’t be cheap. You can adjust the size; just make sure the power is about the same (250-300W per element). You will also have to adjust the size of your aluminium heating blocks also.

1:58 AM

I’m in the US building a press that requires 150 elements (3 times the size as the V4) and we had good success getting ours from Ali Express (China) despite recent events

2

Thanks Ill start contacting my suppliers there. Although worried that the freight systems are about to shut down now.

I'm not sure how keen you'd be for this, but it is possible, even relatively easy, to make your own resistance based heater.

11:04 AM

You just need a length of wire with a known resistance, that you can put a charge through, and some kind of non-conductive material to embed it in.

11:04 AM

Such as silicone.

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) do you mean more like induction style?

1:24 AM

@michael_makes_ do you have a rough estimate of the Kg weight of plastic required to produce say a 10mm thick 1x1m sheet? Edit* This has been answered. (edited)

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) definitely - the first prototype of the V4 sheetpress was exactly that. We changed it to work with cartridge heaters because we were worried it was a bit dangerous to use a wire that people need to insulate themselves. It was also quite tricky to build a frame around continuous wires like that - discrete points were much easier so work with.

Oh you just had exposed wires?

9:53 PM

I believe there are instructions to make your own insulation around.

No, the wires were insulated. It was just a bit tricky to do that and have a really nice stiff structure around the electrical insulation. The challenge was a balance between frame stiffness and even heat distribution. We feel like we achieved a very good balance between the two with the cartridge heaters

3

I found this article which has some gems of information in it and also is an article which is food for thought https://www.plasticstoday.com/extrusion-pipe-profile/on-extrusion-recycling-and-purity-test/18432231762618?ADTRK=InformaMarkets&elq_mid=12719&elq_cid=14846573

On Extrusion, Recycling, and the Purity Test

A high potential for contamination in the recyclate makes melt screening, or filtration, critical. Fortunately, there are a lot of options.

1

Who in Australia has a working injection molder? There may be plastic parts to make for medical supplies in the near future.

We do Im just organising a mold maker now. The maker community is waiting on approved designs. then its all systems go the only shitty part is we have to use virgin material

so that it's medical grade (edited)

Do we know why recycled plastic cant be sterilized or made into medical grade items? Is it the impurities in the plastics or something else?

you cant clean it well enough with and the contaminants that the plastics have in them do not meet medical standards. In order to make them safe you would have to batch test each batch of finished plastics before you put them in their final form and that is unfeasible and time intensive. The medical standards are quite high. 3d printing is an option. I'm just doing the work for high output as we have access to a large injection machine and know some plastic company ceo's that we could get this up and going quickly. fingers crossed we don't have to pull the trigger.

Yeah very true. Thanks for explaining that.

@Zero Plastics Australia What were the dimensions of your sheet press currently?

7:31 AM

@protohub Some 3D prints can be medical-grade, but .... generally speaking that's usually reserved for the $300k machines, rather than the hobby level printers. The FDM method of 3D printing (layer down lines of plastic) leaves grooves for bacteria to grow -- so while the plastic can be food grade, neither the machine making the item nor the end product is usually food / medical grade. Some people use post-procesing epoxies, or 3D print a mould to try to get around that.

1

@Sidequest Co the max sheet i can make atm is 37cm2.

Do we have and demand for shredded HDPE in NSW?

@Elsee how did the shredder prototype go?

Hello everyone! With a bit of downtime, I'm pleased to have finally logged on and found an active #Australia channel! Hope everyone is keeping well. (edited)

2

1

Doing alright PPM, hopefully all good in your world too

@Zero Plastics Australia so about 6cm x 6cm? That sounds like it good be a good size for many of the jewellery applications people are using for PP.

Hello everyone! Happy to have come across Precious Plastics. The Waste Not Spot is looking to start a collection point in Melbourne inner East. Hoping to connect with fellow collection point businesses to connect with. Also looking to connect with local Melbournian Shredder points as well!

Hey @Caitlyn, we are a workplace and collection point with a shredder, based in Nunawading. I saw your email come in over the weekend and will shoot through a reply when I’m in the office - Piers

1

@Caitlyn Welcome to this awesome movement. Love the idea of another collection point. We will have our shredder space set up next month in the Clayton area. Build the community.

1

Hi everyone....I am dev,mechanical engineer. I am in to the plastic machinary...I have 12 years of experience in plastic machinary....

welcome Dev!

@Deleted User thank you

@dev_300710 Welcome, its all a bit slow on here at the moment. We would be keen to catch up and talk once its all over. Currently setting up a multi work space in Clayton.

Hi everyone! We are a Husband and Wife team looking to start a mixed workspace in Greenslopes Brisbane.

2

@jengifford if you need any info just ask a question we are here to help

Hi I am new to all this. I was just wondering, how do I find out if there is a Precious Plastic community in Perth, WA?

I hope this can help you. https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

5:52 AM

I am from Japan, so this is all I know

5:54 AM

Thanks @Lazy_Turtle , I can see that there is only one flag in Perth

1

@bruna there is a very active group in Margret River as well. they are both on the old map but that's all I am aware of. Not sure if either of them are on Discord.

Thank you I will have a look at that!!

Hi all, I just discovered Precious Plastic - what a great organisation. I'm a part-time picture framer in Wellington, New Zealand. Really interested in the possibilities of extruding lengths of moulding to make frames with. The industry currently gets timber stock from all over the place, there is no way to know if its sustainably logged and there have been lots of issues with supply in the past 12 months. There is tons of packaging and freighting of small orders of stock. Creating an alternative made from recycled plastic would be amazing. It would need to be strong, rigid, straight like good timber. If anyone has an extruder and would be interested in working on this as a project I'd love to hear from you. Could be a good product for an international market.

@Jopnee ive tried to make smallers ones and they worked for me, this was from sheets that i cut into shape.

1

1:11 AM

1:12 AM

Strange question but does anyone here drink "pauls milk" if so could they tell me what number/type plastic their lids are please?

@bruna Facebook has a page Precious Plastic Perth. And Precious Plastic Community pages

@Lookhere Thanks I will check that out on facebook!!

@jengifford I'm up in Cairns playing with the idea of starting up collection. Don't have any ideas on what to do with the plastic once we've sorted and shredded. What are you looking to do? (edited)

@Lyndsey Containers for cash says the sorted material goes to auction. They’re going to introduce cash for containers in WA soon and our community group is collecting

thanks @Lookhere I'm definitely going to look into this for QLD. Does your collecting include shredding?

Not atm. Actually the start date has been delayed. We have some space outside a members factory but not undercover yet

6:12 AM

That’s why I mentioned containers for cash because they operate already in Qld

6:13 AM

I’m in Northam and we don’t even have a refund point yet

Victoria is about to introduce one finally in the next 12 months or so. Hopefully if all states do it we will find collecting plastic a little easier and there will be more options to help plan for a collection/refund point.

1

Hey! just found out about this project and love it. I'm definitely not a saint with plastic and definitely need to be better! Hopefully this is going to give some much needed motivation.

3

Hello Aussies, i have been having some trouble finding a person who can make injection molds for my injection machine. I am looking at CNC molds not laser cut molds. Do you guys know of anyone in Australia that could help me make these? Thanks

https://www.fablabs.io/labs/snepofablabsydney

Snepo FabLab Sydney | FabLabs

Snepo has spent over 10 years of working on the most technically challenging and radically innovative projects in Australia. The FabLab goes to the next level allowing our team of programmers and designers to share all their knowledge with the community and accelerate innovati...

12:05 PM

Google fablab australia

@Kreatif.one thank you just sent them an email.

Do you have an instagram page I could follow, Im currently stuck overseas and would like to follow

I have a Facebook and Instagram, just under the same as my name here, logo and everything. Zero Plastics Australia. Thanks

@Zero Plastics Australia Hey Adz do you have digital files for the moulds ready to go? If so I could see if I can arrange them to be made. Our stuff isn't ready so you can be the guinea pig if you like.

@NoMorePlastic Yeah they are ready to go. Are you able to send me an email @ Zero.plastics.australia@gmail.com please. I have been in talks with Toil and Prosper (think you may know them) and he got me onto a person over seas but i would like to keep it in Australia if i could. Any help would be amazing. Thank you. Adz.

sent

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Hi Guys, I'm midway through implementing this program at a College I work as Sustainability Coordinator. I am wondering if any other schools out there had this program up and running and also if anyone has made the sheet press. I'm hoping to begin this with a local engineering firm in the coming week. Keen for an idea of costs and any tips

Where are you based on? Having a discussion with near-by machine shop and community points can be a good place to get started. https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Mount Gambier SA, between Adelaide and Melbourne

12:53 PM

I don't see a machine shop in Mount Gambier, but in Melbourne there is a big local network. You might want to contact the machine shop and the community point.

Thanks

http://www.toilandprosper.com/ Website of the machine shop.

Toil and Prosper

Freelance Industrial Design and Product Innovation.

@Lazy_Turtle you are doing a great job connecting all this. You may not be working the machines but it takes more than just that to make this work.

Thanks, my workspace is closed so I have a lot of time for this:)

1

Hi all, Michael from Melbourne here. I worked on development of the V4 sheetpress last year. I’m currently designing a slightly smaller sheetpress with local manufacturing in mind and was wondering if this is something anyone else is interested in? If so, I have some questions which may influence the design; What would the sheets be used for? What size sheets would be ideal? Who would be operating the machine? Where would the machine be operated? How much usage would it get in a week? Footprint, budget, power limitations? You don’t have to answer everything, just want a better idea of what everyone is after. Cheers, Michael

1

1

@michael_makes_ Hello Michael, i have been making smaller sheets (30cm by 25cm by 1cm) and have found that they can really be used for anything, I've made phone stands to marble runs, used them as tiles for a garden to a garden bed, also had a uni cnc cut them into trophies for a yacht club race. Using them to build with leaves it open to a range of things, but I have found that 60cm by 50cm (4 of my sheets) is perfect for tables and seats. I've made my own machine modded from the heat press design that was about before v4 sheet press. Max output is 1 sheet per hour, but can be lowered to 40min per sheet. However can give shit results if using PP. I've turn this into a kit for $1500 but that could be lower it if buying parts in bulk. It's 2500kw and does need regular servicing but has helped me make quite a few sheets moving about 80kg of plastic so far. Happy to chat more if you have any questions, best to reach me on my Facebook or via email. Thanks again for all your help with v4 you have been an inspiration. Adz Zero.plastics.australia@gmail.com

1

Here is some of the items I've made so far

1

The top-right one looks very cool. It would be great to develop customization like bricks.

11:14 AM

Maybe making a hole in a sheet and inserting short beams? The other ones look very cool too.

Yeah that could work, injection molds marble run bricks would be a great idea, i have a video of my son loving playing with this ( me too) but can't upload it on this. Check out my Facebook page to see the video. Same name and logo. Toys for kids are always a great idea, I'm planing on making a large car garage for my son next.

1

Nice! This is just my suggestion and might be a little difficult but if you create your logo with recycled plastic, it would be AMAZING!

1

11:48 AM

Cute boy!

hello all.is there anyone in East Africa who is making different plastic recycling machines so that he can help me get some?i own a plastic recycling company in Burundi but i am in need of a shredder and a sheetpress machines.

@nijamas #🥝oceania is not in Africa... go to other channels in Africa:)

oooooh,sorry

no prob:)

Hello, we have a little web site, with drawing, information, etc... about precious plastic machine. https://sites.google.com/view/capi2011/productos-disponibles/partes-picadora-v2-1

Capi2011 - Partes Picadora V2.1

Hello guys, I have something special to ask you. Im funding a startup to plastic recycle with a v4 workspace and a game for mobile that I've been designing for 2 years now, I'm really close to getting real funding with this investor that came to me, but she requested I presented her more accurate market data. Since small scale and on demand plastic recycling facilities are RARE here in Brazil, I ask you, could you who works with plastic products please answer this formulary? https://forms.gle/aM1VV6eWDDoSHD9N9

Help us know better before we start plastic recycling!

We aim at creating wider knowledge among the universe of small / medium scale PLASTIC RECYCLING! Besides, the results of this research will give aditional, real world data for an investor + startup relationship that just started within a specific project in Brazil called Plasm...

Hi, anyone else here in Canberra or surrounds?

@Lynn I have not come across anyone from Canberra as yet, not saying they aren't there just have not made them selves known.

1

Does anybody know where in Australia I might get the shredder parts laser cut? I contacted two machine shops here in Brisbane about two weeks ago and haven't heard anything back. There are parts kits on the PP bazar for about 150 Euro, but it costs that much again to ship them here. Is that probably still my best option anyway?

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) Keep on trying another machine shops and small siderurgic or laser cutting for metal services, send the project for the cutting of the parts you need! Hope someone answer you!!

Does anybody know where in Australia I might get the shredder parts laser cut? I contacted two machine shops here in Brisbane about two weeks ago and haven't heard anything back. There are parts kits on the PP bazar for about 150 Euro, but it costs that much again to ship them here. Is that probably still my best option anyway?

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) We had ours done in Melbourne for pick up from Alliance Laser. Its a heavy order (pallet load) shipping will be $200+ I would think. How far along are you? We could potentially get the entire unit made up for you.

Anyone has experience setting up a community point in Australia ?

https://community.preciousplastic.com/u/mortar-art

8:00 AM

How-to should cover 75% of it

8:00 AM

https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/set-up-a-community-point

Yeah I have seen that one but I wanted to learn from real world experiences from others before embarking on it as people don't give you second chance!

8:55 AM

Thanks @Lazy_Turtle

1

@NoMorePlastic I have a guy in Portland in the South West who does a great job at a good price

1:32 PM

Hi guys, anyone wired up a compression oven on here! I need some help with wiring

@lujc

@NoMorePlastic Well, I just emailed another machine shop yesterday to ask if they can cut the parts for me. How much could you do the whole thing for? I'd want to keep it under $2k and it MUST be single phase. I'm also not keen on it being 100kg+ like most of them seem to be. Shredder box with a crank handle (about 20kg) is good enough for me right now. I just don't have the volume to justify anything bigger. (edited)

Are you building the V2 or V4? I was referring to the V4.

@NoMorePlastic I think it's probably the V2 I was looking at.

Yeah ok. We don’t build them as they are not very good. 1-2 caps at a time.

6:04 AM

Talk to Toil and Prosper on the PP map, they have redesigned the V2 and are working on it at the moment.

Hmmm, that's about what the one at the Edge at South Bank was like. Speed about 6 rpm and it really struggled. But all the Chinese ones are 3-phase which is out of the question

Is there a graph like this, comparing V2 and V4 Shredder Workspace?

You can get converters for 3- single.

If not, It's crucial

6:08 AM

I will ask in #archived-machines

6:08 AM

or #deleted-channel

6:08 AM

nah #deleted-channel

@Lazy_Turtle the V2 is very inferior not really even worth the time.

Is it possible to profit with V2?

6:10 AM

Including events?

@NoMorePlastic Yeah, I've seen phase converters, but they cost more than the shredder

Yes this is not a cheap out set. The V4 original has cost us $11K have got it down considerably now however.

If you want do a bicycle hack?

6:12 AM

https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/make-the-plstico-fantstico-recycling-bicycle-shredder

Is it possible to profit with V2?

@Lazy_Turtle no I don’t see how, as its out put is slow and needs to be manned 100% of the grind.

Events might work?

6:15 AM

#deleted-channel

@Lazy_Turtle bicycle power would be great. That link is really good and I'll see if anyone in my circle can help me put something like that together. I'd still need to get the parts laser cut though...

1

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) I have been chatting to our engineers today and we are going to look at developing a single phase V4 but half the size. So it will be more robust than V2 but not have the out put of V4. Will aim for a $2-3K price point.

3

@NoMorePlastic that sounds promising, keep me in the loop

1

Anyone got a photo of the electronics on their compression oven. I need a successful Australian photo as mine is not happy, even with an inkbird PID and new SSR

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) there is a place in South Australia that cuts the blades. http://www.firepants.com.au/preciousplastics

Precious Plastics

Always on the lookout for new products to add to our collection, the range of plastic recycling machines designed by the Precious plastic team allow small scale plastic recycling at home. See more details about these machines on davehakkens.nlYou will find parts, kits and full...

@aussiebushman thanks for that, I'll check it out!

Hi there , any one building the shredder pro ,

can any one direct me to the fella building the shredder PRO. i want to get a lead on where to get the 18 and 20 tooth Gears for the drive. regards Ken Tasmania Australia. (edited)

Hey @Ken Sulman we have a V4 pro. Ill dm you the details over the weekend. Need to look them up.

iWe are interested in a Shredder Pro as well. We built the basic models which have been great so far but we are based on Christmas Island and building the pro version might be more of a challenge and we need to upgrade this year. Anyone selling?

Hello all. I am new to the community. Just wanted to know if there is a basic shredder available in Melbourne

Morning all. I was wondering if there is a place in or around Adelaide where a shredder can be purchased? I looked into making one, but above my skill level. Regards Liss

@Liss @niranjan.karve DM me we can help you out.

Hi I’m in Hobart - just joined group - have been collecting plastic about 1 year . Is anyone Tasmanian (no jokes - yet , please )

Wow amazing! Go to #🖐start-here and give yourself a role! Proboaly collection

I have about 40000 lids 2 and 4 , but can access over 120,000

@susanmk that's awesome, there are people in Tas but not sure if they have any public contacts to get in touch. Reach out if you want any help or advice.

Does anyone uses a sheetpress in Australia? I am volunteering at a place and they are thinking of either buying or building one! Does anyone knows if someone sells them within Australia?

I have made a small one that I have been using, but not the v4 sheet machine. I have made a how to on how to make these sheets if you are interested. You can scale this up, however the biggest machine I have found is 100cm by 60cm. What do you wish to make from the sheets?

@bruna @Zero Plastics Australia I am a sustainability coordinator at a school in regional SA. We have just had a local engineering firm make up one. We are assembling all electronics. Any advice on how to do electronics would be very much appreciated. I’m keen to see your videos @Zero Plastics Australia

@linnto all my electronics come pre made in the heat machines, so I'm not changing anything with that. Hopefully have one up by the start of next month.

@Zero Plastics Australia thank you I saw that!! We think that the sheetpress would be too big and pricey for us, but the one you made and shared the how to is interesting! Thank you

5

1

8:43 AM

Sheet press coming to life

Lookin good

@linnto looking good! Looking forward to some photos/videos in action!

Thanks @Kat I’m still after any advice of where people order all the cartridge elements. Yet to find a cost effective option

1

@linnto Think you are the first in the country to make one, I did a little searching but didn't find anything that just fit, some adjustments needed to be made. Looking good though.

@NoMorePlastic this is the product specified for the build list. I’ve contacted and can supply 50 for about $300US plus $100 delivery

1

10:18 AM

Well done. You will need to release a supplier list once you have completed it as a resource for us all.

Im just not sure these are exactly what I need and it is a bit of a leap of faith ordering them and not being correct. Can anyone ask a member of the PP team who was involved in the sheet press?

@linnto Yep - just make sure you select the 300W (80mm) element. This item is also for 2 pieces - so you'll only need to purchase this by QTY25 for one press

Thanks Michael. Will do! Will update everyone once it is together

3

2

Also, it’s pretty critical that the heater blocks that these live inside are reamed to the specific tolerance of 12mm. Will require a decent drill press, a 12mm reamer and a sturdy and repeatable setup.

Hi there Can anyone here help with info, I'm looking to start up buisness

Hello everyone. I'm new to this community and was wondering if there's anyone near the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Would like to connect up with anyone nearby as I already make jewellery from recycled marine plastics and would like to do and learn more.

@mtrcarr what info are you after?

10:17 AM

@Jo Male welcome. There is @Sunshine Coast Maker Space that’s all I know of. Awesome work with the jewellery you can start up your own. Get on the map and have a look and go through the pp website for more info.

Thanks for info

Hi, does anyone want to make a 5mm screen/guard for the basic shredder? In based in NZ and there seems to be more people with units in AU

@0502 Hi there, those parts need to be laser cut, we can get it done but freight would probably kill it. This service must be available over there??

I've got the laser cutting pieces, just having trouble finding small mesh pieces. I'll check out scrap yards as small one off purchases make it expensive. I've got someone who can tig weld so I'll probably just hunt for the mesh

9:21 AM

Just need to build frame and weld box up. Extruder on way that can use same unit and coupling. Pretty pumped due to zero engineering background!!

Yeah well done, we will have the pro shredder running by the end of the week, been a big journey, 5 months to source all the parts! We had the mesh laser cut for that one.

Have you got the compression screw for the extruder?

@0502 if you get really stuck, try here: https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/shredder/shredder-parts/8mm-and-5mm-punch-plate-set/

sieve, punch plate

1

@NoMorePlastic yep got an v3 barrel and screw from Robotdigg. PP source

2:50 AM

$35 delivery cost from China to NZ. Ordered last week and out on delivery atm, very quick

@0502 perfect that's who I was going to recommend, paid $1100 to get ours made here!

Rough. I'll post photos in here for feedback. Is your extruder machine up and running?

Yep

3:07 AM

Shredder as were were putting it together. Just waiting on electricals.

1

That's huge! Nice work team

Hey everyone! We are looking at ventilation for our workshop (mostly working with HDPE) does anyone have a recommendation for a portable unit?

Hi

I love your shredders! We are a small food waste composting social enterprise and need a shedder for oranges, banana skins, avocado seeds, coffee cups, and corn cobs etc… A stainless steel shredder is just what we need. Would anyone be keen to build one for us? We have the Electronics covered, just need the shredder! We are in New Zealand Kind regards Ben

Interesting article in Brisbane Times today. Unfortunately seems all empty promises though ... not seeing any grants for small recyclers. https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/queensland-exports-tonnes-of-plastic-and-paper-waste-as-ban-looms-20200707-p559tt.html

Queensland exports tonnes of plastic and paper waste as ban looms

Queensland companies exported more than 265,000 tonnes of waste plastic, cardboard, paper and tyres to overseas companies last year.

2:29 AM

So I imagine it’s just going to be a grant for the top 3 businesses to swap out a handful of industrial machines for newer models. Better than nothing ... but doesn’t seem like it will be handle a nation-wide “maybe we SHOULD use recycled products” mentality.

2:29 AM

*but it doesn’t seem like $600M will be enough to handle a handle a nation-wide (...)

@Sidequest Co yes I can't see any of the latest recycling promised grants being available to small business. None of them have been so far. Its the business as usual big company boys club. When I inquire about the grants all I get a great job for what you are doing, here is a pat on the back.

1

Hi Am new here - looking for ppl to start a recycling plastic within Sunshine Coast/Brisbane/Caboolture area...any advice welcome...look forward to hearing from you...

Hi glenda!

11:48 PM

I inquired about thw grants too... Nothing for actual people making use of plastic waste.. Stunning disaster for us..

Correct do not go expecting government financial help on recycling projects. Hopefully this will change but I can not see that happening soon.

Is there any shredder makers in Victoria?

https://community.preciousplastic.com/map There are two I think

@e1ise.v we can build and supply the V4 shredder. DM us if interested.

heya aussies! Im going to be joing Precious Plastic Monash in a live discussion tomorrow along with people from Zero Waste Victoria and Plastic Bank Philippines. 3pm Melbourne time, check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2812014189020400/

Causes event in Melbourne, VIC, Australia by Precious Plastic Monash on Wednesday, July 15 2020

Hi All, new to this discussion. We are a Brisbane based manufacturer that uses a lot of the compressed fibre PET acoustic panel. While manufacturers market this as 100% recyclable no one in the country seems to recycle this. I'd be happy to be wrong on this but also willing to set up a facility that does. With that in mind I am looking to figure out what equipment might be required to shred and then ideas around a secondary use - new panels, turn into pellets for other uses etc. (edited)

@luxxbox my shredder should be operational next month. Interested to look at what you have to see if I can use it in my operations. If you'd like to discuss something further, feel free to email me plastic@d-wizz.com

@luxxbox PET is recyclable for sure but its very hard to do so and requires specialized machinery. Hence why its not common, grinding it is easy, processing it further not so much. That's why you wont find many doing and the PP machines are not really capable past shredding for PET. You need to work out exactly what you want to recycle it into and set up the appropriate process.

Hi there, thinking of opening a workshop and trying to figure out where everyone is. does anyone know of a map?

https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Precious Plastic Community Platform

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

[FAQ] [Map] [Location]

Hi All, im wanting to get a shredder made, is there anyone on here that could help please?

@Bodaciouswha1e Hi there. We can help with a pro shredder. DM for more details if interested.

Hi guys. Is there anybody with experience in extruding recycled plastic here? I'm working on a project where we will 3D-print objects (preferably small furniture like a stool) using recycled plastic filament. We are going to collect plastic waste from the community and we'd like to produce recycled filament ourselves. Regarding this, I would like to get some advice from anybody who is familiar with the process. Thank you

@Mariachi in a Jar not a lot of first hand experience, but its a tricky process and needs a dedicated machine to produce a filament consistent enough to be used through a printer. the PP extruders can not do this. Its a hot topic and not many have come up with a perfect solution. There is plenty of info on it and lots of people working on it as its is a great way to use lots of recycled plastic. Just do the research and look into the existing machines. these guys have some examples. https://www.robotdigg.com/category/32/Extrusion-n-Injection @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) has done quite a bit of research.

Extrusion n Injection - RobotDigg

3D Printer Extruder, 3D Printing Filament Production Line Screw and Barrel for Extrusion and Injection Welcome your cust...

@NoMorePlastic Hey thank you for the info. Really appreciate it. I'll digg into that

Hi there, I was also interested in recycling for the 3d printer but I think I will start small. Also curious what are good products that there is a big need for?

@Mariachi in a Jar @AngieDM I have attempted this before and used a filament making machine, we found that the biggest issues with this was the impurities within the plastic. As when you go to print with this it "pops" and can either wreck the print or jam in the machine. The machine we used was a filafab 350x.

@Zero Plastics Australia Were you able to fix this, or was it too difficult to do reliably?

@ryanstev it ended up being to costly and time consuming for us to continue down that path.

A friend and I are hoping to start producing 3d filament and I've been wondering why this wasn't common as it seems so easy. I guess not.

@Zero Plastics Australia what plastic where you using? Was it from numerous sources or all the same?

A friend and I are hoping to start producing 3d filament and I've been wondering why this wasn't common as it seems so easy. I guess not.

@ryanstev my suggestion is that if you do have plastic products that you want to produce, use your printers for prototyping and tool making, and then produce molded parts from recycled materials. Contamination is less of a problem if you 'over-engineer' ... use thicker material to avoid cracks.

1

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) The problem is, the main product we wanted (or at least I wanted) to produce was filament. We did have other ideas though and we're both tinkerers, so it's not the end of the world.

Filament is an intermediary product though.

7:17 AM

It's just a feedstock for a working machine.

7:18 AM

And those machines are not ideal for mass production of anything.

7:18 AM

I understand that at least from the perspective of available information and tools, a 3D printer is a commonly available machine now, but molded products can be actually simpler to make.

7:19 AM

I honestly think that Precious Plastics doesn't make this clear enough. I'll be back with an example shortly.

7:20 AM

So there's a number of videos online which show how you can make tools out of HDPE such as this one at home with materials and equipment you have already in your home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6ydNxqHhOE

Construct Icon

HDPE Carvers Mallet

7:20 AM

Using a 3D printer and high temperature silicone you can make more complicated forms for custom products.

I meant selling the filament as a product. It seems like it's around $NZ60 per kg, so we wanted to make filament from recycled sources and sell it for about $10 per kg and basically make people consider 3d printing something in the same way that we consider printing on paper nowadays. (ie, treating it as a trivial matter, rather than deciding if they want to spend X amount to print something)

It might be worth reaching out to Aurarum in Knoxfield. They have a new granulator for recycling ABS and PLA, and offering the service for free. They are still learning but it may be helpful. https://www.facebook.com/687918647922120/posts/3008424069204888/?d=n

@ryanstev

12:41 AM

This is a machine we got that was made to make 3d filaments, after many different attempts we always hit the same snag, impurities in the recycled plastic made the prints fail and the filaments useless. At its fastest it would take 2 hours to make one 1kg roll. So cost wise it was also impractical.

1

@Zero Plastics Australia Thanks for all your posts, it's really helpful talking with someone who has done it before me. One last question though, what kind of plastic were you making the filament from and what sources? I want to use ABS from e-waste, so there'll be a lot of plastic and only small areas that had stickers/glue on them, which I'd most likely remove and not process at all. And being e-waste it'd be much cleaner than other sources that have had food and liquid on them.

@ryanstev ours was also ABS from pot plants, it was mainly clean however was the offcuts and swept off the ground, the dust and dirt was enough to create a "pop" in the print. We did our best to clean this however would still have impurities in it. Over all, it just wasn't cost effective and had to many hurdles that we could get pass, at the time we were still studying as well so money was a bit tight. It could be solved and is a great idea, but as @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) mentioned, 3d printers are good and all but if you are after a production then injection machine molding would work better. I also think that 3d printers are going more with UV resin prints, as they are faster and cheaper.

I don't think that's true about UV resin prints. They are not faster as far as I understand it, and the materials are much more expensive and more difficult to handle. The advantage there is detail. They're great for miniatures. Not so good for larger, practical prototypes.

7:55 AM

Regarding impurities. I think this is especially a barrier to resale. I only contemplated filament production for myself. At the time my thinking was that I'd produce thicker filament, and use a high volume nozzle for larger prints at faster speeds, but I was never really able to make that cost effective, compared to other forms of fabrication.

7:56 AM

You could (and I say this with caution) introduce a small amount of well sorted plastic into a filament production line that uses raw material, but you will need to have a production line that is superior to your competitors. The buy in will be huge. Like sell your house to invest huge.

7:57 AM

Desktop filament producers are more for people who produce a lot of prints like me. To reduce our costs.

8:02 AM

Happy to clarify anything if I'm unclear.

How do you mean more for people like you? Do you mean you accept the risk that the filament will fail on you? Does that happen very often? With a professional filament you wouldn't expect any issues, so I'm assuming the desktop producers are good for the most part, but occasionally prints fail?

Filament failure is a big problem.

9:47 AM

It can mean you waste huge amounts of plastic, energy and time.

9:48 AM

When I had unreliable filament from bad suppliers, >90% of print failures were due to the filament.

9:48 AM

I would literally lose customers over tha.t

9:48 AM

*that

9:49 AM

But there are ways for experienced users like me to reduce the failure rate with certain devices and procedures. General consumers will not accept the requirement to do this. They will just ask you for a refun.

9:49 AM

*refund

We just had a large volume of plastic dropped off and can spare a few boxes. Is anyone looking for (95%) clean HDPE & LDPE lids? I’ve got about 1000 bottle caps to re-home. Send me a DM If you’re in Melb and can pickup.

@Piers The guy I'm building the shredder for might be interested! I'll email him.

1

Hi guys, anyone had issues with SSR going Ka-Poot and melting before ultimately tripping whole circuit on any machines. My compression machine has done it three times

Hi guys new here looking to get involved with people around the Gold Coast, QLD area. Wondering where do I find out

@BaD ANT Farm Hi there welcome, there were a couple of people up there but have not heard from them for quite a while. Have a look at the map here https://community.preciousplastic.com/map. The download kits are here, to help with the set up and build of the machines https://community.preciousplastic.com/academy/download. We sell the V4 shredder and extruder ready to go if interested.

Hi guys, anyone had issues with SSR going Ka-Poot and melting before ultimately tripping whole circuit on any machines. My compression machine has done it three times

@linnto What are you running of your SSRs and how many amps are they rated for?

@blk.wth thanks for the response. Following everyone else’s design I assumed my oven would just be 40 amp too so that’s what I have. It’s an ink bird one after a few other cheapies did the same thing. Do you think problem solved if I got a 60 or 80amp SSR? Not sure how to check how much my oven requires to run

Is there anybody in the Brisbane area still active here? I could do with some help. plastic@d-wizz.com or 0402 599 170

Hi. Im obviously new here. Anyone in Melbourne on here ?

@damir there are a few of us, what do you want to know?

@Mortar Art (Melb, AU) and @ryanstev I'm also interested in Precious Plastic from a 3D printer waste /filament perspective. I think a fair has been done on trying to make the "recycled paper" of printing filaments with mixed success. There's a business in UK who turns waste commercial fishing wire into filament, but is something like $120 a kg due to the extra work involved (clean, shred, sort, tag, test, make, instead of just make). There's a great project going for "Trash Printer " which I think is a better solution. Uses precious plastic shreds and a large-calibre nozzle to make large-calibre items. So less for making a D&D mini and more for making a pot plant. I don't have all the info on it, but starting link here: https://hackaday.io/project/166064-trash-printer-recycled-plastic-3d-print-head

Trash Printer - Recycled Plastic 3D Print Head

In the fall of 2016, I built a 'Precious Plastic' open source plastic shredder, and started experimenting with what I could make with shredded waste plastic. Next, I built the Precious Plastic extruder, but I was frustrated at how difficult and time consuming it was to create ...

12:05 PM

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) I'm just down the road at Toowong -- I don't have the equipment but was using it pre-COVID at The Edge (Southbank Museum).

I wanted to make filament too, but upon looking into it, the tolerances you need and the length of perfect filament. I think 1kg is 300m? I realised it would be good for your own use, but to sell it, it's put me off the idea.

1:33 PM

When you need something to be 1.75mm +/- 0.03mm for a whole 300m, it'd be a risk to sell something like that and hope it doesn't have a fault halfway through the strand, causing the customer to return it.

Yeah, you might've noticed even commercial level machines costing $100,000+ are not always up to scratch, and to keep consistent width at +- 0.03mm requires dedicated rooms at perfect temperatures, airflow, humidity, etc etc. The trash printer seems an OK solution by focusing on practicality over quality. I'm hoping to instead go 3D printing waste --> shred --> injection mould.

1:46 PM

I'm hoping to get in touch with some resin printer people to try out this: https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/make-a-3d-printed-injection-mould

Precious Plastic Community Platform

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

Hi @Sidequest Co, the guys down at @Piers have a resin printer and have done some experiments with resin molds.

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Hi anyone here have experience in recycled wood plastic composite ?

@josh de Gee I am unaware of anyone locally doing this but I have not researched it either. My concern would be plastic composites could not be further recycled, suggesting it's not the ideal solution.

Hey, for people who have brought/made extruders. Where did you get the heating bands from? Could you please send a few links

@0502 https://www.hales.com.au/view-products/moulding-supplies/heaters-and-thermocouples/

HEATERS AND THERMOCOUPLES Archives - | Hales

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Hi, not sure if anyone can help, we are a childcare centre in Seaford Victoria who have been collecting bottle top lids for Envision. with covid they are not currently operating and now have 4 large boxes of bottle tops we need to pass on to someone, anyone on here know who might be collecting bottle tops and what I can do with them?

@Seaford Kinder Transmutation Robe are doing a fair bit with bottle caps I believe - they might help?

7:29 AM

0414 730 106

@Seaford Kinder I know someone that will take them depending on travel restrictions

Hi everyone, I would like to introduce myself. I work in a High School in Melbourne and I am interested in making some things out of recycled plastic. I'd also like to introduce it in my class (D&T). My dad is tinkering away making a shredder and putting some safety controls on it.

7:50 AM

I made a prototype mallet which was good. It works good too. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3wH2qpAPRu/

cdvbrown

First mallet made with plastic milk jugs. Could be a good project if it can be done at scale.

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7:51 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyGmfL5_A0w

Teaching Woodwork

Using a Recycled Plastic Mallet

Very cool. Would love to do this if I went to school in Melbo, doubt my school would do this. Could be a lot of fun though!

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It is a lot of organising. I was hoping to get a class of students be able to make their own mallet. I think I would need to speed up the process and make it more efficient though

Hi there

‍♀️ thought I would introduce myself! My name's Christine, I'm based in Melbourne (north-eastern metro) and I work in IT full-time, and also am a design and laser cutting geek part-time - I design jewellery which I sell online

I bought my own desktop laser cutter at the end of last year - it has a 300x200mm work area so everything I do is in small batches! I use predominantly cast acrylic (PMMA) in my work, which is notoriously hard to recycle - I've been in touch with a number of UK-based jewellery designers who are testing out ways to recycle their acrylic offcuts. Research into shredding and breaking down my offcuts led me to the Precious Plastic community, and I've since fallen headfirst into researching sheetpress processes. I live in an apartment at the moment, so it's not feasible for me to run one at the moment, but my goal is to create new laserable 2-3mm sheets out of my acrylic offcuts and scraps which I've been collecting since January. Hopefully before year's end, I would like to launch an entirely recycled jewellery collection!

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@Christine - Celestial Closet I believe someone has a sheetpress at one of the local PP groups. @NoMorePlastic may know.

Hi there

‍♀️ thought I would introduce myself! My name's Christine, I'm based in Melbourne (north-eastern metro) and I work in IT full-time, and also am a design and laser cutting geek part-time - I design jewellery which I sell online

I bought my own desktop laser cutter at the end of last year - it has a 300x200mm work area so everything I do is in small batches! I use predominantly cast acrylic (PMMA) in my work, which is notoriously hard to recycle - I've been in touch with a number of UK-based jewellery designers who are testing out ways to recycle their acrylic offcuts. Research into shredding and breaking down my offcuts led me to the Precious Plastic community, and I've since fallen headfirst into researching sheetpress processes. I live in an apartment at the moment, so it's not feasible for me to run one at the moment, but my goal is to create new laserable 2-3mm sheets out of my acrylic offcuts and scraps which I've been collecting since January. Hopefully before year's end, I would like to launch an entirely recycled jewellery collection!

@Christine - Celestial Closet @Zero Plastics Australia has a sheet press. They also released a how to on setting up a small one.

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Hey guys has anyone used a belt drive to power their shredder? If so what wattage motor and what are the positives/ negatives

The limiting factor of using a belt drive for the shredder is that the maximum force the teeth can exert on the material is determined by when your belt slips. Proper tensioning and well maintained pulleys can go some way to reduce that slip. But honestly sprocket drives are cheap and easy, so there's really no excuse to not use them. In terms of wattage, the precious plastic plans reccomend a minimum 2hp (1500w) motor, but I have seen shredders running on only 1hp(750w) motor, but with reduced shredding capabilities. Hope this helps

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@Isometric yeah thanks it helped a lot! (edited)

OK, the time has come to explore shredder motors. I see the previous post recommends 1.5kW. My friend suggested a washing machine motor - is this suitable? I'd prefer not to buy a new one if it can be avoided. And of course, it must be 240V.

Typically washing machine motors are 250-350w, so likely not suitable. I understand the reuse thing though

. If you feel up to it, a treadmill tends to have a 1-2hp motor inside, the drawback being it has complicated control circuity (it's 180vdc). I've had luck with wood chippers from hard rubbish before, built a belt grinder from a 2HP TEFC motor found in one. If that sounds like a nightmare, relatively affordable commerical motors can be found on gumtree and ebay. Keep in mind what shaft the motor has though, because the last thing you want is a motor with a non standard shaft that requires expensive adaptors to do what you need. Hope this helps (edited)

Hi community in Australia - we are a small travel company ✈️ that work across the South Pacific.

️ We are on a forced hiatus due to Covid and are using the time to develop our eco and social impact initiatives. We want to use Precious Plastics as a way to recycle plastic waste to useful products for sale owned and run by some of the local communities we work with. We will start In Papua New Guinea. We think this will be a fantastic way to get local people into recycling and feel the benefits across the community if they can have a channel to sell some products. Is there anyone on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane who have the machines and/or are selling products? I am not sure where to start and am thinking of the cost obviously as well! Thank you

Hi OEX, Sounds like a good idea.

10:46 AM

I am not sure who is from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast here but you can have a look on the Map

10:47 AM

https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Precious Plastic Community Platform

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

Hi @OEX that's wonderful to hear! It may be worth getting in touch with "Plastic Collective" who are based in QLD, but have a focus on helping pacific islands with plastic recycling using a machine inspired by the Precious Plastic stuff. Website is https://www.plasticcollective.co/

I am in Brisbane. I think I'm (almost) the only person doing this north of Coffs Harbour. My shredder is nearly ready. I will be offering flakes of plastic for sale. All types except PVC in many different colours. I am pedantic about colour separation and removing as much contamination as possible. My website is https://www.d-wizz.com/plastic and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Precious-Plastic-Taringa-104702174687112/ (edited)

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Hi, does anyone make precious plastic machines in Australia?

5:38 AM

I am after a manual shredder machine like this one

5:38 AM

https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/shredder/shredder-fully-built/shredder-ce-certified-community-version-clone/

Manual Shredder - CE certified

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5:39 AM

But ideally I would like it to be made in Australia

That’s a clever way to do it... though I wonder how much muscle you would need to crunch through some stuff. Now I want it with a gear shaft to change with the difficulty of the material! I’d love to see more in that style.

http://www.d-wizz.com/plastic/20200902%20122936.mp4 the blades are turning! Now need to work out how to drive it.

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Just saw a nice idea on gaining consistent/sorted shredding size - what do you think? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsKYVhCVPV0&t=8m54s

CNC Kitchen

Building a Hand Cranked Shredder for Recycling Plastics

I like that idea.

Plastic bags. I have hundreds of them. They come in weekly from the 10c recycling centre with "bin juice" all over them. Obviously, they need to be washed before shredding. My current method is to cut the bottom seam and handles (if present) off the bag and turn it into a sheet of plastic. This stops water getting trapped in the bag. But it's incredibly time consuming - about 60-90 seconds per bag. The cut bags/sheets go into the washing machine with soap about 8 at a time. The wash cycle is 4 minutes. Then they come out and get rinsed in clean water. Drying is also a pain. Put a load of bottle caps in the dryer with two dry towels and 15 minutes later you've got wet towels and dry bottle caps. Do the same with plastic bags/sheets and even after an hour in the dryer the plastic is still wet because water gets trapped in the folds. The most efficient way so far that I've been able to dry these sheets is by hanging them on the line. They need one hour of direct sunlight minimum. Even then, water can get stuck on the edges. Clouds or nightfall pause the drying until direct sunlight returns. And an average clothes hoist only holds about 40 sheets. A faster but much more labour intensive way is to put a dry towel on the laundry bench and lay a wet plastic sheet on top, rub it with another dry cloth/towel until one side is dry then turn over and do the other side. Sheet will be almost bone dry but it takes about a minute and after only a few sheets the towels are too damp and need replacing. You'll also get sore arms rather quickly doing this (I speak from experience). Clean dry plastic sheets are then folded up 5 times (32x thick) and put through the sandwich press to make them shredder friendly. Obviously, the plastic must be clean at this point because any contaminants will get "baked in" by this process. I'm posting this to solicit any ideas for a more efficient process to get dirty plastic bags shredder ready. (edited)

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You should look up Future Post, it's a NZ company that makes fence posts for farms out of soft plastic. (edited)

Replas use plastic bags in the redcycle program. I did see a video that showed what they did but i dont think it had a lot of detail. I think it's on their youtube page.

Huh, there is no Australian sellers in the Bazaar (well, there is one with no products).

8:59 AM

Is the system difficult to use, or is the Bazaar’s fees too high?

@joehann Replas do consume a fair amount of plastic through the Red Cycle program in Melbourne. Unfortunately however they mix in several other components and chemicals during the process. While their products are great long lasting and helping solve the waste problem they are no longer recyclable.

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@Sidequest Co I'm preparing to sell injection and extrusion molds on the bazaar once the Melbourne lockdown ends.

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Commenting on ppvictoria post yesterday. is that true that replas products are nolonger recycleable ! I thought that being mostly made of Lpde it could be reused.

Instead of spending time, money and water to clean and sort the plastic they put in, they just shred it all up and add binders, which is required because dirty unsorted plastic really doesn’t want to stick together

2:05 AM

That wording makes it sound negative, but the fact of the matter is there will always be the plastic that cannot be economically sorted or cleaned, and it’s far better then ending up in landfill

I agree is better than burning it also.

@Isometric That’s awesome! I’d love for my first machine to be an injection machine. Just got to find the time /cash for it.

Sheet press awaiting electricals before all go! Woohoo

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@linnto awesome! If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost you to get to that point? What is it looking like all-in?

@0502 we have been very lucky. A local fabrication company connected with us to offer to construct and they supplied all metal and labour. Probably $3-4000 I’m guessing donated. We’ve spent probably another $1000 on things like electronics and cartridge heaters. The electricians bill will most likely be $1000+. We are a school and we’re fortunate to receive a federal grant.

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@linnto nice. whats the dimensions on it? what state are you in?

Hot plates are 1200x1200. My frames will be 1040 to allow for any overflow. I’m in SA

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Question, are there any V2 machines in Australia yet?

3:45 PM

Sorry I mean V4. I just saw @linntos sheet press, wow! nice!!

3:46 PM

@linnto about the federal grant, we are writing a grant aplication now, could you pass on any documentation that you used?

Sure @Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) dm me your email

we sell V4 shredder and extruder.

@NoMorePlastic what price for both machines? Can you make them single phase? (edited)

Hello I'm new to the plastic recycling and processing, and am trying to find information about how to do the electronics to build the shredder machine, does anyone have any tutorial videos or step by step instructions ?

Do you have a motor yet? If not, just buy a 1300w+ electric hoist and use that. They're cheap.

@ryanstev thank you for your reply... Will this have enough power ?

It does for me.

2:17 PM

2:18 PM

I have a Giantz 1300w Electric Hoist Winch, which was $300 in New Zealand. It's a generic hoist, I've seen the exact hoist with different brand names.

Do you have to limit the material you use or have to let it cool down after short time periods? I read a few things saying that it's only effective for 10-15 mins at a time and not very strong .. ??

I've run it hard for 20 minutes and it was very hot, but it has a thermal shut off, where it'll stop automatically and (apparently) restart once it's cooled down, I never got to that point.

Do you get through much material in that time ? What did you use to make the shredding section? From Precious plastic?

I don't have the exact specs, but it's somewhere around 300Nm, it's reduced down to around 60rpm.

2:39 PM

I was shredding PET bottles as a test, I think I did about 500g. I filled a 900g tin can and I think I weighed it at 500g, but it might have been more.

2:40 PM

https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/shredder/shredder-kits/shredder-motor-and-coupling/

Precious Plastic Shredder Motor & Coupling

2:41 PM

That's the same motor, he's got some specs on it.

Out of interest, what does everyone do for managing plastic fumes when melting? Nothing / fans / activated carbon / masks? In all the promotional videos it looks to be nothing.

Thank you for your help @ryanstev

@Sidequest Co we are installing an activated carbon exhaust system but it seems on a small scale its about the space to emission ratio, a large well ventilated space as opposed to a small enclosed space. Cheapest option would be a respirator. Guess it depends on how many hours you are also in contact. There is quite a bit of info on it on the Dave Hakkens page.

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Has anyone tried using a mulcher for plastic shredding ?

yes, doesn't really work form everything I have seen. Do some research on it. Heavy duty paper shredders can do small items i believe. It just takes a fair amount of strength to shred plastic.

@keagan916 I'm wiring up a motor now. What do you want to know?

Could you please take some photos of the way you have done it and a list of the components ? Have you done any of the wiring with heating set ups?

@keagan916 send me a PM with the specs of the motor. Cheers

Thanks @NoMorePlastic

I was just reading up on the website about the fumes but got curious about website vs real life applications. The fume awareness seemed a new part of the PP V4, so I was guessing most locations are without the fume protection.

Hey folks, I'm in Melbourne Victoria, I manage a PVC pipe bending Factory, We send our offcuts to various other business. But no-one can take the saw dust... We have a shit tonne of swarf, hoping someone has had some luck in processing, or maybe someone can take it off my hands before I have no choice but to send it to landfill

️ (Feel free to DM me or tag me) (edited)

@Obsqur🙃🧐 what type of plastic is it? It should go through an extruder and be turned into pallets well. Needs to be pure however with no contaminates.

Hello folks - We need your votes please!! Precious Plastic Northern Rivers are finalists in a grants program. We have applied for $20,000 for machines in Northern NSW. We are in the community and Other section. We are called Precious Plastic Northern Rivers. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020SCCUGrantsVoting

Southern Cross Credit Union Community Grants 2020 - Voting

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

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Hello folks - We need your votes please!! Precious Plastic Northern Rivers are finalists in a grants program. We have applied for $20,000 for machines in Northern NSW. We are in the community and Other section. We are called Precious Plastic Northern Rivers. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020SCCUGrantsVoting

@Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) Done, good luck

@NoMorePlastic That was my thinking, (no grinding or mulching required) we pore it straight from the dust extractor into bulka bags, so it should be pretty pure. I'm willing to send a sample box of it to anyone for inspection.

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First sheet pressed sheet

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Hi everyone, does anyone know of any publicised case studies of precious plastics (workshops, products, community, education) that has data accessible online? Need it for a university paper! Please DM

just saw this https://preciousplastic.com/impact not sure if that's what you need.

Precious Plastic Global Impact

Data and numbers about the recycling impact of hundreds of Precious Plastic workspaces around the world.

@linnto awesome sheet! How long did it take to cook & cool?

@NoMorePlastic thanks a million. This will be helpful! @Sidequest Co i cooked for about 45 mins but let it cool in the press overnight. I need to work out a way to cool more efficiently without a cooling press

This is a huge issue when working with sheets, I find that depending on a range of factors if you're not careful your sheets will warp, fold, wrinkle or spilt.

Woohoo!!! http://www.d-wizz.com/plastic/20201016%20133446.mp4 I still have to put the hopper on top and make an isolator switch to turn it on and off. The taper lock on the shredder shaft was slipping a bit at first but it seems to have tightened up. I'll be testing some more things over the next few days. (edited)

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d-Wizz, can you reupload. Video isn't working

link fixed

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Hi! I'm from Melbourne and looking into building a shredder.. has anyone got any tips for doing it on a budget?

Hi hooli. Welcome. What are you thinking?

Serving platters 200x400 from a 10mm sheet. I laser etched our project logo “Project Recology”. Students at my school enjoyed the process. As a class, they’ve just made a sheet themselves.

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That looks amazing mate, just be careful using those as serving platters as for BPAs and other chemicals that can come from the way we make sheets

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Thanks @Zero Plastics Australia good to know the catch.

First pot in our compression oven. Not too bad

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7:08 AM

Student designed sheet, then cut into 100mmx100mma squares for their key tag designs.

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That sheet is awesome, well done!

That last shot looks like a work of art!

My students put together this quick video to celebrate our sheet making ability. They are pretty proud to be involved in turning the tide on plastic waste in our community. We are getting there too with our mini planter pots

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Someone was throwing out an old granulator so I grabbed it. I have some photos. Has anyone worked with something like this before?

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4:53 AM

For me to get it working, I would need to get a new motor.

4:54 AM

Is anyone on here cluey enough with plastics to know whether Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene can be blended with HDPE or any other plastics. An engineering firm has loads of shavings they are keen for me to take. Anyone worked with it or know anything about it?

Fantastic News! Today, Precious Plastic Northern Rivers was awarded $17,500AUD from Southern Cross Credit Union to have a V4 Shredder and extruder and V2 Injector made. We will engage Sunshine Coast Maker Space to build the machines. One of our visions for this project was to share everything that we created so that other community groups could replicate what we have done. We have a project brief that was written for the grant and would love to share it with the Precious Plastic community. If you can share it with your networks that may benefit by using it, please feel free. I am happy to share the raw file so that others can copy and edit it, but I need to do that on an individual basis (it is in Canva). Email me at info@preciousplasticnorthernrivers.com if you would like to use it. https://pdfhost.io/v/wTJg13aJk_Grant_Proposal_Community_Access_Plastic_Recycling_Centrepdf.pdf?fbclid=IwAR11zSVBc3hlLPyWizsOBhlPD79DDRu5MEIXUAfXFvZJGRurjeKnDp7lDQg

Grant Proposal - Community Access Plastic Recycling Centre.pdf | PD...

PDF Host read free online - Our PPNR Community Access Recycling Centre Plan. It contains photos, machine 'specs', blueprints, environmental considerations, community and market research, phase two funding (to provide a permanent site for the machines), ongoing (operational) fu...

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1:36 PM

Also, I am looking for someone to express post me a recycles plastic product (happy to buy it) for a photo shoot on Monday! Is anyone making in Australia? We are in Byron Bay.

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Great news @Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) congratulations! Check out http://www.plastic.org.au - we have our plastic listed by the kg and a few other items in our workshop we can send. (edited)

Precious Plastic Melbourne

We are a social business and community hub in Melbourne, where like minded people are working towards better outcomes for traditionally “non-recyclable” products.

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@Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) same here, come check us out on Facebook or Instagram @ZeroPlasticsAustralia

Hey has anybody tried applying for the Bin Trim program? Any success & tips?

Are any Melbourne based workspaces in need of plastic? I've got access to the following collections: • 50,000 bottle caps (sorted by colour in A4 boxes) Let me know if anyone can take them, they can be picked up from the Nunawading or Ringwood area. (edited)

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Hi @Piers I’d love some but just over the border in Mount Gambier. If anyone happens to be headed this way, please let me know. Are the lids all HDPE

12:59 PM

My students and I made a pretty cool table with a 10mm sheet from our press. The base was found in a skip and was apparently part of an old desk. We have gifted it to the Kindergarten at our school and the kids were absolutely over the moon. They are the ones who collect the most bottle caps which this is made from. Cool story!

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linnto

Hi @Piers I’d love some but just over the border in Mount Gambier. If anyone happens to be headed this way, please let me know. Are the lids all HDPE

The lids are a combination of LDPE & HDPE. The person who has the lids drives to Robe each year to drop off a caravan full of bread tags so I’ll check her schedule and let you know. Table looks great!

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Piers

The lids are a combination of LDPE & HDPE. The person who has the lids drives to Robe each year to drop off a caravan full of bread tags so I’ll check her schedule and let you know. Table looks great!

That would be phenomenal Piers and put us in a great position to start 2021! We’d happily make her a unique 1m sheet for her efforts

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Finally launched the official Precious Plastics Hawai'i!

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11 months and a pandemic later....

12:14 AM

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The first shreds?

9:29 PM

If so put them in a glass frame and hang it up! (edited)

Yep first yogurt pots that had been sitting in garage for months. Going to hit up the local cafés to get milk bottles. Anyone else figured out a quick way to wash the flakes?

Any one in Auckland need some shredding done?

Hi folks, I need some help creating up 3d designs of a product. We can pay for the work. I also need some advise on how to go about making the product (injection, compression, or extrusion). The product is a bagless rubbish bin for offices. can anyone help?

@piers hiya! I'm interested in a PP initiative in my home community of Victoria, BC, Canada. We are a big coffee town and I was intrigued when i saw you were making re-usable coffee pods

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brett

@piers hiya! I'm interested in a PP initiative in my home community of Victoria, BC, Canada. We are a big coffee town and I was intrigued when i saw you were making re-usable coffee pods

I can imagine it might not be the case, but curious if you've released your designs openly?

8:18 PM

super cool!

brett

@piers hiya! I'm interested in a PP initiative in my home community of Victoria, BC, Canada. We are a big coffee town and I was intrigued when i saw you were making re-usable coffee pods

Hey! You’re close, we actually own a company called Crema Joe that has been selling reusable coffee capsules for the past 6 years. We’re currently making accessories for our customers to help reduce wastage and help those who are not yet using reusables to convert. https://instagram.com/cremajoe?igshid=11abrhfjy5x7w

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10:44 PM

@Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) try @blk.wth

@Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) we are working on this idea as well with our sheet machines and injection machine, happy to talk more Zero.plastics.australia@gmail.com

Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus)

Hi folks, I need some help creating up 3d designs of a product. We can pay for the work. I also need some advise on how to go about making the product (injection, compression, or extrusion). The product is a bagless rubbish bin for offices. can anyone help?

Hey holly, I run a company focusing on product designs. Happy to chat about it

send a pm

0502

Yep first yogurt pots that had been sitting in garage for months. Going to hit up the local cafés to get milk bottles. Anyone else figured out a quick way to wash the flakes?

Hey, I’m building a shredded plastic washer. Just finished the design in December, now I’m in fabricating phase. Will let you know once I’m in testing phase, which will be most likely in early-feb.

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vishbish

Hey, I’m building a shredded plastic washer. Just finished the design in December, now I’m in fabricating phase. Will let you know once I’m in testing phase, which will be most likely in early-feb.

Hi Vishek, that would be great to get some stats once testing is done. Eg required flake size and any limitations on how dirty, water usage, time to clean, power consumption, size of unit, cost

Hi all, what's everyone's opinion on buying shredded plastic from large recycling companies instead of using a Precious plastic shredder and collecting it yourself?

Probably just idealism vs utilitarianism

Hi everyone. I'm in Armidale, NSW and interested in getting involved in PP. I appreciate that there might not be any communities around close nearby, but was wondering if anything is happening in the new-england or north coast regions of NSW?

4:42 AM

I've just started 3d printing (christmas present) and would be interested in recycling PLA and/or getting locally recycled PLA filament

David Dean

Hi everyone. I'm in Armidale, NSW and interested in getting involved in PP. I appreciate that there might not be any communities around close nearby, but was wondering if anything is happening in the new-england or north coast regions of NSW?

Hey David, keep your eye on the PP map. https://community.preciousplastic.com/map @Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) is probably the closest (not that close). With respect to recycling PLA, check these guys out: https://youtube.com/shorts/FDqHwq0dqOI the set-up is pretty intense

Precious Plastic Community Platform

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

Making recycled filament from scrap PLA - Aurarum

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Hi @David Dean, we are in Byron shire. 0434491500 is my number if you want to chat.b

hi there i'm based in new zealand

8:38 PM

i stumbled on the precious plastic website and am interested in what I can do to help out

0502

Hi all, what's everyone's opinion on buying shredded plastic from large recycling companies instead of using a Precious plastic shredder and collecting it yourself?

I think buying shredded plastic makes sense (from other PPs or elsewhere). Specialisation between each workshop makes a lot of sense, rather than each workshop being a complete start-to-finish recycler-manufacturer-designer-sales master

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David Dean

I've just started 3d printing (christmas present) and would be interested in recycling PLA and/or getting locally recycled PLA filament

I’m in the same boat as a 3D printer guy looking to control his waste. “Shred on demand” services do not seem common, and DIY shredders are a couple grand. My long term goal would be to have an injection moulding machine + use a ‘shred on demand’ service to turn my failed prints into pellets.

What is the main plastic type used in 3D printing? I could be keen on using that as a feedstock

basketFungiAreNeat

i stumbled on the precious plastic website and am interested in what I can do to help out

Where abouts in NZ are you located? Do you have any accesd to plastics, machines, washing methods or want to start collecting plastic lids?

I'm also in NZ looking into building a shredder.

0502

What is the main plastic type used in 3D printing? I could be keen on using that as a feedstock

It is PLA, which falls into ‘other’ type 7. Sadly 3D printing and precious plastic don’t have much synergy, as 3D printing feedstock uses fairly tailored blends for good results (eg: PET-G not PET). Secondhand accounts also say reusing the same feedstock over and over results in reduced strength and quality as each time it is destroyed the molecular chains are being shortened .. but I don’t know if that’s theoretical or practical differences.

I'm still lurking here in Brisbane. The PP shredder I made last year does not seem to be suitable (it's only just managing to shred milk bottles), so I'm preparing to buy a larger more expensive one (about $3-$5k). Unfortunately, the virus outbreaks down south have prevented me from travelling to Sydney/Melbourne to inspect possible machines, so we'll have to wait it out I guess. Still have LOTS of dumb questions to ask, such as... 1. Is there a demand for shredded plastic? How much should I sell it for? As soon as you have to send it somewhere, the economics go bad. 2. I have often thought about offering my shredder for use by others, but it will be 3-phase so would have to be used at my place. Logistical issues yet again, and also how much to charge. I'm extremely mindful that the costs involved will make almost anything uneconomical. Labour $20/hr (minimum wage) for example. I have close to half a million bottle caps. Cleaning and sorting is a pain, but I've learned how to clean 10,000 at a time soaking them in a wheelie bin with a bleach solution. I also just got a few dozen broken wheelie bins which will yield a lot of high quality HDPE - but who wants it? Next plans for this year are to design and build a bottle cap sorting machine (maybe in collaboration with university students) and a couple of extruders. As a side note, the debris I collect from the recycling centre contains a small amount of broken glass. I used to discard this, but I started sorting and collecting it with the idea that it may be useful for some purpose. I have learned about "frit", and my idea is that I could use an extruder such as used for plastic with a ceramic heat band on it, but instead of setting it to 220° for plastic, I could turn it up to 800° and "extrude" glass beads or something. Just throwing that out there in the mix... I've got about 50kg so far I guess.

1

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

I'm still lurking here in Brisbane. The PP shredder I made last year does not seem to be suitable (it's only just managing to shred milk bottles), so I'm preparing to buy a larger more expensive one (about $3-$5k). Unfortunately, the virus outbreaks down south have prevented me from travelling to Sydney/Melbourne to inspect possible machines, so we'll have to wait it out I guess. Still have LOTS of dumb questions to ask, such as... 1. Is there a demand for shredded plastic? How much should I sell it for? As soon as you have to send it somewhere, the economics go bad. 2. I have often thought about offering my shredder for use by others, but it will be 3-phase so would have to be used at my place. Logistical issues yet again, and also how much to charge. I'm extremely mindful that the costs involved will make almost anything uneconomical. Labour $20/hr (minimum wage) for example. I have close to half a million bottle caps. Cleaning and sorting is a pain, but I've learned how to clean 10,000 at a time soaking them in a wheelie bin with a bleach solution. I also just got a few dozen broken wheelie bins which will yield a lot of high quality HDPE - but who wants it? Next plans for this year are to design and build a bottle cap sorting machine (maybe in collaboration with university students) and a couple of extruders. As a side note, the debris I collect from the recycling centre contains a small amount of broken glass. I used to discard this, but I started sorting and collecting it with the idea that it may be useful for some purpose. I have learned about "frit", and my idea is that I could use an extruder such as used for plastic with a ceramic heat band on it, but instead of setting it to 220° for plastic, I could turn it up to 800° and "extrude" glass beads or something. Just throwing that out there in the mix... I've got about 50kg so far I guess.

There doesn’t seem to be much demand for shredded plastic. Having said that, as we see community recycling grow, we’d expect that may change. Our prices are based on supply. We’ve got tonnes of dark blue so it’s cheaper than gold, which appears rarer. When pricing we’ve also considered our rent ($1700 per month), wages and shredding capacity per hour. We’ve got a granulator that we sell, soon to be installed which will increase our shredding capacity and lower our price. I always suggest focusing on manufacturing your own, high value products rather than selling plastic. This is our own opinion but we speak from experience.

3

I'm just about to place an order for 100kg of recycled black HDPE and PP (50kg of each). Its from a industrial recycler who sometimes have 25kgs bags available otherwise their min order is 800kg! I still have a shredder and that is used for other colours. The plan is to use the black plastic as a base colour and then add the self shredded coloured plastic. I agree with Piers as well, the biggest problem with recycled plastic is demand. If high quality in demand items can be made then the market will adjust. I'm drafting a product atm to be mainly black with hints of colour. Will share prototype over the next few months (edited)

3

1

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

I'm still lurking here in Brisbane. The PP shredder I made last year does not seem to be suitable (it's only just managing to shred milk bottles), so I'm preparing to buy a larger more expensive one (about $3-$5k). Unfortunately, the virus outbreaks down south have prevented me from travelling to Sydney/Melbourne to inspect possible machines, so we'll have to wait it out I guess. Still have LOTS of dumb questions to ask, such as... 1. Is there a demand for shredded plastic? How much should I sell it for? As soon as you have to send it somewhere, the economics go bad. 2. I have often thought about offering my shredder for use by others, but it will be 3-phase so would have to be used at my place. Logistical issues yet again, and also how much to charge. I'm extremely mindful that the costs involved will make almost anything uneconomical. Labour $20/hr (minimum wage) for example. I have close to half a million bottle caps. Cleaning and sorting is a pain, but I've learned how to clean 10,000 at a time soaking them in a wheelie bin with a bleach solution. I also just got a few dozen broken wheelie bins which will yield a lot of high quality HDPE - but who wants it? Next plans for this year are to design and build a bottle cap sorting machine (maybe in collaboration with university students) and a couple of extruders. As a side note, the debris I collect from the recycling centre contains a small amount of broken glass. I used to discard this, but I started sorting and collecting it with the idea that it may be useful for some purpose. I have learned about "frit", and my idea is that I could use an extruder such as used for plastic with a ceramic heat band on it, but instead of setting it to 220° for plastic, I could turn it up to 800° and "extrude" glass beads or something. Just throwing that out there in the mix... I've got about 50kg so far I guess.

I’d be interested in the ‘DIY shredding service. I was doing this at the Brisbane State Library pre-COVID. Insurance might be a challenge though - injury to the public using PP machines / insurance as waste plastic collector / plastic manufacturer. I imagine all would be considered “high risk.”

FYI all, pricing for recycled HDPE and PP from a industrial recyclers is NZD $1.50 kg or $0.68lb

2

0502

FYI all, pricing for recycled HDPE and PP from a industrial recyclers is NZD $1.50 kg or $0.68lb

Is that mixed or single colour?

0502

FYI all, pricing for recycled HDPE and PP from a industrial recyclers is NZD $1.50 kg or $0.68lb

Thanks, good to know, question as above, is it granulated or pelletized?

@blk.wth single colour of black. They only provide black so the plan is to collect colours and self shred those

2

6:56 PM

@NoMorePlastic I believe pelletized but will find out next week during pick up lol I'm hoping both form work in the extruder

0502

@NoMorePlastic I believe pelletized but will find out next week during pick up lol I'm hoping both form work in the extruder

Thanks, both will work in the extruder.

Hi all. We’ve been busy in regional SA. At the school I am the sustainability coordinator at, I’ve managed to employ someone for 35 hr a week to assist and lead projects. Loads of good ideas. Made this today!!

10

1

2:21 AM

Just need to finish the extruder now!

Is anyone extruding more than 10kg/22lb a week with a V3 or V4 extruder and making money from selling an end product? I'm keen to get a feel for a break even point

In a few weeks we start production for a large customer with the V3 so I will let you know how it works out.

2

Hi all, it has been a while! I am in the first week of making recycled acrylic (PMMA) sheets from my laser cut jewellery offcuts, which is something I pledged to do last year! My 20x20cm manual crank heat press arrived last week and I've managed to make a few fun sheets so far! Here are before and after pics:

9:54 PM

Nice work, looking good. What are the plans for your sheets?

3:41 AM

Hey all, how do I connect the extra heating units to the same SIRR and PID? I've wired one up as per image. Online extruder schematics got me this far but am not sure

NoMorePlastic

Nice work, looking good. What are the plans for your sheets?

Using the recycled acrylic sheets to create more jewellery (these will be laser cut again)

the sheets come out quite thin - around 1.5mm so far.

3

1

0502

Click to see attachment 🖼️

If you're looking to have all elements heat up the same then I think you just connect them all in parallel. If you want an independantly controlled element for the nozzle you will need to connect another PID and SSR

0502

FYI all, pricing for recycled HDPE and PP from a industrial recyclers is NZD $1.50 kg or $0.68lb

That is a good price - do you know the source of their plastic? i.e. is it post-consumer or just from off-cuts from their own/a nearby manufacturing plant?

Our pin on the map has been rejected. Can anyone tell us how to fix this? We are in Townsville, Qld, and all new to this.

Darcy - TPF

That is a good price - do you know the source of their plastic? i.e. is it post-consumer or just from off-cuts from their own/a nearby manufacturing plant?

They do a bit post consumer but mostly industrial by the way he spoke. The material comes from businesses in Auckland and one from Hamilton.

Lids4Kids - Queensland

Our pin on the map has been rejected. Can anyone tell us how to fix this? We are in Townsville, Qld, and all new to this.

Hi! What did you set your map pin as? A collection point?

Trukku (Ohio, USA)

https://khkgears.net/new/how_to_buy.html?a1=SSG3-28J40&a2=2

Hey I'm having a hard time sourcing flexible couplers for a reasonable price for the pro shear shredder. Looking for something capable of around 1,500ft-lbs. Did you find a good source? Thanks

Anyone know the prices i should be asking for clean/dry multi coloured hdpe. Shredded through a 30mm screen. In Australia and can produce around 300 kgs per week.

Lachlan

Hey I'm having a hard time sourcing flexible couplers for a reasonable price for the pro shear shredder. Looking for something capable of around 1,500ft-lbs. Did you find a good source? Thanks

We imported them, cant afford any off the shelf here and they are still from asia when you do. The first ones we sourced were from here however, CBC in Bayswater Vic. $650 + shipping

jakeyeah.

Anyone know the prices i should be asking for clean/dry multi coloured hdpe. Shredded through a 30mm screen. In Australia and can produce around 300 kgs per week.

Good question, we ran the sums and including depreciation we happily sell for around $3 per kg granulated, its a hard market however as we can get pelletized food grade PET for $2.30 per kg locally, min buy is a ton though.

They are good sale prices. I was looking to sell around $1 per kg

11:10 AM

But not granulated. I might look at further processing and getting a granulator after shredding

Hi all, just want to introduce myself. I am Simon, located in Lismore, NSW. I have a PP shredder up and running and I have been making small plastic sheets using a heat press and molds made out of pressed steel. I then use a CNC machine to cut them into products. I have just purchased a new CNC machine to increase the size of the products I can produce. Currently I produce jewelry and a 2-cup coffee cup carrier. Once I get sorted with the new machine I plan to do many more things including a 4-cup carrier, furniture and other home items. My website is https://upcycler.com.au/

1

3

1

Hey @Upcycler_Simon

your sheets look awesome!

3

10:57 PM

First one

Looking good! It looks like the crank only needs a couple more turns to fill the mould. Try holding the pressure after the shot and you shouldn’t need to dunk it in water afterward. I’ve found the surface is way smoother if you remove parts from a warm mould. Can’t wait to see more!

Thanks Piers. Ill try without the water on my next one and pull it straight out.

https://instagram.com/stories/ecothon2021/2528632388599581136?igshid=1orzexufelk7n

5:57 PM

Check out ecothon2021 at ecothon.org and share with any teenagers that can benefit from participating in this event.

11:29 PM

I have some 6mm Hardox shredder blades if anyone wants them. Located Melbourne. Sing out

(edited)

Hello All, Happy to seeing you all. Who are passionate to change current situation of climate change. We at Recosolution providing service for machines set ups as well customised machines also as per your requirement. You can check in PP bazar also. Dm me if you have any queries related to machines and it's operations.

Hi all. Can anyone fill me in on any workshops going on in the Brisbane area?

@diverbear66 I’m also interested in Brisbane workshops! Have you been to The Edge at the State Library? Their website says they have some gear, but I’m not sure if the info is current.... (edited)

@Thom-K no I hadn't been but it maybe the first place I will have to look into. I hope covid hadn't killed off the interest for plastic recovery.

Hey! I have a barrel of black Delrin (virgin + regrind). Send me an offer via DM if you want it. Pickup from Melbourne (edited)

1

hi there, im new around here, just wondering if there are any efforts in perth?

WillCraig

hi there, im new around here, just wondering if there are any efforts in perth?

There is a Precious Plastic Perth but all attempts to contact them has gone unanswered on our end. There is also a very active PP Margaret River group.

Upcycler_Simon

Hi all, just want to introduce myself. I am Simon, located in Lismore, NSW. I have a PP shredder up and running and I have been making small plastic sheets using a heat press and molds made out of pressed steel. I then use a CNC machine to cut them into products. I have just purchased a new CNC machine to increase the size of the products I can produce. Currently I produce jewelry and a 2-cup coffee cup carrier. Once I get sorted with the new machine I plan to do many more things including a 4-cup carrier, furniture and other home items. My website is https://upcycler.com.au/

Wow Simone, am got amazed due similarity the site domain that you and I have, in 2018 I started my website of http://www.supraciclaje.com which now is most website traffic in Mexico of recyclable scrap materials, but the US brandy name is http://upcycle.global . This is the available inventory up to date of total raw materials in metric tons. (edited)

Recicladora y chatarra

Chatarra para reciclaje, compra venta de scrap, residuos y materiales.

Servicio de compra venta de chatarra, reciclaje escolar, reciclaje residencial y reciclaje industrial a domicilio o en centro de acopio. Llámanos.

Recicladora y chatarra

Scrap for recycling, purchase of scraps, waste and materials.

Service of purchase and selling scrap, school recycling, residential recycling and industrial recycling at home or at a collection center. Call us.

Piers

Hey! I have a barrel of black Delrin (virgin + regrind). Send me an offer via DM if you want it. Pickup from Melbourne (edited)

this is the available material I have, just of plastics in Mexico.

0502

Click to see attachment 🖼️

how much did you par for the PP per pound in pellet ?

Hey @H1F1, we received jt with some new equipment we purchased so we don’t have a price.

Piers

Hey @H1F1, we received jt with some new equipment we purchased so we don’t have a price.

how much did you have ?

H1F1

how much did you have ?

Just what you see in the photo. My guess is approx 200kg

1

NoMorePlastic

There is a Precious Plastic Perth but all attempts to contact them has gone unanswered on our end. There is also a very active PP Margaret River group.

Thanks so much, ill try and reach out

WillCraig

Thanks so much, ill try and reach out

I have actually now got in touch with Maryline, They are super busy setting up a partner venture so reach out im sure they will need plenty of help.

Hello, I'm relatively new and don't know what happens with this stuff, the website wasn't extremely helpful. But basically I was wondering if anyone can melt plastic for me and also how does molding work, where do you get molds, can custom molds be made?

what

Hello, I'm relatively new and don't know what happens with this stuff, the website wasn't extremely helpful. But basically I was wondering if anyone can melt plastic for me and also how does molding work, where do you get molds, can custom molds be made?

Hi. Depends where you are located to who can help you melt plastic. Yes moulds can be custom made for many shapes and sizes. What they are made from and how depends on what you are trying to do. This will govern time and cost and accessibility to the service.

Awesome thanks, if I were trying to mild the bottom of a shoe what do you think

what

Awesome thanks, if I were trying to mild the bottom of a shoe what do you think

From rigid or flexible plastic? Rubber?

Flexible plastic if I could get my hands on it

what

Flexible plastic if I could get my hands on it

Probably the most flexible would be LDPE. I've just designed a shoe from scratch. If you have any questions, shoot me a message

@Thom-K @diverbear66 I'm in Brisbane. Search Precious Taringa on Facebook for more information. The plastic group at the State Library has not yet restarted after COVID, and they are reassessing their involvement.

2

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) thanks for that info i will look you up on FB

Hey! For anyone interested, I have a commercial granulator and extractor for sale. I'm posting it here before advertising it on other platforms. The extractor is basically a big vacuum that sucks plastic out of granulator and dumps them into a hopper or collection area. Granulator has freshly sharpened blades, 3phase and can grind 15kg+ of HDPE per hour. Pick up from Melbourne - message me for further details. https://www.plastic.org.au/products/used-equipment

Precious Plastic Melbourne Granulator

Suited to schools, universities & community groups or commercial use, our granulator meets strict Australian safety standards. A 3-phase, slow speed granulator featuring a staggered 180mm diameter rotor, & 180mm width. The low rotor speed reduces machine noise level whilst creating less dust. Easy to clean & maintain.

@Piers how much do you want for it? How much for freight to Brisbane?

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

@Piers how much do you want for it? How much for freight to Brisbane?

$4600 for both items. Freight will be ~$300 to Brisbane. Click the link for details - the preview is pulling information from another listing. (edited)

blk.wth

I have some 6mm Hardox shredder blades if anyone wants them. Located Melbourne. Sing out

(edited)

If you still have the shredder parts I might know someone that could try to complete the machine. Let me know.

Palomino Plastic

If you still have the shredder parts I might know someone that could try to complete the machine. Let me know.

Yep, still have everything. Shoot me a message

blk.wth

Yep, still have everything. Shoot me a message

Please contact Tyler at 0481217458 to coordinate getting the parts. He lives in Malvern East. Where do you live? I am in the US and have built a shredder. Tyler is my son.

Palomino Plastic

Please contact Tyler at 0481217458 to coordinate getting the parts. He lives in Malvern East. Where do you live? I am in the US and have built a shredder. Tyler is my son.

The shire of Blackburn. Will do. Let him know it might be next week

No worries, that would be great. What is your name?

Blake

blk.wth

Blake

I just want to confirm that you are giving these to my son as no mention of payment has been made. They look like version 4 dual axle parts. Is it complete or do more parts have to be made? If so where might we get more. Also, do you want to be involved with any plastic projects going forward?

Palomino Plastic

I just want to confirm that you are giving these to my son as no mention of payment has been made. They look like version 4 dual axle parts. Is it complete or do more parts have to be made? If so where might we get more. Also, do you want to be involved with any plastic projects going forward?

All sorted. Spoke with your son

Thanks, glad you got connected.

1

Hi guys, we've got approx 250kg of clean "egg yoke yellow" colour LLDPE on 2 pallets in Port Melbourne. Would need to be shredded. The products are calld Dustite LR if you look on www.checkpoint-safety.com , approx 5cm x 4cm, but thin plastic. We are partnered with Precious Plastic Lancaster in the UK for all of our in house recycling so I thought I would post it here. Not looking for any money we would just need you to arrange colltecion of both pallets

1

@Alex D What is up with them? Bad batch? We are full at the moment 2500Kg of shredded plastic in storage, 11 different colours all allocated, so in the future we will be able to help out but not for a while at the moment. There are so many bad batch products and containers out there on top of all the post consumer waste I don't feel combined we will ever breach the ever growing plastic waste amounts.

@NoMorePlastic Yeh unfortunately it's a bad batch, apparently they don't grip onto the wheel nuts! I'll have to do some more digging as to where these can be recycled then! thanks for your consideration

1

2:10 PM

Hi everyone, trying to diagnose my extruded mallet heads. The texture is very 'noodley'. Anyone had experience with this?

Hey @joehann that usually happens in slow injections when the temperature of your mould is below the melting point of the plastic you're using. So the outside has solidified while the inside still pushes and moves things around. Some people like it, nevertheless, I think that's why it happens.

1

Hi all. Is anyone on the east coast of Aus making machines? I am considering branching out to the injection machine but with my welding skills I think it would be wise to get someone else to build it

Upcycler_Simon

Hi all. Is anyone on the east coast of Aus making machines? I am considering branching out to the injection machine but with my welding skills I think it would be wise to get someone else to build it

If you haven't seen it, there's an updated version of the injector on the bazaar. Much less welding, more laser cut parts.

blk.wth

If you haven't seen it, there's an updated version of the injector on the bazaar. Much less welding, more laser cut parts.

tbh, I am so busy cleaning, sorting, washing, melting, turning, cutting, sanding, polishing and finishing plastic that I don't think I have the time to make my own. So I thought that if there is someone in Aus already making the machines to sell I could throw some money their way, hopefully helping them out at the same time

Hello, my school is working with a community on Mana Island in Fiji to set up a Mix Workspace there. We're trying to find ways to transport machines there and I wanted to get involved with the community to see if the more experienced people of Precious Plastic could give us insights and pointers to implement this project in the community. Any help is appreciated!!

joehann

Click to see attachment 🖼️

Yeah agree with Michael, we were getting similar results until we pre heated our moulds up to to around 140C and some of the larger moulds need to be kept hot via various methods for extruding. There is always someone local doing a kitchen reno and trying to get rid of the old oven cheap.

1

Upcycler_Simon

Hi all. Is anyone on the east coast of Aus making machines? I am considering branching out to the injection machine but with my welding skills I think it would be wise to get someone else to build it

We sell a pneumatic bench top injection machine DM if interested.

ManaIslandPP

Hello, my school is working with a community on Mana Island in Fiji to set up a Mix Workspace there. We're trying to find ways to transport machines there and I wanted to get involved with the community to see if the more experienced people of Precious Plastic could give us insights and pointers to implement this project in the community. Any help is appreciated!!

Sea freight will be your only option, there should be some local shipping companies operating out of Suva than can help. Google should find them. We can help you out with pre made machines if you need.

Hello everyone My name is Lisa) I came across with one of the OneArmy projects, namely #PreciousPlastic, almost from its very beginning (app. 5 years ago). At that time, I was just starting my undergraduate studies at the University of St. Petersburg, Russia and did not yet know how much my life and my perception of the would change in the nearest future. After 4 years of studying International Relations, I couldn't stop thinking that I was moving in the wrong direction. Already at the university, I began to spread the ideas of #zerowaste #minimalism and #sustainable_consumption. It has been a year since my graduation and it is almost a year now since I am a Sustainable Development Master student in Sweden, Uppsala. Just recently, I started sharing my experience on Instagram @gr.eenko. Every day spent here, surrounded by the same driven people and the world experts in the field, is defo one exceptional experience. I will be very grateful if you join my path, or just share it with someone who is the same sustainablu-inspired!) All have a good weekend and warm spring days))!!

NoMorePlastic

Sea freight will be your only option, there should be some local shipping companies operating out of Suva than can help. Google should find them. We can help you out with pre made machines if you need.

Thank you so much! What would we need to do to get the pre made machines and what other costs would go along with that?

diverbear66

Hi all. Can anyone fill me in on any workshops going on in the Brisbane area?

Hi @diverbear66 and @Thom-K , I am also trying to find info on anything happening in Brisbane. I saw the community workshop in Yeronga on the map here but I've emailed them about running a workshop for my students with no response. The web domain that the email address uses is no longer in use so I'm assuming it has closed down? I requested to join the Precious Plastic Brisbane facebook group but I don't think the admins are very active as they still have not approved me, and while the group still has some activity, the main page hasn't had updates since 2018. There is a Precious Plastic Taringa which looks to still be active, but I think they only have a shredder. I also was told that The Edge had lots of equipment but I can't see any of the plastic recycling stuff listed on their website. I'm going to call them on Tuesday and see what I can find out.

@Fiona James (Reposting my Discord message from 20 April) I'm in Brisbane. Search Precious Plastic Taringa on Facebook for more information. The plastic group at the State Library has not yet restarted after COVID, and they are reassessing their involvement.

ManaIslandPP

Thank you so much! What would we need to do to get the pre made machines and what other costs would go along with that?

we sent you a DM

Hey NZ! I'm stoked to now be selling recycled plastic on the PP Bazaar!

From memory there is ~85Kg avaliable for purchase right now across 8 different granulates, a range I'll also be expanding often. If you make things from recycled plastic I'd really appreciate your support in giving us a go and purchasing some of the recycled plastic we offer! I'm trying hard to make it really easy for small-scale makers/manufacturers to use recycled plastic and not have to worry/bother with all the collection and shredding infrastructure required. Check out our range here: https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/the-tiny-plastic-factory/ (edited)

All Sellers :: The Tiny Plastic Factory

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1:37 AM

Thanks heaps all and keep up the great work! (you too Australia, and sorry we can't ship to you

)

1

Darcy - TPF

Hey NZ! I'm stoked to now be selling recycled plastic on the PP Bazaar!

From memory there is ~85Kg avaliable for purchase right now across 8 different granulates, a range I'll also be expanding often. If you make things from recycled plastic I'd really appreciate your support in giving us a go and purchasing some of the recycled plastic we offer! I'm trying hard to make it really easy for small-scale makers/manufacturers to use recycled plastic and not have to worry/bother with all the collection and shredding infrastructure required. Check out our range here: https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/the-tiny-plastic-factory/ (edited)

Awesome job, shipping plastic anywhere should be the last resort but access by the kg is much needed for smaller re-makers. We currently have 2500kg shredded, washed and colour sorted ready to distribute for Victoria. Trying not to ship to other states, hoping others will get involved there to do the same soon. However we are also finding that most people making items from recycled plastic have their own shredders already but its a growing market for sure. Keep it up, love all the people getting involved on here.

Hey team! We’ve just found out we’ve been accepted to the Circle Awards: These awards are for organisations adopting circular practices & inspiring change in Aus/NZ. The people’s choice award requires votes, so we’re hoping you could help by sharing the voting link - to win this would be absolutely massive for our PP branch! I’ll link you below in case you can help out! Piers - PPM https://bit.ly/3eRIYC1

The Circle Awards 2021 - Voting List

Is there anyone making shredders in Australia? Nearest I see on bazaar is Malaysia. Would prefer to keep things a bit more local than that if possible

Jollity

Is there anyone making shredders in Australia? Nearest I see on bazaar is Malaysia. Would prefer to keep things a bit more local than that if possible

We do! We build and ship from Australia. Here are our listed options: https://www.plastic.org.au/collections/machines We are also working on a new suite of machines which are not yet online. Email me at info@plastic.org.au if you need more information

Precious Plastic Machines

Buy Precious Plastic machines in Australia: Custom recycling machinery solutions are our specialty! We modify & upgrade Precious Plastic machines, including an Injector, Extruder & Shredder. Build your own: Purchase DIY machines parts, equipment & tools. Set up your recycling workshop & turn trash into new products!

Jollity

Is there anyone making shredders in Australia? Nearest I see on bazaar is Malaysia. Would prefer to keep things a bit more local than that if possible

Pretty hard to make it all in Australia as 70% of the parts are manufactured in Asia regardless of how you go about it. We sell hybrid versions that meet Australian safety and electrical standards if interested, $9500 +gst for the shredder. If you are interested in any of the other machines or more details on the shredder send us a DM.

I’m looking for an injection workspace in either QLD or NSW to take on a manufacturing job for a local business. Please DM me if you’re interested.

Anyone in Australia have the capability to manufacture chopping boards from recycled plastic? I've been contacted today by someone in Sydney who is keen on buying some similar to this:

4:12 AM

4:13 AM

If you're keen let me know and I'll connect you

@Zero Plastics Australia is your best bet

Thanks Pires, even though we can make food safe chopping boards, there is still a small % chance that when preparing food that harmful chemicals such as bpa-3a can leach across, I wouldn't let my kids eat off it so don't feel right making an item like this to be honest.

1

4:23 AM

There are ways around this as well, shellac and epoxy coatings but then this make the final product harder if not impossible to then recycle again.

1

We were contacted by the same person and I've sent them your details anyway. I did mention that food safety would be a concern and sent them the following from the Australian Food Safety Standards: AS 2070-1999 Plastics materials for food contact use 4.2.1 Source Rework materials used in the manufacture of plastics items for food contact use shall be prepared from plastics items that have not been used or printed and have been manufactured in compliance with this Standard from plastics materials prescribed in Clauses 4.1.1 and 4.1.2. Post-consumer recycled material shall not be used in direct contact with food.

2

Good to know, guessing thats how the epoxy coating or shellac gets around the "direct coating". Still in zpa's option id try to stay away from this for now, until further research is done.

1

Darcy - TPF

Anyone in Australia have the capability to manufacture chopping boards from recycled plastic? I've been contacted today by someone in Sydney who is keen on buying some similar to this:

We have been talking with a couple of labs for testing food grade compliance, the process is not that complicated to adhere to, we will be making and testing food grade sheets in a few months. Happy for you to connect us if they are happy with the timeline and we get the right results.

1

Good to hear y'all are on it! A company here in NZ called Critical (insta linked below) have been making and selling chopping boards for a while so may be worth investigating/contacting to see how they do it with food safety in mind (edited)

1

7:18 AM

https://instagram.com/critical.things?utm_medium=copy_link

NoMorePlastic

We have been talking with a couple of labs for testing food grade compliance, the process is not that complicated to adhere to, we will be making and testing food grade sheets in a few months. Happy for you to connect us if they are happy with the timeline and we get the right results.

That sounds really interesting! How does it work for recycled plastic where it can be sourced from 1,000+ places and prior uses? Or are you recycling say “virgin plastic offcuts” where it’s potential prior use is not a concern?

If you using a machine that has had non-virgin plastic or mixed plastic in it before hand, you will not be able to make a food safe item. This would require its own machine of higher quality and safety and would only be able to use virgin offcuts in order to make said item. Im writing this not as zero but as a dad of 2, please guys just make sure that these safety levels are reached and maintained. As you could imagine the damage it would do to each and everyone of us in this area if some poor person or kid dies from the wrong process. Not saying it can't be done, just saying we don't wanna play with fire and burn ourselves. Good luck guys.

2

Sidequest Co

That sounds really interesting! How does it work for recycled plastic where it can be sourced from 1,000+ places and prior uses? Or are you recycling say “virgin plastic offcuts” where it’s potential prior use is not a concern?

The major element is the resource stock, that is the main product that needs to be controlled and regulated, this is easy to work with, the rest... well is also not as complicated as its being made out to be. Companies have been making food grade products for decades and many are now doing it with recycled plastics so no need to reinvent the wheel. Once we have completed all our testing and processes we will share our findings for all to replicate, as working together and sharing as a community is the only way will will get out of the mess we have made ourselves. There also has finally been some major governmental policy changes around plastic production import/export and consumption in Australia about to be announced and released next month, so keep an eye out.

whoa...

12:30 AM

Hey everyone. Precious Plastic Zeehan (tasmania) coming online. getting it all started and taking it all in

12:32 AM

food grade plastic in australia is REFUSED straight out, to be made out of second hand plastic... so all food products in the shops advertising recycled materials are by default then made from second "Post-consumer recycled material (shall not be used in direct contact with food.)"

1

12:32 AM

ah, meant to say, it seems that food grade plastic in austra.....

I’ve attached the ‘Australian Standard - Plastics materials for food contact use’ document for those interested. I’ve had 2 products tested and approved by SGS for food contact over the past year. Both tests aligned with this document as we used pre consumer plastic sent from a beverage company that closed down. SGS advised us to only use plastic that has been approved, and do not to mix plastic (even the same polymer) from different manufactures as you need to ensure their combination compatibility. Martogg here in Melbourne are recycling and remanufacturing “food safe” PET and HDPE on an industrial level. I know they are are using a Vacurema system, however have no idea where their plastic comes from.

Food_Safety.pdf

39.34 KB

2

Nice work @Piers , Sadly Martog's plastic is imported from China, we have already approached them. Martog presented on this yesterday, the new packaging guidelines for Aus https://anzpacplasticspact.org.au/resources/ @The_Lopt Where are you located? We have a couple of people in Hobart really keen to start up.

Matilda Gable

Resources

This is amazing, look how hard this info would of been to come across 5-10 years ago, cheers guys.

Hello everyone! I wanted to know what is the weight of 1 HDPE hexagonal tile approximately?

Hi all! This summer, I would love to do volunteer work at a recycling space/workshop. I've already contacted a start-up nearby (The Hague, NL). However, they are still setting up so I’m not sure I can work there this summer. So if you need a helping hand this summer (Europe only) or maybe in the summer of 2022 (Worldwide) don’t hesitate to send me a message! Depending on the location of your workspace I ask for a residence or shredded plastics in return. Kind regards, Cathelijne

cath

Hi all! This summer, I would love to do volunteer work at a recycling space/workshop. I've already contacted a start-up nearby (The Hague, NL). However, they are still setting up so I’m not sure I can work there this summer. So if you need a helping hand this summer (Europe only) or maybe in the summer of 2022 (Worldwide) don’t hesitate to send me a message! Depending on the location of your workspace I ask for a residence or shredded plastics in return. Kind regards, Cathelijne

From one Cath to another

Precious Plastic Tauranga (New Zealand) would love an extra set of hands... if you make it to NZ in 2022 please get in touch, I am certain we would need you. We are making now, and just got our first funding to do some engagement work in local schools... so that means less making while I do school visits, ergo: more hands required!

1

@Piers @NoMorePlastic Do you know of any possible grants for assisting in setting up a mixed workspace in Victoria?

∨⋌、

@Piers @NoMorePlastic Do you know of any possible grants for assisting in setting up a mixed workspace in Victoria?

I’m not aware of any suitable ones at the moment but you can subscribe to https://www.vic.gov.au/grants and other sites to keep updated. If you find anything and need quotes or case studies to support your application, feel free to reach out.

vic.gov.au

Thank you kindly

∨⋌、

@Piers @NoMorePlastic Do you know of any possible grants for assisting in setting up a mixed workspace in Victoria?

Yeah also sustainability Vic have appropriate grants but nothing at the moment. Local council have community grants all the time. Pretty hard to get, need a really focused project and strong partners. One of our members has been successful in the latest round from sustainability Vic. It was based in construction form work.

Wonderful responses from you both. Unfortunately what I want to do is relatively small scale production of recycled parts for computer/console peripherals so if the grants are that strict I doubt I will have any eligibility

(edited)

∨⋌、

Wonderful responses from you both. Unfortunately what I want to do is relatively small scale production of recycled parts for computer/console peripherals so if the grants are that strict I doubt I will have any eligibility

(edited)

Send me an email if you like and we can probably work with you to achieve your goals, well at least have a chat about it all and see what options there are. info@preciousplasticvictoria.com.au

NoMorePlastic

Send me an email if you like and we can probably work with you to achieve your goals, well at least have a chat about it all and see what options there are. info@preciousplasticvictoria.com.au

Thank you again ! I will send you something towards the end of the week

1

Hello here !!! Is there people from New-Caledonia ??

Zell

Hello here !!! Is there people from New-Caledonia ??

I have not come across any on this chat

1

Hi We are a group who are trying to unite the entire nation so we have come up with a mission called as ONE #oneweareallone We need help to make this worldwide Please message me And I will get back to you with a plan which will help both of us https://youtube.com/channel/UCkZW5knt1HK8rdF2ke6vpkw https://www.instagram.com/one_weareallone2021?r=nametag https://www.instagram.com/plasticcommunity_weareallone?r=nametag

One - we are all one

A revolution is a model. A model larger than one's initial idea. A model for everbody to fit in and to leave back the old one. A majority of people looking upto the fewer in the society for help is a death to creativity. It's time to wash up the manipulation and open up your eyes and sense the real freedom, cause real freedom isn't what ...

https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/products/household/recycling-chimp-coasters-set-of-4/ Please visit the online store.

Recycling chimp Coasters(Set of 4& 6)

This products contains set of 4 coaster in white and slight grai

Hey guys, which masks do you use?? I was suggested 3M 600 series kit

They will say on the box what filters are suited to the application. Use a respirator style mask with interchangeable filters. This gives you options to have one mask for various scenarios.

Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus)

Hey guys, which masks do you use?? I was suggested 3M 600 series kit

Have you got all your machines up and running yet?

Hi team! I'm new here and was wanting to reach out to Precious Plastics Melbourne, and really many of you may be able to assist - I'm looking to design an outdoor product out of recycled plastic - UV resistance is something i'd love to understand more about. Anyone had experience with UV constraints? (edited)

Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus)

Hey guys, which masks do you use?? I was suggested 3M 600 series kit

Heya, if you get one with interchangeable filters then it is just a case of getting the correct filter type. I got mine from Bunnings and it says on the packaging what it is suitable for. I will check tonight and let you know.

1

HIRΛNGA ━ NO PLΛNET B🌎🐝

Hi team! I'm new here and was wanting to reach out to Precious Plastics Melbourne, and really many of you may be able to assist - I'm looking to design an outdoor product out of recycled plastic - UV resistance is something i'd love to understand more about. Anyone had experience with UV constraints? (edited)

They are on here fairly often or you can contact them directly via their website - https://www.plastic.org.au/

Precious Plastic Melbourne

We are a social business and community hub in Melbourne, where like minded people are working towards better outcomes for traditionally “non-recyclable” products.

Upcycler_Simon

They are on here fairly often or you can contact them directly via their website - https://www.plastic.org.au/

yes of course!

7:13 AM

by chance, anyone here with experience using recycled plastics for UV exposed scenarios?

HIRΛNGA ━ NO PLΛNET B🌎🐝

by chance, anyone here with experience using recycled plastics for UV exposed scenarios?

Not me personally. Have you asked under the Plastic-chat channel?

Hey @HIRΛNGA ━ NO PLΛNET B🌎🐝 I’ve received your email and will get back to you within the hour.

Piers

Hey @HIRΛNGA ━ NO PLΛNET B🌎🐝 I’ve received your email and will get back to you within the hour.

Thanks Piers! Got your message.

NoMorePlastic

Have you got all your machines up and running yet?

We have picked up the extruder and injector from Sunshine Coast Maker Space and are just waiting for masks and extractors before we pump plastic through them. Won't be long!

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Reaching out to any other Kiwis near Christchurch interested in getting involved or have experience to share in the machine building field. I am setting up a workspace through the community garden with intentions of expanding into a higher productive business.

1

Hi Everyone, I am an interior designer based in Singapore, we are working on a renovation of a restaurant located in the Singapore aquarium. The project is very much oriented on sustainable concepts and I was hoping to find material from recycled ocean plastic for the tabletops. Looking for 10-20mm sheets that would resemble terrazzo. Ideally sourced in SEA, made from plastic retrieved in the region. Any tips on where to turn?

Kristyna

Hi Everyone, I am an interior designer based in Singapore, we are working on a renovation of a restaurant located in the Singapore aquarium. The project is very much oriented on sustainable concepts and I was hoping to find material from recycled ocean plastic for the tabletops. Looking for 10-20mm sheets that would resemble terrazzo. Ideally sourced in SEA, made from plastic retrieved in the region. Any tips on where to turn?

Ocean plastic is pretty hard to work with and typically needs to be mixed with virgin or good quality recycled plastic from other sources. I would say currently you would have a very low chance of finding someone that is doing that. We make 20mm sheets but not from ocean plastic. We have a partner that makes counter tops out of recycled glass but shipping would be very costly.

I have heard reports of the PP V2.1 shredder hex bar snapping under certain conditions. My current motor/gearbox setup is a 1.5kW @ 3,000rpm, reduced 40:1 by gearbox so the shredder turns at about 75rpm. According to the motor torque calculator (https://www.jcalc.net/motor-torque-calculator), this yields 191Nm of torque. I was led to believe that 200Nm torque was enough to shred most things but this jams on milk bottles if the plastic folds over on itself. Being a single phase motor, you cannot reverse it to clear the jam; you have to disassemble the drive chain and manually revese the shaft a few degrees, clear the jam and then put it all back together. Jams are very frequent and it takes at least 10 minutes to disassemble/reassemble, so I haven't used this shredder for much. Obviously, I need more torque, so that means a more powerful motor, or a higher ratio gearbox, or both. The question is, how much torque until the shaft breaks? A 2.2kw motor at 100:1 gearbox would give me 700Nm, but will the shaft be able to handle that? I also cannot find anywhere the amount of force torque needeed to shear a 5mm sheet of HDPE, such as found in wheelie bins.

Motor torque calculator | jCalc.NET

The motor torque calculator calculates the motor rated torque from rated power and rated speed. See also Motor speed calculator. The motor toque T in N.m is

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

I have heard reports of the PP V2.1 shredder hex bar snapping under certain conditions. My current motor/gearbox setup is a 1.5kW @ 3,000rpm, reduced 40:1 by gearbox so the shredder turns at about 75rpm. According to the motor torque calculator (https://www.jcalc.net/motor-torque-calculator), this yields 191Nm of torque. I was led to believe that 200Nm torque was enough to shred most things but this jams on milk bottles if the plastic folds over on itself. Being a single phase motor, you cannot reverse it to clear the jam; you have to disassemble the drive chain and manually revese the shaft a few degrees, clear the jam and then put it all back together. Jams are very frequent and it takes at least 10 minutes to disassemble/reassemble, so I haven't used this shredder for much. Obviously, I need more torque, so that means a more powerful motor, or a higher ratio gearbox, or both. The question is, how much torque until the shaft breaks? A 2.2kw motor at 100:1 gearbox would give me 700Nm, but will the shaft be able to handle that? I also cannot find anywhere the amount of force torque needeed to shear a 5mm sheet of HDPE, such as found in wheelie bins.

Hey Mr. Wizz. Torque amount is kinda like a theoretical amount. In reality I gear my shredder down to 60rpm which could afford to be lower again. The original PP design uses 5mm blades and 6mm spacers which leads to clearance between the blades and fixed blades. Milk bottles are thin and tough and will jam quickly. You can wire single phase motors to run in reverse but it is complicated wiring. In terms of breaking axles, find the weakest link. Might be the coupling that lets go first or a keyway. There is a revised design with a larger shaft online somewhere. Maybe 25mm diameter. Lastly, i wouldn't try shredding bin plastic, be better off getting a granulator. The big teeth of the PP shredder increase cutting load.

@blk.wth blk thanks for your advice. I had a chat with the guy who I bought the motor from and I'm looking to upgrade to a 3-phase motor 4-poles geared 100:1 with a VFD. The VFD will let me run the motor from either single phase or 3-phase supply with a bonus speed control. I could get up to 600Nm torque out of this. I was quoted a special price just over $1k for this which I'm happy with if it works. As for bin plastic, I was a bit confused about shredders vs granulators. I learned yesterday about how granulators can't handle large objects like bin pieces so I thought I'm going to have to toughen up the shredder to make pieces suitable for the granulator. The granulator takes 15+ minutes to process one milk bottle. It seems to me from your comment that some items need to go through the shredder first and others can just go in the granulator as they are. I guess it's trial and error to work out what is what.

Yeah milk bottles being blow moulded are shit to shred or granulate

100:1 ratio will put you at 14rpm?? $1K is about right in terms of price.

100:1 would be 14rpm yes but at least it's not going to jam. The $1k quote is 40% off RRP.

Sorry for the late notice, should have posted this earlier. Precious Plastic will be featured on ABC TV tonight at 1930, after the news. You can see the episode on iView later, It's called "Movin' to the Country"

Hey guys, has anyone found a use for the Australian gatorade lids? I have accumulated a heap of them but not sure what to do with them as I don't know how to remove the seal and not sure if they can be shredded with the seal still in them? Tried asking elsewhere with no luck as they seem to be different lids in other regions. Thanks :)

Do you mean the orange ones with a clear liner? Just shred them up, the liner is HDPE like the rest of the cap. Same as the CSI ones found on some fruit drinks.

Yeah the orange hdpe screw caps. I thought the seal might have been tpu?

5:54 AM

Is there any clear guides for sorting lids? I found a PP sorting guide but it doesn't show what plastics are what only how to sort them by size/colour for donation.

OhBigDaddy92

Is there any clear guides for sorting lids? I found a PP sorting guide but it doesn't show what plastics are what only how to sort them by size/colour for donation.

Get onto lids4kids Australia, they have all the info on lids you need.

1

http://www.d-wizz.com/plastic/btsorting.htm hope this helps someone

2:08 AM

http://www.d-wizz.com/plastic/bcsorting.htm hope this helps someone

1

2:14 AM

In general, most caps from drink bottles are HDPE [2]. The big exceptions are the 38mm ones on some milk and fruit juice which are LDPE [4]. I haven't come across any LDPE [4] caps that are not 38mm. There are some PP [5] ones I've found on coconut water. Most larger closures such as coffee/jam jars are PP [5]. Almost all hinges (eg detergent) are PP due to superior fatigue performance over PE. You can easily test as follows: LDPE [4] can be "squeezed" easily; HDPE [2] cannot. PP [5] sinks in water but PE floats.

@d-Wizz (PP Taringa) For reference, if you ever think of up grading, our very rough built V4 shredder does 1kg of lids in 30-40 seconds. Anything up to 5 mm it handles fine.

Yeah, a V4 would be nice, but I don't have a lazy $10k right now. No loans for pensioners, and no government grants either

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

Yeah, a V4 would be nice, but I don't have a lazy $10k right now. No loans for pensioners, and no government grants either

Find some other business in the area or schools (who are showing more and more interest) that could use shredded plastic and split the cost to set up? Build the community, there are a few other active people up there on this chat, @Sidequest Co work together. Men's shed's are another option as well. Look to the local council for grants, many more options and they are looking for plastic recyclers and local community initiatives. Also private funding, businesses are looking to invest in recycling. A few options.

Thanks Guys! Have been crunching away at the lids, going to build an extruder next just waiting for parts for my CNC to get some molds happening first. Running out of room to store all of my stuff haha! (edited)

Hi guys, my name is Lise. I’m completely new to the business! Working in hospitality, we have a huge plastic waste, mainly milk bottles. Concerned about our environment and committed to make a change, my boss and I are looking into recycling our milk bottles and make new stuff out of it. We start from scratch, are very committed to put time and effort in it, but we are just wondering what easy things we can start making, and which machines are must haves. Again, our aim is to start small and build up from there! Any tips are more than welcome

️ Thanks so much!

Lise Dhave

Hi guys, my name is Lise. I’m completely new to the business! Working in hospitality, we have a huge plastic waste, mainly milk bottles. Concerned about our environment and committed to make a change, my boss and I are looking into recycling our milk bottles and make new stuff out of it. We start from scratch, are very committed to put time and effort in it, but we are just wondering what easy things we can start making, and which machines are must haves. Again, our aim is to start small and build up from there! Any tips are more than welcome

️ Thanks so much!

Welcome! Best thing to do in the interim is collect, clean and sort your bottle tops for future use. Bread tags can also be collected and sent to groups in Australia for repurposing. Milk bottles are HDPE but challenging to recycle as the plastic melts at a higher temperature (blow moulded instead of injected like lids) In terms of making, have a think about useful products that you use everyday or objects that potentially could be remade with recycled plastic. Let the group your location and hopefully some in your area can help out. Also look into 'Lids 4 Kids' if you'd like to donate your lids

@Lise Dhave Milk bottles can be recycled but as with all pastic, there is a process to make them ready. You must remove all labels. I find the easiest way to do this is by filling with hot water and wait 15 seconds to soften the glue. The label should then easily peel off. You can reuse the hot water in other bottles until it loses too much heat. Water dribbing down the outside of the bottle is not a problem for plastic labels, but if you have any paper labels, these MUST be kept dry otherwise they will tear off instead of peeling and you'll have a lot more work to do. Make sure the cap and tamper ring are both removed and collected separately. The tamper ring on most milk bottles is easily removed with your fingers. If the cap has a polystyrene liner, this must also be removed and collected separately. Different plastic types should never be mixed. Use the "squeeze test" to check the cap; if you can easily squeeze the sides by pinching it with your fingers, it is LDPE and you should not mix it with the bottle plastic. If it's hard, the cap is HDPE and it can be mixed if you wish, although some people like to keep colours separate. If you don't have a machine for size reduction such as a shredder or granulator, you might want to cut the bottles up with scissors so they take up less storage space. Crushing them is also an option but take care not to get them dirty if you do this and keep in mind they will tend to spring back to about 50% of their original volume after being crushed. -- continued --

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12:05 PM

Melting HDPE (whether bottles or their caps) is pretty easy. Remember that the only material known to humanity that melted plastic will not stick to is baking paper, so use lots of it if you are heating plastic. You can use an oven or a sandwich press, although the oven is probably better for this application. Place the plastic on a sheet of baking paper at about 200° for 60 seconds or so. Watch the plastic through the glass door while it is in the oven and when you see it stop shrinking, take it out (use tongs of course) and place it somewhere to cool down for a few minutes. Placing something heavy like a brick on the plastic will help prevent it warping as it cools but will also prolong the cooling process as it traps heat. Experiments will teach you a good process here. A sandwich press is best for things like plastic bags and foam, but other thin plastic items can also be processed this way. Place the item to be heated in a sandwich of baking paper and place the sandwich in the press. Wait about 30-60 seconds and check progress. The sandwich press will make flatter items (which are easier to store) and is useful for making thin plastic thicker so that a shredder or granulator can process it more easily, but it is quite labour intensive. If you place a whole milk bottle in a sandwich press, you will get a flat piece of HDPE but it might take 2 minutes. As for what you can make out of it, well that's up to your imagination! You will probably need to explore moulding or extrusion. Hope this has been helpful. Further information and pictures of my processes available by emailing me plastic@d-wizz.com

2

Thanks you so much for this info! Awesome to hear we were already going in the right direction

️ And definitely good tips !! I’ll be in touch once we get some progress going on… Excited to be experimenting!!

blk.wth

Hey Mr. Wizz. Torque amount is kinda like a theoretical amount. In reality I gear my shredder down to 60rpm which could afford to be lower again. The original PP design uses 5mm blades and 6mm spacers which leads to clearance between the blades and fixed blades. Milk bottles are thin and tough and will jam quickly. You can wire single phase motors to run in reverse but it is complicated wiring. In terms of breaking axles, find the weakest link. Might be the coupling that lets go first or a keyway. There is a revised design with a larger shaft online somewhere. Maybe 25mm diameter. Lastly, i wouldn't try shredding bin plastic, be better off getting a granulator. The big teeth of the PP shredder increase cutting load.

Interesting... I know next to nothing about machine building, but the electrics on our shredder were much more expensive than the engineer had anticipated, and now I wonder if it's because it can go in reverse (it's single phase). It has been useful to have that option, no way I could disassemble anything! Often times we have supported employment help with shredding, so the ability to reverse and un-jam has meant we don't need constant direct supervision.

CathdM

Interesting... I know next to nothing about machine building, but the electrics on our shredder were much more expensive than the engineer had anticipated, and now I wonder if it's because it can go in reverse (it's single phase). It has been useful to have that option, no way I could disassemble anything! Often times we have supported employment help with shredding, so the ability to reverse and un-jam has meant we don't need constant direct supervision.

Yeah my electrician does the shredder wiring and it is complicated as AC motors have a capacitor start and requires the wiring to switch polarity to turn the motor in reverse.

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Christine - Celestial Closet

Hi all, it has been a while! I am in the first week of making recycled acrylic (PMMA) sheets from my laser cut jewellery offcuts, which is something I pledged to do last year! My 20x20cm manual crank heat press arrived last week and I've managed to make a few fun sheets so far! Here are before and after pics:

Hello Christine, the results are so so nice ! I am also a jewel designer working with pmma and i have the same project that you had, recycle all the wastes after the laser cut work to create brand new sheets to do some exclusive collections. I wonder how did you manage to this so nice results ? Thanks a lot. Audrey from Paris in France

Hey Everyone, Leigh here. I am just working my way into the plastic recycling world and starting to build machines. I am about to buy a motor for a shredder. I'm looking at a 1.5w 1400rpm, gear at 50:1 ratio. which will give me 28rpm and 511Nm torque. Does this sound like an appropriate setup? This is my first machine build, so I really appreciate any advice! Cheers.

Leigh Redding

Hey Everyone, Leigh here. I am just working my way into the plastic recycling world and starting to build machines. I am about to buy a motor for a shredder. I'm looking at a 1.5w 1400rpm, gear at 50:1 ratio. which will give me 28rpm and 511Nm torque. Does this sound like an appropriate setup? This is my first machine build, so I really appreciate any advice! Cheers.

Looks good. Can go a bit higher with RPM= <45. Depending on what you want to shred. With that torque rating, make sure your couplings are rated to suit

Just saw the Instagram video, a big shout out to @Piers ! https://www.instagram.com/p/CTk2b3AKM-e/?utm_medium=copy_link

1

Kia ora Oceania. Zac here from Christchurch, NZ. I'm in the process of establishing a collection point and shredder workspace at our community garden, to be followed with compression and then soon a sheetpress workspace. Would love to chat with anyone who has done the same or similar who could share any advice. Looking forward to growing this movemnet!

1

11:49 AM

also trying to get quotes from machine builders if anyone has any leads in NZ

blk.wth

Yeah my electrician does the shredder wiring and it is complicated as AC motors have a capacitor start and requires the wiring to switch polarity to turn the motor in reverse.

are there any ways of avoiding this if 3 phase isnt an option?

12:09 PM

@Zac PP Richmond-Christchurch-NZ G'day mate. Welcome aboard. This is the wiring diagram my sparky uses. Might be easier finding someone local that can do your shredder motor wiring

blk.wth

Click to see attachment 🖼️

cheers! so single phase means rewiring like this is necessary but 3 phase is naturally reversible?

@Zac PP Richmond-Christchurch-NZ Dm us, we have all the machines operating and can have them built and shipped anywhere. Advice is free

Zac PP Richmond-Christchurch-NZ

cheers! so single phase means rewiring like this is necessary but 3 phase is naturally reversible?

Regardless of single or three phase, you'll need to have them wired up. Just depends on what you have access to in terms of power

Sorry for the long delay. I finally got my bottle cap pics zipped up and uploaded. Grab it now at http://d-wizz.com/plastic/img.zip File provided as is and filenames may change or new files added as I get time to update it. Have fun!

11:55 PM

Would also appreciate some advice about this. https://www.ptonline.com/articles/whats-with-all-the-static It's becoming a big nuisance for me...

What’s With All the Static?

Static buildup on polymers can cause a variety of problems, some rather unpleasant. Yet there’s an inexpensive way to eliminate it, and we have data as proof.

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

Would also appreciate some advice about this. https://www.ptonline.com/articles/whats-with-all-the-static It's becoming a big nuisance for me...

nice job, are those all the lids currently circulating in Aus?

@NoMorePlastic just to clarify this point: The lids in the zip file are not an exhaustive collection of what is currently circulating in Australia. Some lids are no longer in circulation but may appear as "legacy" items. Some lids are from imported containers, especially SE Asia.

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10:00 AM

My hierarchy when sorting caps is size, type and colour, in that order. The first two criteria are largely satisfied by using the following broad sort groupings: 1. Small caps (28mm)

Asahi
CCA
nu
CSI (28mm)
Lipton
Tru ("A" series)
"slim caps"
all other 28mm caps

2. Large caps (38mm)

all LDPE caps
CSI 38mm (with thin PS liner)
CSI 38mm (with unremovable clear liner)
CCA (38mm)
"fruit juice" (with thick PS liner)
Gatorade
VISY 383 (only - 382 sorted as misc)
"HDPE mix" (So Good/Oak/aF/Ocean Spray (40mm)/
all other 38mm caps

3. All carton tops 4. Sports caps

Powerade
CCA (Pump)
Creative
all others

5. Anything that doesn't fit into one of the above categories These sort groups can then be further sorted by colour. The first three 28mm groups will account for about 50% of a random batch of 28mm caps. (edited)

Hi guys, can I see your exhaust fan setup pics please?

Here’s a shot of ours before we installed it. The brand is Nederman @Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus)

1

Piers

Here’s a shot of ours before we installed it. The brand is Nederman @Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus)

Awesome! Thank you. It looks a bit like the fan I was thinking of buying. So helpful to see this set up. Could I give you a call about it? I'm trying to work out where to fit carbon filter. Do you have one? Keen to know how that hose is supported? Volume, etc.

Yep, give me a call

@Holly - PP Northern Rivers (Aus) (edited)

In recent weeks I've been exploring the concept of "agglomeration" for "soft plastics" (films and bags etc.). The smallest model commercially available is only about $7k (not that much really), BUT when you check the specifications you find it weighs 1,500kg and uses 55kW of 3-phase power. 55kW would cost about $18/hr to run. So, I'm going to investigate whether the concept will still work on a (much) smaller scale. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Plastic-Agglomerator-Plastic-Agglomerator-Latest-Technology_60519264713.html Comments please? (edited)

Latest Technology High Capacity Best Price Pp Pe Film Waste Plastic...

Latest Technology High Capacity Best Price Pp Pe Film Waste Plastic Agglomerator - Buy Waste Plastic Agglomerator,Pp Pe Agglomerator Machine,Plastic Agglomerator Product on Alibaba.com

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

In recent weeks I've been exploring the concept of "agglomeration" for "soft plastics" (films and bags etc.). The smallest model commercially available is only about $7k (not that much really), BUT when you check the specifications you find it weighs 1,500kg and uses 55kW of 3-phase power. 55kW would cost about $18/hr to run. So, I'm going to investigate whether the concept will still work on a (much) smaller scale. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Plastic-Agglomerator-Plastic-Agglomerator-Latest-Technology_60519264713.html Comments please? (edited)

We have considered looking into this as we are getting more and more people asking if we can process soft plastics. This seems a little over priced for what it is, I would be keen to explore options. Shipping will kill it, you would be looking around $3500 +gst 10% +duty 5% as a general, based off our previous dealings from China. Shredding is the major issue with soft plastics but I'm also finding it's not the best material for versions of the pp machines. Lots needs to be explored down this avenue.

My thoughts are to get something manufactured in Australia. But I wonder if the general principle behind agglomeration will work with small motors like 1.5kW. Reasoning is that a 55kW motor has lots of torque, even at 950rpm, so that's where the heat is generated to plasticise the material. I've encountered this effect when testing plastic bags in my PP shredder - after about 15 minutes the blades get hot enough to make it "gooey". The 1.5kW motor has less torque, and if you slow it down to get more torque, you might not have enough speed to generate the friction.... thats what I need to investigate.

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

In recent weeks I've been exploring the concept of "agglomeration" for "soft plastics" (films and bags etc.). The smallest model commercially available is only about $7k (not that much really), BUT when you check the specifications you find it weighs 1,500kg and uses 55kW of 3-phase power. 55kW would cost about $18/hr to run. So, I'm going to investigate whether the concept will still work on a (much) smaller scale. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Plastic-Agglomerator-Plastic-Agglomerator-Latest-Technology_60519264713.html Comments please? (edited)

have you looked at getting something from asia instead?

4:09 AM

$7k unless you need a very high processing capacity is exorbitant

4:10 AM

also instead of only looking at china try looking at other asian countries as theyll give you similar pricing but will be much cheaper and better for you in the duty and shipping

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

My thoughts are to get something manufactured in Australia. But I wonder if the general principle behind agglomeration will work with small motors like 1.5kW. Reasoning is that a 55kW motor has lots of torque, even at 950rpm, so that's where the heat is generated to plasticise the material. I've encountered this effect when testing plastic bags in my PP shredder - after about 15 minutes the blades get hot enough to make it "gooey". The 1.5kW motor has less torque, and if you slow it down to get more torque, you might not have enough speed to generate the friction.... thats what I need to investigate.

while therotically it should work,IRL if it does it would have very small capacity's

4:12 AM

the only way i can think of for something like this would be a fly wheel

4:14 AM

since a agglomerator is basically just a big, heavy flat blade spinning in a drum it need a good amount of power for it to work

4:16 AM

if you dont mind experimenting the concept and working of them isn't too hard, its basically a motor with a pulley reduction cum flywheel attached to a flat spinning blade in a drum for the basic part

after that theres bolts or pins extending into the drum slightly above the blade-the purpose of these is for the plastic to snag or catch onto so the blades can actually cut it

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

In recent weeks I've been exploring the concept of "agglomeration" for "soft plastics" (films and bags etc.). The smallest model commercially available is only about $7k (not that much really), BUT when you check the specifications you find it weighs 1,500kg and uses 55kW of 3-phase power. 55kW would cost about $18/hr to run. So, I'm going to investigate whether the concept will still work on a (much) smaller scale. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Plastic-Agglomerator-Plastic-Agglomerator-Latest-Technology_60519264713.html Comments please? (edited)

india has a few models that are about 3000$,200kg/hr and are about 15kw,so that might be something to look into

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

My thoughts are to get something manufactured in Australia. But I wonder if the general principle behind agglomeration will work with small motors like 1.5kW. Reasoning is that a 55kW motor has lots of torque, even at 950rpm, so that's where the heat is generated to plasticise the material. I've encountered this effect when testing plastic bags in my PP shredder - after about 15 minutes the blades get hot enough to make it "gooey". The 1.5kW motor has less torque, and if you slow it down to get more torque, you might not have enough speed to generate the friction.... thats what I need to investigate.

i dont feel 1.5kw would work for something with even semi-commercial machines, the smallest motor I've seen on other machines is 15kw-25kw,theres nothing smaller than that

4:28 AM

i feel this is also one of those machines that isnt worth looking into making a precious plastic version for since its already quite cheap and available commercially,and even if you did make DIY or homemade version with a good capacity the max youd be saving is about 500$ if you take all new parts

4:29 AM

now if you use scrap and used parts or get special discounts it wont compare but the biggest cost for these machines is the motor

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

In recent weeks I've been exploring the concept of "agglomeration" for "soft plastics" (films and bags etc.). The smallest model commercially available is only about $7k (not that much really), BUT when you check the specifications you find it weighs 1,500kg and uses 55kW of 3-phase power. 55kW would cost about $18/hr to run. So, I'm going to investigate whether the concept will still work on a (much) smaller scale. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Plastic-Agglomerator-Plastic-Agglomerator-Latest-Technology_60519264713.html Comments please? (edited)

also at any price about 3000$ you'd be expecting high capacities ~150-200kg/hr minimum meaning you'd either have to run the machine for a very short time or the profits you'd get would even out the expenses (edited)

The biggest cost is actually the energy use. It would be impossible to run a 15kW motor on standard domestic supply.

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

The biggest cost is actually the energy use. It would be impossible to run a 15kW motor on standard domestic supply.

it would be hard but possible,but dont most PP places already have have a workshop supply?

5:34 AM

also while it would be hard on domestic it would work normally on 'workshop' power

5:34 AM

which is quite common

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

The biggest cost is actually the energy use. It would be impossible to run a 15kW motor on standard domestic supply.

Depends on your setup and how much you want to spend, but domestic will struggle unless you install 3phase. We operate our workshop at 50A 3 phase, 100% solar, so cost to operate is quite minimal depending on your set up. Sadly unless money is not a problem its simply too costly to build these machines here as the tools are secondary to the purpose. Shop around, there is definitely a growing market for this.

1

Hi all, I’m looking at setting up a PP workspace in Eyre Peninsula South Australia. Love to hear any other Aussies experience setting up - how much space they needed, how they secured premises if they didn’t already have access to land/sheds or other infrastructure. Has anyone been successful in attracting funding from Local Councils, State or Feds? Looking to establish value-creating partnerships with SME’s and grassroots community groups to address rural contraction and decline in my model. The success of PP set ups like Transmutation in Robe are inspirational (www.transmutation.com.au) . Love to hear from you if you’re on the same page - please reach out here, or at spowell@shadowbox.net.au. Cheers Sarah Prime

3:04 AM

Oh and here’s the circular economy model I’m building …

3

1

2

Hello, my name is Jhonatan Pérez, I greet you from Venezuela. I am 28 years old, this November 28 I turn 29 years old, I was born on November 28, 1992. I am married, my wife is called Nohemí Glod and she is 25 years old, she is pregnant with two beautiful girls who with God's favor will be born this December, We are very excited about the birth of our girls but also very concerned. Here in Venezuela the social, economic, health and food situation is very complex because of the dictatorship that governs us and because of the false collaborationist opposition that keeps them in power, leaving us, the citizens, the people, to suffer more and more. every day for the mismanagement of our nation. The environmental problems of our nation are not the exception, our environment also suffers greatly from the lack of serious public policies against pollution, coupled with the fact that the government promotes mining in our Amazon rainforest and pollutes our rivers with mercury and other heavy metals. From our possibilities every day we fight to improve our environment doing everything we can, especially selecting our waste correctly, polluting as little as possible and recycling everything that can be done, however, the economic situation of my family does not help us, making our task It becomes increasingly difficult, especially now that our girls are going to be born and we honestly do not have all the resources to be able to maintain them. We work hard every day, all day, but right now I am going through bronchopneumonia that does not allow me to work and my wife has a very advanced pregnancy and she is at high risk, so she cannot work either. I have been resting for two weeks and undergoing treatment, thank God I am improving and I hope to be able to go back to work soon, so that I can continue to raise money for my girls who are about to be born.

3:16 AM

I would like to ask you if there is a possibility that you can help me financially to be able to make an EXTRUSION MACHINE PRO machine to be able to work making plastic profiles, since with this machine I could work independently and could support my family in a dignified way. I only ask for the PRO EXTRUSION MACHINE because here there are people who recycle and grind plastic from whom you can buy it, to be able to use it with the machine and make profiles that will be offered mainly to rural agricultural communities to replace the poles they use to their fences, thus preventing them from cutting down trees to make these wooden posts. That is one of the objectives, we also plan to use these wooden profiles to build "paved" roads and highways with these profiles, among other projects we have in mind. I remain at your entire disposal, grateful for any response you can give me. Jhonatan Perez jhpp1992@gmail.com +584121490300

Re.works is looking for a recycling workspace coordinator Re.works is a plastic recycling workspace next to the Katsikas Refugee Camp in Ioaninna, Greece. The workspace is currently located on the grounds of Habibi.Works, a makerspace for refugees and locals. At Re.works, people come and work with plastic according to the Precious Plastic methods. We are looking for one or two volunteers who want to stay for ideally 3 months or more from December/January onwards. You will be coordinating the workspace, collecting plastic, recycling plastic, and guiding refugees and locals in their own creative process. Accomodation and food is included, and after 3 months there is a small compensation as well. If you are interested, contact us by sending an email to reworks@notforyourdistinction.org and include your CV and a short motivation text!

Hi everyone! My name is Lauren and I’m brand spanking new to the industry. Pleased to meet you all. I have a background in architecture/ graphic design and currently work as creative director of a preschool furniture supplier in Australia. As a B2B industry, we work with childcare centres who often approach us with a new site, looking for product (e.g. tables, chairs, cots, toys etc). There’s a LOT of waste in childcare (kids are v. destructive!), and not enough use of sustainable materials. This is probably due to industry regulations (everything needs to be up to code), and also because it’s hard to scale, at least from my experience. My goals… — Upcycle waste from childcare, back into our core range (table tops etc) — Supply (recycled) building materials to our existing network of childcare centres for future projects. Concerns… — Ideally we’d use our existing factories to manufacture recycled plastic sheets — However I don’t feel equipped to lead this yet (need more education / time / experience) —We’re struggling to find someone local to manufacture for us, at the scale and pace that we need to keep up with demand — There seems to be more options overseas, but is this counter–productive? (transport emissions etc) Questions for anyone who’s still reading this — Should we outsource first with someone who knows what they’re doing? At least to test the product with our customers? — Is it essential that they’re based locally (for the environment) — OR Do we enlist someone to help set up a workshop internally? Thanks for your time. I'm also contactable at lauren@studiojoske.com or via phone 0439013313.

Hi All, Having trouble finding someone in SEQ that will machine the extrusion screw for the V4 injection machine and the pricing for local bazar seller is astronomical ($10,000). I have sourced all brand new parts inc hardware, electricals, steel, motor and box for less than $700, just looking for someone in SEQ than can machine the screw as most won't CNC lathe over 600mm and the screw is 790. I have had one quote of $320 but he's booked out until Feb. If anyone has any recommendations I would really appreciate not paying $9000 in labour... Thanks as always

OhBigDaddy92

Hi All, Having trouble finding someone in SEQ that will machine the extrusion screw for the V4 injection machine and the pricing for local bazar seller is astronomical ($10,000). I have sourced all brand new parts inc hardware, electricals, steel, motor and box for less than $700, just looking for someone in SEQ than can machine the screw as most won't CNC lathe over 600mm and the screw is 790. I have had one quote of $320 but he's booked out until Feb. If anyone has any recommendations I would really appreciate not paying $9000 in labour... Thanks as always

We have a few V4 screws available. Shoot me an email info@plastic.org.au with your shipping address and I’ll send you a quote.

1

Piers

We have a few V4 screws available. Shoot me an email info@plastic.org.au with your shipping address and I’ll send you a quote.

Will do! You helped me find the motor for the shredder a while back so thanks for that too! Will send you an email now

1

@OhBigDaddy92 usually gets here within the week. https://robotdigg.com/product/1719/Precious-Plastic-design-single-screw-and-barrel-for-extrusion-machine

Precious Plastic design single screw and barrel for extrusion machi...

Plastic recycling extrusion or injection Precious Plastic advocates for plastic recycling. Precious Plastic created mach...

#6555 Lyn, I’m in Canberra. I joined PP today. #oceania

Hello everyone! I'm in Hobart, Tasmania. Just wondering if there's a map, or a list of any PP collection points/workspaces/machine shops? Judging by my discord search, there's not a lot in Tassie? I'd like to develop a PP shingle/tile to use as building cladding. Cheers!

rbtubby

Hello everyone! I'm in Hobart, Tasmania. Just wondering if there's a map, or a list of any PP collection points/workspaces/machine shops? Judging by my discord search, there's not a lot in Tassie? I'd like to develop a PP shingle/tile to use as building cladding. Cheers!

Here is the PP map. There isn’t anyone pinned currently, however I’ve spoken with a number of people who are building machines and getting established. https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Piers

Here is the PP map. There isn’t anyone pinned currently, however I’ve spoken with a number of people who are building machines and getting established. https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Thanks!

@rbtubby there are a few trying to get it off the ground down there. I can pass on some details if you DM us.

rbtubby

Hello everyone! I'm in Hobart, Tasmania. Just wondering if there's a map, or a list of any PP collection points/workspaces/machine shops? Judging by my discord search, there's not a lot in Tassie? I'd like to develop a PP shingle/tile to use as building cladding. Cheers!

Of course, not the first to think of this: https://www.prettyplastic.nl/

Pretty Plastic - Upcycled Tiles

PrettyPlastic© is a sustainable facade tile that gives products from the building sector, that exceeded their lifespan, a second life.

Does anyone know any custom mold makers in Western australia to be able to create my designs

JJ coops

Does anyone know any custom mold makers in Western australia to be able to create my designs

No, we have one in Melbourne we use, long lead time, and we have one in China we use same time line, 4 weeks usually. DM if you want more info.

NoMorePlastic

No, we have one in Melbourne we use, long lead time, and we have one in China we use same time line, 4 weeks usually. DM if you want more info.

Can you send me a link to the website

Pls

JJ coops

Pls

https://community.preciousplastic.com/map#lorenzmachine

Precious Plastic Community

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

NoMorePlastic

https://community.preciousplastic.com/map#lorenzmachine

Thanks

1

QLDers: there is a grant for people outside South East QLD to receive recycling grants up to $500k. https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/priority-industries/resource-recovery/regional-and-remote-recycling-modernisation-fund

Regional and Remote Recycling Modernisation Fund | State Developmen...

11:44 PM

(Can also apply with your local council or a group of other Precious Plasticers. )

Hey I'm wanting to put together a directory of folk doing PP in New Zealand - if you're active in discord and I didn't find you on FB or IG can you get in touch? I've got people in Auckland asking if they can send or bring their lids to us in Tauranga and that's just crazy. I'm sure there must be people in Auckland doing the mahi but you're not on the PP map and we don't know who to reach out to...

2

CathdM

Hey I'm wanting to put together a directory of folk doing PP in New Zealand - if you're active in discord and I didn't find you on FB or IG can you get in touch? I've got people in Auckland asking if they can send or bring their lids to us in Tauranga and that's just crazy. I'm sure there must be people in Auckland doing the mahi but you're not on the PP map and we don't know who to reach out to...

I am keen on starting up. I'm based in Titirangi, Auckland just trying to workout the detail on how to buy or build a shredder.

1

wesser1699

I am keen on starting up. I'm based in Titirangi, Auckland just trying to workout the detail on how to buy or build a shredder.

If you want to buy a complete and safe shredder, we can organise an upgraded version V4 for you, just PM us.

1

wesser1699

I am keen on starting up. I'm based in Titirangi, Auckland just trying to workout the detail on how to buy or build a shredder.

Hi Wesser, that's great to hear

Are you associated with any community group? Just asking because I'm drafting a proposal for a national fund open at present, the premis being to set up replicated workshops under the umbrella of environment centres in 3-4 NZ locations (already active groups in Tga, Welly & Chch). Like what we have in Tauranga with shredder, hot press, CNC router & the storage/ work space for the quantities we anticipate being able to divert & process when our reach is at capacity. Because we have quite good data now on our local quantities, relationships with local council, funders & schools developing and some production prototyping we can help other centres get up to speed with really specific funding/ space/ labour requirements.

1

wesser1699

I am keen on starting up. I'm based in Titirangi, Auckland just trying to workout the detail on how to buy or build a shredder.

@wesser1699 we have a local engineer who built our awesome shredder, and would definitely recommend using him to build more units. Keeps us local, and his prices will be competitive with multiple units... and because he's a PP supporter

CathdM

Hi Wesser, that's great to hear

Are you associated with any community group? Just asking because I'm drafting a proposal for a national fund open at present, the premis being to set up replicated workshops under the umbrella of environment centres in 3-4 NZ locations (already active groups in Tga, Welly & Chch). Like what we have in Tauranga with shredder, hot press, CNC router & the storage/ work space for the quantities we anticipate being able to divert & process when our reach is at capacity. Because we have quite good data now on our local quantities, relationships with local council, funders & schools developing and some production prototyping we can help other centres get up to speed with really specific funding/ space/ labour requirements.

Thanks great to have local support here in NZ. We are not specifically associated to a community group. I work for Unitec teaching in community development specifically sport and recreation. So we have relationships with a lot of community groups and schools. We are based in Titirangi too which has a strong community which supports looking after the environment. I have a small wood working workshop at home with a small CNC router. (edited)

CathdM

@wesser1699 we have a local engineer who built our awesome shredder, and would definitely recommend using him to build more units. Keeps us local, and his prices will be competitive with multiple units... and because he's a PP supporter

Cool if its someone experience that would help alot (edited)

wesser1699

Thanks great to have local support here in NZ. We are not specifically associated to a community group. I work for Unitec teaching in community development specifically sport and recreation. So we have relationships with a lot of community groups and schools. We are based in Titirangi too which has a strong community which supports looking after the environment. I have a small wood working workshop at home with a small CNC router. (edited)

haha - another side hustler! I've been teaching at the polytech here for years. Plastics has been my side hustle for about 3 years now. The local envt centre here has been AMAZING supporting the PP vision, they have invested in the machines & helped so much with space access & networks. I just took a year leave from my job to grow the plastics enterprise but I think we can have SO much more impact if we use the reach/ strength of the national network of envt centres to set up community enterprises in different locations... all hugely valuable for diverting from landfill but also strengthening communities and helping us with local & innovative solutions.

yep another side hustler. Is this the type of organisation they are just down the road https://www.ecomatters.org.nz/

Home

Hi everyone! Im looking for like minded individuals close to Sydney to develop a project to save water. Basically an open source system (one army style) to use the sink water for the toilet. OneArmy

wesser1699

yep another side hustler. Is this the type of organisation they are just down the road https://www.ecomatters.org.nz/

Yep, spot on - they are EHA members.

Blas

Hi everyone! Im looking for like minded individuals close to Sydney to develop a project to save water. Basically an open source system (one army style) to use the sink water for the toilet. OneArmy

What you are loosely talking about is a grey water system. Which exists and is an awesome way to reuse grey water if you have the room and run off to set it up. But as far as I am aware local legality prevents you reusing this water inside the home. Things may have changed recently, but I feel you will get bogged down in legislation before you make any real grounds. Maybe something to think about is all.

Hi there! I'm an industrial design student based in Melbourne and I was hoping to get in touch with PP Melbourne to discuss a potential project. who should i approach? I tried following the faq on the website but it leads me to a page where a form is supposed to be that doesn't exist.

mshaydown

Hi there! I'm an industrial design student based in Melbourne and I was hoping to get in touch with PP Melbourne to discuss a potential project. who should i approach? I tried following the faq on the website but it leads me to a page where a form is supposed to be that doesn't exist.

Hey! Shoot us an email at info@plastic.org.au ✌

I’ll try to find that broken link, thanks!

Piers

Hey! Shoot us an email at info@plastic.org.au ✌

I’ll try to find that broken link, thanks!

thanks! I've sent a message through the contact form. Would that be alright?

mshaydown

thanks! I've sent a message through the contact form. Would that be alright?

someone will get back to you ASAP

Piers

someone will get back to you ASAP

all good. I wasn't expecting a reply till the weekend is over anyway! cheers

Hello world I hope all is well. I have a quick question if anyone can help. I want to build the shredder. I have downloaded the folder with all the information in it. Im looking at getting all the parts cut up from someone in town. I am unsure what plans I send them. Is it the - Laser cut files -> DXF . Or The 2d blue prints folder. If there's a explanation I have missed as part of the precious plastic world and could get pointed in the right direction that would be very kind. But if not and someone has done the same process it would be great to understand the process here in Australia. Cheers!!

Lincthinks

Hello world I hope all is well. I have a quick question if anyone can help. I want to build the shredder. I have downloaded the folder with all the information in it. Im looking at getting all the parts cut up from someone in town. I am unsure what plans I send them. Is it the - Laser cut files -> DXF . Or The 2d blue prints folder. If there's a explanation I have missed as part of the precious plastic world and could get pointed in the right direction that would be very kind. But if not and someone has done the same process it would be great to understand the process here in Australia. Cheers!!

You'll need to send the DXF folder. The 2D blue prints are just for reference

Smashing thanks heaps!

Is there a recommended program to dl to be able to view those files? V1 files for windows

Hey all. I got a question. I noticed the files they gave out for the machines blueprint on the precious plastic website are STEP files...Is it possible to get a different file version?? My machine shop guy is asking for DWG file and I don't know how to get it done.

Lincthinks

Is there a recommended program to dl to be able to view those files? V1 files for windows

Normally Illustrator but there are some online viewers.

Thanks mate

wesser1699

Thanks great to have local support here in NZ. We are not specifically associated to a community group. I work for Unitec teaching in community development specifically sport and recreation. So we have relationships with a lot of community groups and schools. We are based in Titirangi too which has a strong community which supports looking after the environment. I have a small wood working workshop at home with a small CNC router. (edited)

Hey, I've built a shredder and extruder that I'm looking at selling. It utilises the same motor and gearbox as you simply change between the shredder or extruder as I built it with a interchangeable coupling. Check out villain.plastics on Instagram. I'm based in Auckland (edited)

0502

Hey, I've built a shredder and extruder that I'm looking at selling. It utilises the same motor and gearbox as you simply change between the shredder or extruder as I built it with a interchangeable coupling. Check out villain.plastics on Instagram. I'm based in Auckland (edited)

Cool sent you a DM

Has anyone here in Australia built a single phase shredder ? I am currently trying to put one together but can only seem to get max 237nm if I don’t want to go up too high on my amps . Has anyone here built one that runs lower than the recommended 300nm

Lincthinks

Has anyone here in Australia built a single phase shredder ? I am currently trying to put one together but can only seem to get max 237nm if I don’t want to go up too high on my amps . Has anyone here built one that runs lower than the recommended 300nm

What is the power of the motor and gearbox ratio?

2.2kw . 40:1

10:57 PM

I was speaking to a motor guy and he was saying he can get it up past 300 with a more powerful motor but it will draw 19amps

We do a 4kw 240v but it needs a 32amp circuit. You wont get much more NM if you don't upgrade the switchboard.

Thanks. Was hoping to run mine off solar but is going to draw too much I think

Lincthinks

Thanks. Was hoping to run mine off solar but is going to draw too much I think

Depends on your set up, we run 100% of all our machines including the sheet press (all 3phase) off rooftop solar.

Was going to start at how . Am off the grid so that limits me

5:50 AM

Home *

I'm not an authority on solar systems, but its the type of inverter you have governs the amp level and enough panels to supply, you could supplement the short fall with a generator or talk to a solar agent and see what options you have. 3phase is way more economical to operate these machines. I know that's not ideal but more cost effective than a solar upgrade I would imagine. Obviously we knew what we were running when we had it installed. We are part of a large recycling co-op that offer commercial installation at zero cost apart from usage to their members. They do not do residential however.

Thanks for the advice I’ll have to look into it further . Cheers!

1

Kia ora - wondering if there is anyone here from the Aotearoa - Wellington Region precious plastics kaupapa? (edited)

amscraig

Kia ora - wondering if there is anyone here from the Aotearoa - Wellington Region precious plastics kaupapa? (edited)

Hey amscraig you can try contacting Darcy at Tiny Plastic Factory, also try talking to Susie at the Sustainability Trust in downtown Welly because they are looking at setting up a workshop. Check out the Precious Plastic NZ facebook group, I uploaded a list of people around NZ a few weeks ago (but probs already out of date - there's been quite a lot of new interest this year, which is great)

ok cool - yep as tangata whenua in Wairarapa we are quite interested

10:11 PM

Thank you

1

Hi, I'm about to attempt to build sheetpress in Australia and it appears that we don't have the same RHS available here, for example, I can't find 120x60x3 RHS at AU steelsuppliers. Has anyone got some advice on sourcing materials in Australia? Thanks

@Jay_be There was an Australian conversion done at some pont on PP, not sure if the link is still around, look in the how too's. We make a fully pneumatic one if you want to save time and money. Also if you do build your own the heat plates/canisters in the PP version are not really up to speed either, I suggest switching to solid alluminium heat beds for a much better induction and cosistant heat through put. feel free DM me if you have any more questions.

Hi Everyone! I'm located up in Brisbane and am just starting out in the Precious Plastics world. I'm currently in the process of discussing machine builds and creating some custom moulds. A couple of questions for the group: 1. Does anyone in Brisbane currently operate a shredder? Has the edge reopened? 2. I'm looking to get some custom injection moulds made in Brisbane - has anyone worked with any of the companies up here? 3. If anyone is looking to offload machines/materials/resources anywhere in Australia - please send me a message!

Hi, I am based in Wollongong NSW and am starting a shredding workspace and hoping to branch into sheetpressing. Does anyone have an interest in buying my shredded plastic or sheets? I just want to get a gauge of the potential market.

mizza

Hi Everyone! I'm located up in Brisbane and am just starting out in the Precious Plastics world. I'm currently in the process of discussing machine builds and creating some custom moulds. A couple of questions for the group: 1. Does anyone in Brisbane currently operate a shredder? Has the edge reopened? 2. I'm looking to get some custom injection moulds made in Brisbane - has anyone worked with any of the companies up here? 3. If anyone is looking to offload machines/materials/resources anywhere in Australia - please send me a message!

Hi there, we have an extruder and sheetpress we are looking to move on to a new home, DM if interested. As for the other questions, there are a couple of people on here from Brisbane but have been quiet for some time. We have one of our interns based up there who is looking to get more hands on, again DM if you are serious and looking to set up a space, as we have all the tools and processes in place from plastic collection to product design and manufacturing. Just need more people who can help.

mizza

Hi Everyone! I'm located up in Brisbane and am just starting out in the Precious Plastics world. I'm currently in the process of discussing machine builds and creating some custom moulds. A couple of questions for the group: 1. Does anyone in Brisbane currently operate a shredder? Has the edge reopened? 2. I'm looking to get some custom injection moulds made in Brisbane - has anyone worked with any of the companies up here? 3. If anyone is looking to offload machines/materials/resources anywhere in Australia - please send me a message!

Try @d-Wizz (PP Taringa) and @Sidequest Co are both in Brisbane.

1

MexicanDreamer

Hi, I am based in Wollongong NSW and am starting a shredding workspace and hoping to branch into sheetpressing. Does anyone have an interest in buying my shredded plastic or sheets? I just want to get a gauge of the potential market.

Hey you are pitching to the wrong group, we are all mostly trying to do the same thing, you will need to establish your own local market. Do some research, talk to the local community. Ask question here or in a DM like, what each place is doing or where are they finding their markets etc

Is anyone selling a used granulator (anywhere in Australia)? Does anyone have a contact for a plastic shredder or anyone who I could outsource the shredding stage with (in Brisbane)?

1

Hi, I am trying to build the extruder . not the pro, but the basic one. can some one direct me to the BOM and build files?

3:18 AM

the starter kit has the pro plan, but not the basic

thinktank1984

Hi, I am trying to build the extruder . not the pro, but the basic one. can some one direct me to the BOM and build files?

I'm not sure if they are still available. If you are referring to the design that uses the wood auger as the screw, I wouldn't waste your time, you will be very disappointed. We have a V4 in parts with a brand new upgraded screw, barrel and hopper I would be happy to sell. DM me if interested.

1

dont use wood for an auger

Hi, I wonder the lifetime of the shredder and injection. How many plastics can they process if they are maintained optimally?

We have ground around 2 tonne with little wear and maintenance so far with the V4. We have a pneumatic injection and made several hundred items without issue so far. I would imagine the manual ones would last longer. Ask @blk.wth (he makes manual ones) for his perspective on longevity.

1

James Mun

Hi, I wonder the lifetime of the shredder and injection. How many plastics can they process if they are maintained optimally?

All the blades can be sharpened as part of a good maintenance program. The bearings required grease and cleaning. The coupling to the gearbox will wear out first. Also, blades made from Hardox will last longer

Hey all, curious if we’ve got anyone looking at a project kamp in Australia. Looking at Victoria specifically. Soon as kids are out of school im making the move off grid. Few years yet but ready to help out in the work after hours and on weekends.

3

jerkjerkinson

Hey all, curious if we’ve got anyone looking at a project kamp in Australia. Looking at Victoria specifically. Soon as kids are out of school im making the move off grid. Few years yet but ready to help out in the work after hours and on weekends.

We would be up for a discussion. Not sure Vic is the best place for it however.

Oh I know that

I’m in vic so pre full move, would be convenient

jerkjerkinson

Oh I know that

I’m in vic so pre full move, would be convenient

Cool, well feel free to come say hi we are in Springvale. Just DM us.

1

Is there anyone out there in VIC collecting plastic for projects?

Can you give us more information? There are lots of people collecting.

I'm in Sunshine. I have loads of

️1 &

️2 around my home. I'd originally given it as craft material to my kids daycare centre ~ but as the pandemic started ~ they stopped accepting it ~ but I was still stuck in that routine... So, it's all household related material...

1:11 PM

I was hoping that rather than chucking it in the comingled recycling bin (where there's no guarantee in our area that it won't end up in landfill at the tip) that I could find someone who was happy to utilise it.

1:11 PM

I'm not asking for anything for it btw, other than the piece of mind it's going on to be of better use than in the ground.

Amy Soyka

I'm not asking for anything for it btw, other than the piece of mind it's going on to be of better use than in the ground.

Yeah we hear you on the curb side, the system is very lacking. I only know of places taking bottle and container lids as they can not be processed at all via curb side. As for the rest I’m not sure there are currently other options than the wheelie bins.

NoMorePlastic

Yeah we hear you on the curb side, the system is very lacking. I only know of places taking bottle and container lids as they can not be processed at all via curb side. As for the rest I’m not sure there are currently other options than the wheelie bins.

I'd appreciate the details of any places collecting anything at this point, tbh.

Haha. Ok lookup lids4kids. They take several different items, and are all over the place. Rethink Recycling Co-op also take lids. Not many places take items that can go in the recycling bins. None I have come across anyway. The main reason the curb side system fails is due to contamination initiated by the end user, putting the wrong items in the wrong bins. The cost to sort this is unaffordable so it just goes to land fill. The consumer needs to take more responsibility and the producer needs to make smarter material choices.

Heya, have there been any projects similar to project kamp in Australia? I'm interested in helping out or joining one.

Krystilize

Heya, have there been any projects similar to project kamp in Australia? I'm interested in helping out or joining one.

Not that we are aware of, but we have a fully set up and functioning precious plastic facility if you want to come and help out or work on your own projects in Melbourne.

NoMorePlastic

Not that we are aware of, but we have a fully set up and functioning precious plastic facility if you want to come and help out or work on your own projects in Melbourne.

I know of the location- it’s super near me, but I didn’t know visiting was allowed. I have massive social anxiety so I think I took a Facebook message from the pp Melbourne page as a brush off when it wasn’t like that. Do you know if you need to talk to someone to arrange a visit to the site?

Meg

I know of the location- it’s super near me, but I didn’t know visiting was allowed. I have massive social anxiety so I think I took a Facebook message from the pp Melbourne page as a brush off when it wasn’t like that. Do you know if you need to talk to someone to arrange a visit to the site?

Hi Meg, PP Melbourne in Nunawading is a private business, so it may have come across like that. We are a Not For Profit volunteer community run business so you are more than welcome to come visit, helping hands is what makes us work. DM us and and we can organise the details around a visit. Look forward to hearing from you. (edited)

Can anyone advise what type of wood will not bend or snap when clamped either side of cooling plastic?

Meg

Can anyone advise what type of wood will not bend or snap when clamped either side of cooling plastic?

Any wood will do the job, it's the thickness of the wood that gives it it's strength. Hard question to answer without seeing exactly what you are doing.

Just making a simple flat sheet. I tried letting it cool in the sandwich press but it warped and was very uneven and wonky

NoMorePlastic

Hi Meg, PP Melbourne in Nunawading is a private business, so it may have come across like that. We are a Not For Profit volunteer community run business so you are more than welcome to come visit, helping hands is what makes us work. DM us and and we can organise the details around a visit. Look forward to hearing from you. (edited)

I did dm them but they said to send an email with very specific intentions but im so new to this and I don’t know what is there and what projects you are currently working on- I don’t know what to say in an email

Hello again, I'm still lurking up here in Brisbane and I'm posting another request for advice. There are no soft plastic recyclers north of Albury. This means most of it is landfilled, or (if it goes to RedCycle) uses $2,000 of diesel per truckload to either Albury or Melbourne. I have a full 20 foot container of clean plastic bags and I want to process this material through my granulator. To do this effectively, I must densify the plastic film. I have been brainstorming ideas for this for most of this year. 1. Agglomerator - a device similar to a washing machine with static and fixed blades around a rotating drum. Material is placed in the drum which spins at high speed. Friction causes the plastic to soften and densify while the constant action of the blades keeps it from forming one contiguous mass. At some point, cold water is added to the drum which cools and hardens the plastic. The result apparently resembles "plastic popcorn" and can be granulated for more consistent sized pieces. I have not been able to find any example of this process being used in Australia. Agglomeration machines for plastic film are available for sale from China and India for about $AU2,000 but they use 10kW of power or more and weigh hundreds of kg. I wonder if this concept is feasible on a smaller scale?

1:23 PM

2. Quasi-extruder - my latest idea is to use a heat band to create a "hot zone" at 200°C. Plastic bags would be pushed through a tube into this zone where they would become dense and viscous. Pressure from new material entering the hot zone would force the softened plastic through a small nozzle, similar to how a regular extruder works. This thought process evolved through a few stages which I will elaborate for discussion purposes. My original thought was to use a 50mm steel fence post with a screw inside and a 20mm hole in the cap on the end for softened plastic to feed through. Then I thought about dispensing with the screw and just hand feeding the bags into the fence post. A practical experiment to test this led to the realisation that the fence post was too small for me to get my hand inside properly to feed the bags. Not knowing where to find larger steel pipes, I went for a 100mm PVC pipe instead. To avoid melting the pipe, a steel can would be used as the hot zone and the pipe suspended over it with a 5-10mm gap between them. A gap this size would not allow any plastic film to escape but would it be enough to prevent heat from the can melting the pipe? My latest hurdle is to find a suitable heat band. I was going to use baby formula tins for the hot zone but one vendor told me the ribbed sides would make heat transfer very inefficient. In any case, a 150mm heat band was quoted $420 and it uses 2400W! I was hoping for a much cheaper solution with power consumption in the hundreds of watts. 2400W = about $1/hr which is a bit steep. Any comments about either of these methods? Does anybody out there have any other ideas to process soft plastic using a maximum 20A of single phase 240V power? Please don't waste your time telling me not to waste my time with soft plastic.

d-Wizz (PP Taringa)

2. Quasi-extruder - my latest idea is to use a heat band to create a "hot zone" at 200°C. Plastic bags would be pushed through a tube into this zone where they would become dense and viscous. Pressure from new material entering the hot zone would force the softened plastic through a small nozzle, similar to how a regular extruder works. This thought process evolved through a few stages which I will elaborate for discussion purposes. My original thought was to use a 50mm steel fence post with a screw inside and a 20mm hole in the cap on the end for softened plastic to feed through. Then I thought about dispensing with the screw and just hand feeding the bags into the fence post. A practical experiment to test this led to the realisation that the fence post was too small for me to get my hand inside properly to feed the bags. Not knowing where to find larger steel pipes, I went for a 100mm PVC pipe instead. To avoid melting the pipe, a steel can would be used as the hot zone and the pipe suspended over it with a 5-10mm gap between them. A gap this size would not allow any plastic film to escape but would it be enough to prevent heat from the can melting the pipe? My latest hurdle is to find a suitable heat band. I was going to use baby formula tins for the hot zone but one vendor told me the ribbed sides would make heat transfer very inefficient. In any case, a 150mm heat band was quoted $420 and it uses 2400W! I was hoping for a much cheaper solution with power consumption in the hundreds of watts. 2400W = about $1/hr which is a bit steep. Any comments about either of these methods? Does anybody out there have any other ideas to process soft plastic using a maximum 20A of single phase 240V power? Please don't waste your time telling me not to waste my time with soft plastic.

so i just had a idea that may work,on square hay balers,there is a mechanized arm to push the hay into the hopper

2:10 PM

now a lot of recyclers,use a guy wit a stick to simply push the plastic film/bags into te hopper/screw

2:11 PM

so maybe a similar mechanical arm on a normal extruder might work?

2:12 PM

as for the heat band:

2:15 PM

a few months ago somebody had shared a youtube video that showed how to make a homemade heatband directly on the pipe wit kapton tape/mica sheet and heating wire

2:15 PM

i thought this method was drastically easier becuase heating/resistance wire is available everywhere and for a low cost

2:15 PM

rn i can only find one of te vids

2:16 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQcIZsjFZTA

Usman Rais

Hand Molding machine Par Heater Bandhnay Ka Tareeqa

2:16 PM

its quite clear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOf1wKG3DPw

Harsh Heaters work

ceramic band industrial heater

2:29 PM

another one

@sponsoons thanks, I'll check these out :-)

Hi! I'm brand new to Precious Plastic but I'm keen to get involved. Are there any active spaces in Brisbane?

Hey everyone I'm just getting started I'm in Auckland New Zealand

Has anyone had a shredder Lazer cut for them? Trying to get a rough estimate of costs. I can assemble and weld etc just need the parts

We could tell you yes but we are in Melbourne. It was $2600 AUD just for the cutting box no assembly 3 years ago.

6:49 AM

Without much paid for labor, the entire shredder still cost us $13,000 to build. There are cheaper options.

Wow that's crazy! Thanks @NoMorePlastic I appreciate it. I currently don't have a lathe but I've seen builds for a bladed high speed shredder and I may try build one of those first instead.

1

Not sure if anyone is out there, but in Australia we've lost our major soft plastic recycling company. Are there any options for diy soft plastic recycling?

Hey @NoMorePlastic I’ve just joined this chat and it appears you are quite knowledgeable on all things Precious Plastic. I’ve recently relocated to Alice Springs and am looking to start some type of plastics recycling here as the council don’t really provide a service. I will be back in Melbourne over summer and was wondering if I could visit your facility? Happy to get my hands dirty in exchange.

JulesK

Hey @NoMorePlastic I’ve just joined this chat and it appears you are quite knowledgeable on all things Precious Plastic. I’ve recently relocated to Alice Springs and am looking to start some type of plastics recycling here as the council don’t really provide a service. I will be back in Melbourne over summer and was wondering if I could visit your facility? Happy to get my hands dirty in exchange.

Absolutely, alas I'm am still but a student, but we have a pretty good crew around us and a combined knowledge of many years in the industry. Dm me, happy to share and help with all we know, the more people recycling plastic the faster the industry grows and the problem lessens. (edited)

NoMorePlastic

I'm not sure if they are still available. If you are referring to the design that uses the wood auger as the screw, I wouldn't waste your time, you will be very disappointed. We have a V4 in parts with a brand new upgraded screw, barrel and hopper I would be happy to sell. DM me if interested.

where are you located? I am in wollongong.

SpoilerAlert

Not sure if anyone is out there, but in Australia we've lost our major soft plastic recycling company. Are there any options for diy soft plastic recycling?

we are trying to fix this problem, it can be fixed and councils are making adjustments, it takes time. Start a local group and start collecting and before you know it, we will be recycling soft plastics again soon.

Suziroo

where are you located? I am in wollongong.

Melbourne

NoMorePlastic

Melbourne

Just wondering if you have a set up of machines made from PP and they are working great, we are starting a group at the Uni of Wollongong and want to know the best machines that we can make, that work the best.

The PP open sources machines work ok. We built them all and have had to make many changes to them to improve efficiency, functionality and safety. We now only sell and work with the upgraded versions. (edited)

Hi, is anyone here working with roto molds?

Not familiar with them. We do all our mould making in house.

cnc injection moulding? (edited)

hi - im a newbie looking for some guidance to setup a sheetpress facility

2:24 AM

anyone give us some pointers for a cost effective yet large sheet press machine ?

Hi @NoMorePlastic I’m from Melbourne and have been looking for a place/space where I can either donate 3D printed waste for recycling, or use the space to recycle my own 3D printed waste. Do you know of any workspaces in Victoria where I can do this?

bacafreak

Hi @NoMorePlastic I’m from Melbourne and have been looking for a place/space where I can either donate 3D printed waste for recycling, or use the space to recycle my own 3D printed waste. Do you know of any workspaces in Victoria where I can do this?

Hi There, We would be that space you can come rent the machines or just supply the plastic, however we have not done any work with PLA, one of our members would be better to ask @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) Do you have use for more PLA? I know you mentioned potentially using it for your current project.

Hi!

1:47 AM

So I can recommend Rethink Recycling Coop in Springvale as a place to look at utilising your own waste plastic. They've got a lot of recycling machines based off Precious Plastic designs and have made tooling for moulds for various parts.

1:47 AM

If you do have well sorted PLA, I would consider taking it.

1:48 AM

If you don't find a use for it yourself.

Hi Everyone, not sure if this is the best place to post this but I am from UNSW in Sydney and we are desperately seeking any PLA waste. We are 3D printing PLA with our robot at the UNSW Design Futures Lab and are searching for any PLA waste we can find. If there is anyone from Sydney that reads this or anyone else that may be able to point me in the right direction of people that may have PLA, any help would be greatly appreciated!! @NoMorePlastic Not sure how useful it would be with us being in Sydney but depending on the amount of PLA you have we could see if we could take it off your hands? (edited)

mkdfl

Hi Everyone, not sure if this is the best place to post this but I am from UNSW in Sydney and we are desperately seeking any PLA waste. We are 3D printing PLA with our robot at the UNSW Design Futures Lab and are searching for any PLA waste we can find. If there is anyone from Sydney that reads this or anyone else that may be able to point me in the right direction of people that may have PLA, any help would be greatly appreciated!! @NoMorePlastic Not sure how useful it would be with us being in Sydney but depending on the amount of PLA you have we could see if we could take it off your hands? (edited)

Hey, I'm sure there is plenty of PLA waste in Sydney and surrounds and 3D print studios are all over and lots of small companies have a level of 3D printers as well. Shipping plastic up and down the coast kind of negates the purpose behind recycling it in the first place. However if you happen to have a driver or empty truck going back we can look into what we can supply. As I said we really don't use it so usually reject it.

mkdfl

Hi Everyone, not sure if this is the best place to post this but I am from UNSW in Sydney and we are desperately seeking any PLA waste. We are 3D printing PLA with our robot at the UNSW Design Futures Lab and are searching for any PLA waste we can find. If there is anyone from Sydney that reads this or anyone else that may be able to point me in the right direction of people that may have PLA, any help would be greatly appreciated!! @NoMorePlastic Not sure how useful it would be with us being in Sydney but depending on the amount of PLA you have we could see if we could take it off your hands? (edited)

Have you looked into trying to take take away coffee cup lids.

NoMorePlastic

Hey, I'm sure there is plenty of PLA waste in Sydney and surrounds and 3D print studios are all over and lots of small companies have a level of 3D printers as well. Shipping plastic up and down the coast kind of negates the purpose behind recycling it in the first place. However if you happen to have a driver or empty truck going back we can look into what we can supply. As I said we really don't use it so usually reject it.

Yes, I think shipping it would definitely not be the best case scenario. We have contacted some local companies but are still waiting for some replies but fingers crossed!

Mortar Art (Melb, AU)

Have you looked into trying to take take away coffee cup lids.

That's actually a really good thought! I will look into it, we can probably collect them on our campus!

NoMorePlastic

Hi There, We would be that space you can come rent the machines or just supply the plastic, however we have not done any work with PLA, one of our members would be better to ask @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) Do you have use for more PLA? I know you mentioned potentially using it for your current project.

Amazing thank you!! @Mortar Art (Melb, AU) If I had to recycle my own PLA I’d definitely find a use for it (it’s painful how many prototypes have to be made before a print fits what I need.) If you’re down to take my PLA waste I’m more than happy to sort them really well for you. I can sort by colour as well as manufacturer - I don’t print enough that this will be too much work. I just want to know I’m not contributing to landfill every time a print fails!

1

For me, I don't need it sorted to that detail. I just like to have at least 99% PLA in the bag / box.

Mortar Art (Melb, AU)

For me, I don't need it sorted to that detail. I just like to have at least 99% PLA in the bag / box.

that's easy done considering i print almost exclusively with PLA

!almost

Mortar Art (Melb, AU)

!almost

haha i've tried PETG but that's on hold at the moment until i figure out how to tune it properly

11:52 AM

i totally killed a hotend the last time i tried so i'm a bit hesitant to try again

Ohhh.

12:44 PM

Damn.

12:44 PM

I personally have chipped my glass beds with petg.

12:44 PM

Which sucks.

PETG is deadly haha, Much happier with PLA. Anyway Mortar let me know if/how i can best get you that PLA waste - i'll just continue collecting it for how

Ok. You can contact me off of this by jamesr@mortarart.com.au ... I'm super busy til Friday.

1:10 PM

But after that I'd be happy to take a drop off. I'm 3181.

Mortar Art (Melb, AU)

Ok. You can contact me off of this by jamesr@mortarart.com.au ... I'm super busy til Friday.

perfect! will do. i'm in no rush anyhow

Alternatively if Springvale is closer I can arrange a time there.

1:11 PM

Or Eltham.

no worries! will be in touch

Mortar Art (Melb, AU)

For me, I don't need it sorted to that detail. I just like to have at least 99% PLA in the bag / box.

Hey I just realised - when you say PLA does this exclude PLA+ and its brethren?

For me PLA+ is fine.

1:25 PM

But it might not be for others.

gotcha! Cheers

Hey! I am doing a research about precious plastic and I am looking for workspaces inside universities. Can anyone share with me those projects please? Thank you

️

Hi peoples. Thought this may be of interest to some. I designed a replacement hopper for the desktop shredder. Files available here. https://www.printables.com/model/456048-hopper-for-zephyr-brothers-plastic-shredder

Hopper for Zephyr Brothers plastic shredder by Martin_au | Download...

A replacement hopper for the Zephyr Brothers plastic shredder. | Download free 3D printable STL models

1

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Hi Piers. How common are granulators and shredders that can run on 240v (excluding the desktop shredder)? Are most 3 phase?

Martin.au

Hi Piers. How common are granulators and shredders that can run on 240v (excluding the desktop shredder)? Are most 3 phase?

Hey Martin, love the hopper! I’ve only seen 3 phase granulators available in Aus. Of course you can buy/build a V2 Precious Plastic Shredder from the Bazar, however the output won’t be much better than the little Zephyr.

Martin.au

Hi Piers. How common are granulators and shredders that can run on 240v (excluding the desktop shredder)? Are most 3 phase?

Precious Plastic Victoria's machines are all 240v except the sheet press.

1

Hi folks. Anyone here in Auckland or Wellington? I'm working on some low/high tech solutions for construction and keen to meet anyone else into the same stuff. Current projects are www.gridkit.nz (grid beam production-and-design platform) and low tech natural building solutions (lime plastering, timber framing and ceramic foam tiles). Anyways, just saying Hi

3

Also I'm living on an old hippie community that was setup in the 70s and is going strong so can talk about that.

Is there anyone between Townsville and Rockhampton that would what some(ute load) of polypropylene mainly black though

@roberto onionio hey mate. GridKit is sick! Got a couple of questions about your hippie community:

Oh hi.

What sort of structure does it have? As in- Is everyone living there a legal owner? Obviously in part it depends on however the legal regulations in NZ work but just curious in a vague sense how it works

We are a standard corporation with shareholders.

9:26 AM

Which kinda makes it simple, but there are unresolved issues with inheritance

9:28 AM

From Coromandel north on the peninsula there are about 9 intentional communities that have been setup since the mid 70s. They all have different legal structures. We actually like the incorporated society model where you pay some $$$ to the community to become a life member. Right now at our community the community gets nothing when a share transfers and there are some legal grey areas around who can and can't get shares

9:30 AM

A big issue is absentee shareholders still having a vote and individuals being an "agent" for those shares and gaining an disproportionate influence.

9:30 AM

Not with us but other communities

9:35 AM

One cool thing about the community is that there's no individually owned land. Community members own their houses, but not the land it's on. So you mentally get a sense that you're all sharing something which is what community is all about. Makes it more difficult to be a hermit, but some folks are still pretty good at being hermits

Mate I’m so sorry I didn’t see that you’d responded. Ok super interesting. So a collective entity that owns the land (in your case a business) and then individuals/families either own a portion of the entity, and if someone wants to leave they find a buyer for their share. And in the case of your community, the corporation retains ownership of the land itself. How do you (or other communities you know of) manage disagreements about the use of the land (outside of the houses)? As in if there are different ideas about what to do with an area

Hey team, I'm from Wellington and looking at getting into some form of the precious plastics model. I'm hoping to start small with shredding business but am unsure on the local market for clean recycled plastics (of any type)

I don't have any local knowledge to NZ, but was able to find some in Melbourne by going to trade events for the waste industry and chatting to people, and also by ringing around businesses that advertise recycled plastic shreds or pellets online.

That's cool, did you find a way to set up a sustainable business using those contacts?

That isn't my plan just yet.

5:27 AM

I'm still in the market research stage and would be a consumer of plastic, not a provider of it.

QuaglarTheMighty

Hey team, I'm from Wellington and looking at getting into some form of the precious plastics model. I'm hoping to start small with shredding business but am unsure on the local market for clean recycled plastics (of any type)

Have you checked out https://www.fablabwgtn.co.nz/ ? I believe they have a DIY shredder.

1

Jewellboy

Mate I’m so sorry I didn’t see that you’d responded. Ok super interesting. So a collective entity that owns the land (in your case a business) and then individuals/families either own a portion of the entity, and if someone wants to leave they find a buyer for their share. And in the case of your community, the corporation retains ownership of the land itself. How do you (or other communities you know of) manage disagreements about the use of the land (outside of the houses)? As in if there are different ideas about what to do with an area

How do we manage conflict? tl;dr we talk to each other Kinda like a dysfunctional family. Everyone is different. Some people are immature emotionally driven drama queens, others conflict avoidant. Some don't really care too much about anything to get upset, others about every little tree that gets cut down. We regularly have meetings for those actually living on the land (roughly bi-monthly) and annually for the full shareholder community. Generally any issues get talked about at length and those who care about the issue at hand get involved. Large expenditures get voted on, smaller things just happen. We're currently in a process to have a rough "zoning" of the farmland so people don't build on best bit of soil. Also identifying due future house sites (access to power, water, roads views etc) and naive bush restoration.

QuaglarTheMighty

Hey team, I'm from Wellington and looking at getting into some form of the precious plastics model. I'm hoping to start small with shredding business but am unsure on the local market for clean recycled plastics (of any type)

Good idea to get hold of Darcy Snell who was running Tiny Plastic Factory previously, in your neighbourhood - has has plenty of valuable insights from his experience. Also touch based with Sustainability Trust, they are part of a national network of envt centres chasing some funds to grow PP across 8 different locations. Darcy's shredder may still be in your region, maybe you can negotiate access - from our experience, shredders are not utilised optimally (we have a workload delay with the washing/ sorting and again with mountains of shred but not enough infrastructure and human availability/ interest to make new things... I guess you could say the shredder is superbly over-specc'd for the operational resourcing we have everywhere else, haha.

https://youtu.be/YeIR61LqnJo Cook islands version of project kamp

Project Sunrise

S01E12 - The land after 6 months

I am Swetha living in Western Suburbs of Melbourne. I would love to meet with anyone working on Precious Plastics in this area (edited)

The insurance company who provided me with market & online sales public liability insurance is stopping that insurance coverage. While trying 2 get insurance, as soon as I tell them that I make items from recycled plastic they tell me that that would not be covered. Has anyone found an insurance co in Aus that provides coverage?

Upcycler_Simon

The insurance company who provided me with market & online sales public liability insurance is stopping that insurance coverage. While trying 2 get insurance, as soon as I tell them that I make items from recycled plastic they tell me that that would not be covered. Has anyone found an insurance co in Aus that provides coverage?

Yeah, we have, you need to be very specific with the wording you use, DO NOT use the word recycling and do not suggest you store large amounts of plastic or any at all if you can, 'your plastic comes in ready to process from others'. You are a manufacturer not a recycler. We use Gallagher, we can pass on my brokers details if you want to DM us. We are Vic based however so not sure how that will work.

Hello, A team to research the invasive species of Project Kamp could be very useful. If you’re interested in teaming up, message me. It's focused of course on the ‘mimosa’ and eucalypts there. Since I live in Australia where these species originate I hope we can find good information on them especially how to use them, how to deal with them in a fire, and how to remove them effectively with less ecological damage. There are no requirements but the following would be super helpful: If you have local connections to First Nations, academics or firies, especially where they grow If you’re passionate about Project Kamp or invasive species If you have knowledge of research and/or trees

2

Argent

Hello, A team to research the invasive species of Project Kamp could be very useful. If you’re interested in teaming up, message me. It's focused of course on the ‘mimosa’ and eucalypts there. Since I live in Australia where these species originate I hope we can find good information on them especially how to use them, how to deal with them in a fire, and how to remove them effectively with less ecological damage. There are no requirements but the following would be super helpful: If you have local connections to First Nations, academics or firies, especially where they grow If you’re passionate about Project Kamp or invasive species If you have knowledge of research and/or trees

@davehakkens -- very handy?

Argent

Hello, A team to research the invasive species of Project Kamp could be very useful. If you’re interested in teaming up, message me. It's focused of course on the ‘mimosa’ and eucalypts there. Since I live in Australia where these species originate I hope we can find good information on them especially how to use them, how to deal with them in a fire, and how to remove them effectively with less ecological damage. There are no requirements but the following would be super helpful: If you have local connections to First Nations, academics or firies, especially where they grow If you’re passionate about Project Kamp or invasive species If you have knowledge of research and/or trees

I don't think there are first nations in that part of portugal

BearcatBen

I don't think there are first nations in that part of portugal

I have no idea of that but I'm talking about those where the mimosa is native here.

I see, I misunderstood what you meant because of the local and first nations did not mesh in my mind

1

hi guys, im a electrical contractor looking into a new enterprise for my local community. And precious plastic could be a option. Wondering if someone could email me on some information regarding a new workshop so i can start arranging for a shredder and a 35 x 90 mm extrusion system Kind regards Ray creed

3:22 PM

Raymodified@gmail.com

ray from raymodified

hi guys, im a electrical contractor looking into a new enterprise for my local community. And precious plastic could be a option. Wondering if someone could email me on some information regarding a new workshop so i can start arranging for a shredder and a 35 x 90 mm extrusion system Kind regards Ray creed

@Piers

2

Hey @ray from raymodified Check us out www.plastic.org.au I’ll shoot you an email today, feel free to DM me you number if you’d prefer to speak over the phone.

2

Upcycler_Simon

The insurance company who provided me with market & online sales public liability insurance is stopping that insurance coverage. While trying 2 get insurance, as soon as I tell them that I make items from recycled plastic they tell me that that would not be covered. Has anyone found an insurance co in Aus that provides coverage?

Give me a buzz mate, it’s a familiar story. Also look into AMRA - a bunch of us have gotten together to combat these issues and can offer support. https://amra.au/

AMRA

Build a community of recycling superstars

1

would anyone recommend converting an old bus into a home base

1:19 PM

I am hoping that is a smart move for something like a workshop

A Bunch Of Agressive Bees

I am hoping that is a smart move for something like a workshop

You can get inspired by these guys

https://www.instagram.com/precious.plastic.nomads/ https://www.instagram.com/preciousplasticnomad/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CvmK2u7ITnM/

A Bunch Of Agressive Bees

would anyone recommend converting an old bus into a home base

We have built a trailer into a mobile recycling and processing centre run off solar with all the machines, so a bus would be super cool.

YOOOOOO

Marcela - Community Manager @ PP

You can get inspired by these guys

https://www.instagram.com/precious.plastic.nomads/ https://www.instagram.com/preciousplasticnomad/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CvmK2u7ITnM/

Thanks! I will start draw up a design for the project generation workshop :D

NoMorePlastic

We have built a trailer into a mobile recycling and processing centre run off solar with all the machines, so a bus would be super cool.

I may use a seperate "building" but I would love to get tips for that in the meantime :D

1

also another quick question! does anyone have any ideas for an unconventional way to reuse a car battery that is cheap and affordable? because a while back I saw free 12 volt batteries and whiles that no longer have any charge in them anymore!

A Bunch Of Agressive Bees

also another quick question! does anyone have any ideas for an unconventional way to reuse a car battery that is cheap and affordable? because a while back I saw free 12 volt batteries and whiles that no longer have any charge in them anymore!

Most car batteries that no longer start a car are still useful for powering 12v electronics when paired with a solar panel.

11:28 AM

I use two for instance in my off grid shed.

sweet

Hello from Melbourne

I'm wondering if anyone in Melbourne is using the perfect plastics systems? I have been making a lot of stencils lately, and I'd love to see how the scrap plastic can melt.

2:16 AM

Also is anyone familiar with Dodgy Paper and Lousy Ink?? Recycling legends ❤️⭐

maize

I'm wondering if anyone in Melbourne is using the perfect plastics systems? I have been making a lot of stencils lately, and I'd love to see how the scrap plastic can melt.

ANOTHER AUSSIE, HIIII

1

11:59 AM

also project genesis is happening! (I have started growing basil!)

A Bunch Of Agressive Bees

also project genesis is happening! (I have started growing basil!)

Lovely!!

YUH

maize

I'm wondering if anyone in Melbourne is using the perfect plastics systems? I have been making a lot of stencils lately, and I'd love to see how the scrap plastic can melt.

Also in Melbs, Unfamiliar with this system. Do you have anymore information? We use thermal printers now, no more ink, but these recycled inks are a great idea, no first hand experience however.

NoMorePlastic

Also in Melbs, Unfamiliar with this system. Do you have anymore information? We use thermal printers now, no more ink, but these recycled inks are a great idea, no first hand experience however.

I am thinking I'll buy some aluminium sheets and springs, and follow this tutorial: https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/self-compressing-oven-mould-for-making-sheets and get a little electric oven from an opshop or something, and try to melt my spare stencil plastics in to a new sheet. For now I will just save up all the scraps in a container!

Self-compressing oven mould for making sheets

This Tutorial is about making sheets with a self-compressing mould and a kitchen oven. The approach has a very low invest and the possibility to make a few sheets in parallel.

NoMorePlastic

Also in Melbs, Unfamiliar with this system. Do you have anymore information? We use thermal printers now, no more ink, but these recycled inks are a great idea, no first hand experience however.

Lousy and Dodgy are often at markets together! Roger (dodgy) actually has a new office in cremorne! If you drop in, let him know I sent you! ❤️ https://dodgypaper.com/

Dodgy Paper

Dodgy Paper is hand-made, recycled Artists Paper. Made by Artists for Artists. Based in Melbourne, Australia and shipping worldwide!

1

1:50 AM

This is Lousy Ink (I forget Lousy's real name, woops!) https://www.lousyink.com/ I love them all. The CMYKit is really special, but before he started making these, I was buying the pens.

Lousy Ink - Sustainable Art Supplies

Turn waste into inspiration with our recycled artist inks. Made from waste printer cartridges, our eco-friendly art supplies is perfect for your next masterpiece.

1

1:50 AM

The ink is reclaimed from printer cartridge waste

NoMorePlastic

Also in Melbs, Unfamiliar with this system. Do you have anymore information? We use thermal printers now, no more ink, but these recycled inks are a great idea, no first hand experience however.

Have you tried colouring in alcohol markers on the thermal printed material? It's so interesting.

1:52 AM

I help to run this space: sabbatical.gallery which is full of creators, mostly videogame developers, but many artists from all disciplines. We're currently working on a "Fantasy Console" show, where we make physical consoles with microcomputers inside, and then also make a game and poster for the console.

1:54 AM

I have been working on a musical flower game, where the console is made from all reclaimed art materials from Reverse Art Truck in Ringwood. My friend is making a Barbie themed game from a Barbie Campervan that she found on the street, and is making it into a huge pink abomination hehehe

1:55 AM

If you know This Is Not A Toy Store in Brunswick, we are making games and art to this kind of aesthetic. They make art toys hehe

maize

I help to run this space: sabbatical.gallery which is full of creators, mostly videogame developers, but many artists from all disciplines. We're currently working on a "Fantasy Console" show, where we make physical consoles with microcomputers inside, and then also make a game and poster for the console.

Wow that all sounds cool, we make 900x900 plastic sheets of varying thickness from bottle tops we collect, furniture designers, architects and school/uni design and art departments use them. Always looking for more uses. We have not tried markers on the printer paper, sharpie works well but that's all we have tried. Have you? What results did you get?

NoMorePlastic

Wow that all sounds cool, we make 900x900 plastic sheets of varying thickness from bottle tops we collect, furniture designers, architects and school/uni design and art departments use them. Always looking for more uses. We have not tried markers on the printer paper, sharpie works well but that's all we have tried. Have you? What results did you get?

man, you should come to our next in person game jam session! It's on September 16-17 at the gallery. I'll invite you to the discord in dm's

but anyone can check out sabbatical.gallery Would love for people to see these sheets! Yeah I was watching a friend do it, and I think the alcohol in the marker was heating the paper or something, and the heat printed lines became kind of moveable, until the paper returned to cool temperature. It was very weird to watch!

1

Hello, I don´t know if here is the best place to this question, but I let it here and please let me know if there is a better spot for... We are looking forward for examples of different mobile recycling stations, I means, projects who has developed any type of vehicle to put some machines and teache plastic recycling mobile. Links, pictures and projects are welcome! A great week start to everyone! Lixeiro

how it feel to be resisting the urge to search a random real estate with nothing on it and running a little project camp (edited)

2:47 PM

1

2:51 PM

god I love the housing crisis

hey how's it going? I wanted to know if you paint the pet bottle and make filament for the 3d printer with the painted color

Hey all, I’m a looking to build a shredder, any tips of where to find the hex drive shaft ?

Ninja

Hey all, I’m a looking to build a shredder, any tips of where to find the hex drive shaft ?

I’m pretty sure we have a few in our workshop (new). Shoot us an email and I’ll dig one out and give you a quote - info@plastic.org.au

Piers

I’m pretty sure we have a few in our workshop (new). Shoot us an email and I’ll dig one out and give you a quote - info@plastic.org.au

Done

Hi! Just wondering if anyone has purchased a shredder kit from the bazar and has a recommendation on which ones are good quality? Thanks!

Hi Team, I'm trying to find the plans for the bio press from the beyond plastic range. Does anyone know where I can find them?

2:55 AM

Also I have a CNC waterjet cutter and a fibre laser if anyone needs any help with building machines.

1

Ninja

Hey all, I’m a looking to build a shredder, any tips of where to find the hex drive shaft ?

We have two lying around be happy to donate them to you.

annalittler

Hi! Just wondering if anyone has purchased a shredder kit from the bazar and has a recommendation on which ones are good quality? Thanks!

We build our own, much cheaper and better quality control, shoot me a message if interested. Happy to help out.

8:09 AM

@everyone we have a client who due to health reasons has closed their business and are looking to sell off one of our V4 shredders. I'm sure they will do a deal, only has a few hours on it. Message me if interested, retail was $9500.

22

Good evening. What country are they located in?

Australia, this unit is currently in Queensland and would ship out of Brisbane.

Getting this to Uganda would be nice

Understood. I need to look up the specs. We will be expanding our operations in Dallas by next month. Could be very useful

tightlyknit1146

Understood. I need to look up the specs. We will be expanding our operations in Dallas by next month. Could be very useful

What do you do?

tightlyknit1146

Understood. I need to look up the specs. We will be expanding our operations in Dallas by next month. Could be very useful

We ship anywhere in the world door to door. Our other machines https://www.preciousplasticvictoria.com.au/machines.html

@Alup we divert recyclable materials from the waste stream by working with businesses and multi-family sites. Our emphasis will be shifting to multi-family sites in November.

1

8:17 AM

The goal is to help Dallas achieve their 2040 zero waste goals.

8:21 AM

We've taken the Precious Plastic strategy to a whole new level.

tightlyknit1146

@Alup we divert recyclable materials from the waste stream by working with businesses and multi-family sites. Our emphasis will be shifting to multi-family sites in November.

That’s cool. I don’t have anything started locally but I’ve been tempted to contact my city to see if they’d have any opportunities. I started my recycling journey with metals since it’s easy to cast metal. Mainly aluminum, sometimes copper from scrapped electronic waste. On occasion, brass. Unfortunately, recycling plastic, except for the Recreator, isn’t exactly cheap. Ironically it’s cheaper and easier to recycle metal, despite being a more expensive material. While I could probably DIY a cash aluminum shredder cheaply, it’s the extruder that makes things difficult. I’d love to be able to not mess with cutting or expanding the soda bottles and simply clean and shred. That’s a goal I eventually plan to have but won’t be for quite a while

$9500 Australian’s dollars?

uche

$9500 Australian’s dollars?

correct

@Alup plastic may not be cheap but is highly profitable in certain use cases. For example, capturing water bottles for the companies that produce the bottles. Make an agreement with them directly.

8:28 AM

Another is we have found companies that need plastic for clothing and have made deals with them to supply them.

8:29 AM

Creating products from recycled plastic is a no-brainer as well because of the upside of affecting the bottom line.

tightlyknit1146

@Alup plastic may not be cheap but is highly profitable in certain use cases. For example, capturing water bottles for the companies that produce the bottles. Make an agreement with them directly.

Yeah, that makes sense. I’m hoping to make some money selling art or useful things from recycled stuff. High profit margins with the free metals would fly me save up for something like an Artme. With that thing, I’d have basically a free at-home factory of plastic and metal. Obviously not free but propane for my furnace is cheap, plastic printing is cheap if you have the tools, you get the gist.

My goal is to bring the circular economy into fruition.

If the Artme had a pay in 12 months option, then I’d be able to use it, it it’s a bit much for me for one payment at once

Maybe we can collaborate. I have a few ideas about glass as well.

tightlyknit1146

My goal is to bring the circular economy into fruition.

We are driving that Idea hard here and starting to make some good headway in the community with our products. Its definitely taking off.

@NoMorePlastic I will share our grand strategy once it is completed.

1

8:33 AM

That way the community can use what works for them.

8:34 AM

What I can share for now, is that applying the strategy on a micro level is essential.

tightlyknit1146

Maybe we can collaborate. I have a few ideas about glass as well.

I’ve gotten into glass etching a little bit. Mainly to practice for when I do metal etching in the future. I have projects I want to make that require it. It’s very hard, near impossible to cast steel at home, and glass is even harder to work with, so I don’t recycle glass

For instance, we are trying to work with homebuilders to incorporate mini balers/compactors into new builds.

Alup

I’ve gotten into glass etching a little bit. Mainly to practice for when I do metal etching in the future. I have projects I want to make that require it. It’s very hard, near impossible to cast steel at home, and glass is even harder to work with, so I don’t recycle glass

Glass is useful for new glass, construction, glass blowing, and one idea I am pursing has to do with technology manufacturing.

tightlyknit1146

For instance, we are trying to work with homebuilders to incorporate mini balers/compactors into new builds.

Yeah that's why we have developed a whole micro bench top range, so its a cheap and easy entry point for a household. Then 100% I have thought about developing it further and become standard fixtures. Reuse your own waste etc.

NoMorePlastic

Yeah that's why we have developed a whole micro bench top range, so its a cheap and easy entry point for a household. Then 100% I have thought about developing it further and become standard fixtures. Reuse your own waste etc.

Awesome! But take it up one notch, imagine a company collects it and pays you for it...

8:39 AM

Recyclable materials wise.

tightlyknit1146

Glass is useful for new glass, construction, glass blowing, and one idea I am pursing has to do with technology manufacturing.

Yeah, I’d recycle it if I could. While technically possible with the right ingredients to lower melt temps, it’s just not worth it. Metal is super easy, and recycling soda bottles with the Recreator3D (which I actually didn’t realize this wasn’t their discord at first after the earlier message) is cheap but doesn’t use all the plastic. Making my own filament would be a dream for artistic endeavors or prototyping

We have a paid pick up service in place, we have a whole bunch of community outlets collecting our resource for us.

NoMorePlastic

Yeah that's why we have developed a whole micro bench top range, so its a cheap and easy entry point for a household. Then 100% I have thought about developing it further and become standard fixtures. Reuse your own waste etc.

What price point is considered cheap? Those advertised ones earlier were definitely not what most would consider household cheap

tightlyknit1146

Awesome! But take it up one notch, imagine a company collects it and pays you for it...

See I originally wanted to sell scrap metal to a scrapyard but I’m better off trying to make trinkets people want. I could sell a pound of aluminum cans for I think 75 cents, around there, in the highest price in Texas. I could make something such as coins and sell 1 ounce coins for $1 for custom gifts or something, and make $16 from that pound, you know? Though plastic recycling is a different story so you have a point there. Personally, I’d probably just save up what a company would pay for plastic waste, until I could afford the Artme and a shredder

Familiar with valet trash services? Imagine replacing their services with recyclable valet services.

Alup

What price point is considered cheap? Those advertised ones earlier were definitely not what most would consider household cheap

If you can acquire new builds, it might be easier to roll it into the mortgage.

8:57 AM

Cost wise

Alup

See I originally wanted to sell scrap metal to a scrapyard but I’m better off trying to make trinkets people want. I could sell a pound of aluminum cans for I think 75 cents, around there, in the highest price in Texas. I could make something such as coins and sell 1 ounce coins for $1 for custom gifts or something, and make $16 from that pound, you know? Though plastic recycling is a different story so you have a point there. Personally, I’d probably just save up what a company would pay for plastic waste, until I could afford the Artme and a shredder

What city are you in?

Alup

See I originally wanted to sell scrap metal to a scrapyard but I’m better off trying to make trinkets people want. I could sell a pound of aluminum cans for I think 75 cents, around there, in the highest price in Texas. I could make something such as coins and sell 1 ounce coins for $1 for custom gifts or something, and make $16 from that pound, you know? Though plastic recycling is a different story so you have a point there. Personally, I’d probably just save up what a company would pay for plastic waste, until I could afford the Artme and a shredder

Depending on the amount, you might want to secure a deal with a foundry to sell directly to.

Alup

What price point is considered cheap? Those advertised ones earlier were definitely not what most would consider household cheap

Price is always in the eye of the beholder. But those are the cheapest and safest version available anywhere by quite a lot. Honestly from a business perspective $50K on machinery is pocket change.

tightlyknit1146

@Alup we divert recyclable materials from the waste stream by working with businesses and multi-family sites. Our emphasis will be shifting to multi-family sites in November.

I’m currently learning and about to start writing a plan to bring recycling to my area. Would love to see what you are doing and how and see if any of it is transferable here. We live in a very rural area where the focus is mainly agriculture but we do have some larger cities close by.

tightlyknit1146

The goal is to help Dallas achieve their 2040 zero waste goals.

Oh that’s awesome! I want to do the same in Austin, I would love to collaborate at some point!

Linda Vida

I’m currently learning and about to start writing a plan to bring recycling to my area. Would love to see what you are doing and how and see if any of it is transferable here. We live in a very rural area where the focus is mainly agriculture but we do have some larger cities close by.

Hi! Rural wise compost could be big and explore making charcoal.

5:07 PM

But yes would love to share ideas and information. Are you on LinkedIn?

Drew W

Oh that’s awesome! I want to do the same in Austin, I would love to collaborate at some point!

Austin! Yeah thats the place you could spread like wildfire with making an impact.

tightlyknit1146

Austin! Yeah thats the place you could spread like wildfire with making an impact.

Does your group have a social media handle? I’d love to stay in contact and coordinate future activities!

tightlyknit1146

If you can acquire new builds, it might be easier to roll it into the mortgage.

I don’t make a lot of money due to health issues and such. No mortgage either though cause I live with my parents at the moment. Once I move out, I’d be able to upgrade a lot of my setups, at least the setups that are limited by space and not money

tightlyknit1146

What city are you in?

I’d rather not say for the whole server to know, but I’m about an hour from Dallas and not in a big city. Not tiny, but compared to Austin or Dallas, it’s small

NoMorePlastic

Price is always in the eye of the beholder. But those are the cheapest and safest version available anywhere by quite a lot. Honestly from a business perspective $50K on machinery is pocket change.

Fair, but I know there are cheaper options for at home. I just can’t afford it ATM

1

Drew W

Does your group have a social media handle? I’d love to stay in contact and coordinate future activities!

Coming in November.

Alup

I don’t make a lot of money due to health issues and such. No mortgage either though cause I live with my parents at the moment. Once I move out, I’d be able to upgrade a lot of my setups, at least the setups that are limited by space and not money

What I was saying here, was that expansion of buying new equipment for new home builds could possibly be rolled into mortgages. The idea is to get each household to participate on a micro level.

tightlyknit1146

Maybe we can collaborate. I have a few ideas about glass as well.

just random comment passing by - since you spoke of glass - check out using extruded basalt in place of carbon fiber.

1

tightlyknit1146

What I was saying here, was that expansion of buying new equipment for new home builds could possibly be rolled into mortgages. The idea is to get each household to participate on a micro level.

Ohhh I gotcha, I read it wrong

NoMorePlastic

@everyone we have a client who due to health reasons has closed their business and are looking to sell off one of our V4 shredders. I'm sure they will do a deal, only has a few hours on it. Message me if interested, retail was $9500.

We would potentially be interested, we are based in NSW. Would need some dimensions and further details if possible?

NikkiB

We would potentially be interested, we are based in NSW. Would need some dimensions and further details if possible?

sent you a DM

tightlyknit1146

My goal is to bring the circular economy into fruition.

My goal is to collaboratively demo the ideas and concepts for any vision. From a circular economy to automated gardening. We funnel tiny amounts of effort (time / money) from many people into the first town that wants to demo a concept / idea / vision. Each demo grows and when any is proven as sustainably profitable, people from everywhere can freely and easily replicate it. The project will be an open collaboration if you're interested.

Localverse

My goal is to collaboratively demo the ideas and concepts for any vision. From a circular economy to automated gardening. We funnel tiny amounts of effort (time / money) from many people into the first town that wants to demo a concept / idea / vision. Each demo grows and when any is proven as sustainably profitable, people from everywhere can freely and easily replicate it. The project will be an open collaboration if you're interested.

Now we are talking! That's an awesome contribution!

Its business model will be called 'Freeing local'. What is it striving for? Local and open creation of all things. We cannot keep doing the same things repeatedly over and over while expecting another result. In this community about recycling, while we're working to better our reusing of materials, let's keep our eyes wide open: https://old.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1746zjx/whats_a_dirty_little_secret_you_found_out_about_a/k4826a5

spiralizerizer's comment on "What's a dirty little secret you found...

Explore this conversation and more from the AskReddit community

Hey guys, my name is Asher, i'm a senior highschool student and i live in Wollongong Australia. For my senior highschool project i'm assembling a green team and were planning to make changes to the schools waste management scheme. The current waste management scheme seems to be only focused on "disposing" of waste and over the next 12 months i want to see us getting closer to "reducing" & "reusing" our waste. The first step we are going to take towards this goal is to conduct a waste audit. We are planning to do this in the coming weeks. In terms of the reusing/recycling, i have a keen interest in 3D printing and have a machine that turns plastic bottles (which happen to be common waste in my school) into filament. I am also interested in collaborating with members of the precious plastic community to turn our recyclables into useful items such as enclosures for critters that inhabit our permaculture garden.

Hello from Costa Rica!

I’m Emily from Innoceana, which is a global marine conservation nonprofit dedicated to preserving the ocean for future generations

One of the many soon to be projects, is joining this great Precious Plastic Community by creating a circular economy so we can give back to the community while recycling the abundance of plastic waste

️ We're looking for someone to join us here in Costa Rica from December to be part of this amazing project and help our planet

Our website is https://innoceana.org where you can find volunteer opportunities and intern information. My email is emilycook@innoceana.org and I would love to connect if you or anyone you might know is interested

Beautiful sunsets, fun beach clean ups, lush vegetation, Pura Vida and much more would be part of the experience!

The Innoceana Team

Emiliano Vargas

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Pacific Beauty

RECYCLING WORKSHOP ANH DUONG 2023 XƯỞNG TÁI CHẾ

Hello from Costa Rica!

I’m Emily from Innoceana, which is a global marine conservation nonprofit dedicated to preserving the ocean for future generations

One of the many soon to be projects, is joining this great Precious Plastic Community by creating a circular economy so we can give back to the community whilst recycling the abundance of plastic waste

️ We’re looking for someone to join us here in Costa Rica from December to be part of this amazing project and help our planet

Our website is https://innoceana.org where you can find volunteer opportunities and intern information. My email is emilycook@innoceana.org and would love to connect if you or anyone you might know is interested

Beautiful sunsets, fun beach clean ups, lush vegetation, Pura Vida and much more would be part of the experience!

The Innoceana Team

Emiliano Vargas

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CREATING WAVES OF CHANGE THROUGH CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATION. Your donation creates a ripple effect that protects our oceans and […]

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I am having trouble with the down load to build is there a simple way to get the plans

Marcela - Community Manager @ PP started a thread. 11/3/2023 6:13 PM

Hi all! My name's Isaac and I work for a medical research institute in Sydney, Australia. We're looking at ways we can reduce our plastic waste streams - particularly in medical research there's an unavoidably high usage of plastics, so we're looking into ways we can reduce this. We use a large amount of polypropylene tip boxes - these never come in contact with harmful chemicals, so our standard practice is to steralise these and recycle them through general waste streams. We reckon this is a bit of a waste of perfectly good plastic, so we're looking into ways to give them a second life instead! Short-term we're able to shred and press sheets for internal use but we're not well-equipped enough to handle everything we use, so long-term we'd like to explore the possibility of donating the plastic or exploring larger scale projects to reduce how much we send out. Looking forward to seeing what the community is working on and how we can contribute to a greener future!

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Can anyone tell me if labels need to be removed from plastic containers before shredding and reusing or if it doesnt matter too much?

CuriousDesignsStudioCo-Op

Can anyone tell me if labels need to be removed from plastic containers before shredding and reusing or if it doesnt matter too much?

NO

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CuriousDesignsStudioCo-Op

Can anyone tell me if labels need to be removed from plastic containers before shredding and reusing or if it doesnt matter too much?

Depends on the label, priorities, and your process. Some labels are made from PVC- and you definitely don't want that in your melt. Is the shred destined for injection? Then fibers may not be welcome. Is the product a durable good, or one destined for recycling or the trash heap?

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making a machine to make grid beams.

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Hi, my name is Clara Brooks and I am attending college at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids MI, in the United States. I’m working on a project in my Social Product Innovation class, trying to create a project to help life underwater (Unesco goal # 14) in Fiji with water pollution. I’m collecting resources like information and panel members by reaching out to groups and people. I’m specifically looking for panel members who can help with plastic pollution affecting life underwater, people who know about life underwater, or anyone else who is passionate about the topic and would like to help me with this project. For the panel of people who would be interested and willing to make a small time commitment throughout the upcoming months to work with me as I’m developing this project. Please let me know if you or someone you know is interested and their contact information.

@everyone We have our first extruder we made up for sale. It is in need of reassembly. It has a brand new unused hopper, barrel and screw all engineered locally. All electricals are in excellent condition, working and done by a certified electrician. Second hand motor and gear box. Trolly is optional as it will massively increase shipping if not local. The build cost (materials only) was $3200 but we just want to see more plastic diverted from landfill and would be happy to see it move on for $800 plus shipping or local pick up.

Hi - I am in Northern NSW and just getting started. I am wanting to find out what has happened to the Precious Plastics collective that got funding for equipment to be based at the Lismore Tip. I have messaged via facebook but got no response. Thanks, Anita

WormDealer

Hi - I am in Northern NSW and just getting started. I am wanting to find out what has happened to the Precious Plastics collective that got funding for equipment to be based at the Lismore Tip. I have messaged via facebook but got no response. Thanks, Anita

Hi Anita I am in Brisbane!

CuriousDesignsStudioCo-Op

Hi Anita I am in Brisbane!

Hi there. What is the best way of finding out more about what you are doing? I am heading to Roma Street area for work on 18 Dec if you are anywhere near there

WormDealer

Hi there. What is the best way of finding out more about what you are doing? I am heading to Roma Street area for work on 18 Dec if you are anywhere near there

See PM

WormDealer

Hi - I am in Northern NSW and just getting started. I am wanting to find out what has happened to the Precious Plastics collective that got funding for equipment to be based at the Lismore Tip. I have messaged via facebook but got no response. Thanks, Anita

I have had some dealings with the Northern Rivers P P group in the past. They go from periods of inactivity to periods of being fully engaged. But I have not seen or heard from them for a while now.

Hi everyone, with the Desktop Shredder, is there a particular reduction gearbox that I can use (on ebay)?