FAQ
Some commonly asked questions
Shruder® Resource Recovery Program
Q: Does Plastic Collective (PC) provide training?
A: Yes, training is fundamental to the success of the program.
Q: What type of training is provided in the Shruder ®️ program?
- Stage 1: Site assessment and workshop preparation is conducted prior to arrival. PC provides guidance for workshop planning, setup and plastic material collection.
- Stage 2: A PC engineer installs, tests and commissions the machinery to ensure workshop safety and compliance prior to on-site training with community participants. A PC educator delivers “Working with Plastics” training on the topics of collecting, sorting, shredding and essential processing methods for the establishment of a micro-enterprise operation.
- Stage 3: An optional training component on the topics of advanced manufacturing (injection, extrusion or press moulding products), zero-waste schools environmental education program and extended community engagement.
Q: Are all 3 stages essential?
A: Stages 1 and 2 are essential, stage 3 is an optional extra.
Q: Why are two staff required for site visits?
A: Two reasons;
- We often travel to remote and isolated locations to deliver programs and we value our teams safety and wellbeing.
- To provide sufficient training support as each Stage involves hands-on activities for groups of 5-15 people. PC staff includes engineers and educators working together.
Q: How much is a Program sponsorship?
A: The cost of Sponsorship for one program varies dependent on location, machinery and training options. Please contact us for a quote specific to your needs.
Q: Are the programs self-sustaining once the machine and training is delivered, or is there a need for ongoing sponsorship?
A: The goal of the programs are to provide skills and capacity building to enable communities to run their own micro-enterprise businesses in resource recovery. Stage 3 training and subsequent inclusion in the PC Certified Ethical Plastic™ program provides immediate opportunity to generate revenue to fund ongoing business development. While ongoing sponsorship is not required, the opportunity to assist in expanding established programs by providing additional machinery and skills training is an option.
Q: What population size is ideally suited for these programs?
A: These programs are designed for small remote and island communities. 1 Shruder ®️ machine is ideal for regions of the Asia-Pacific with populations up to 5,000. For populations between 5,000 and 10,000 we recommend 2 shruder machines (dependent on the rate of plastic consumption).
Q: Are PC educational programs available for schools?
A: Louise Hardman is a certified Secondary Science teacher and is available upon request, subject to availability. Her education program is based on the Science of Plastics and the Creation of Waste-free Environments. Please contact us with your request.
Machinery
Q: What is a Shruder ®️ (pronounced ‘Shroo-der’)?
The original prototype Shruder ®️ was designed as two machines in one, a Shredder and an Extruder, making the ‘Shr-uder’. Later models include the Shruder S ®️ (Shredder only), Shruder SE ®️ (Shredder and Extruder) and other variations.
Q: How much plastic can be recycled with one machine?
A: Depending on plastic type and density, between 15-25 tonnes/year per machine.
Q: Can the mobile machines be powered by solar panels or generators?
A: Yes, the machinery requires 1800w to start and operates on 500w power. Solar panels require 4 batteries and 6 panels. Diesel or unleaded 3 – 6kv generators can also be used.
Q: How can we get a Shruder ®️ for our community or business?
A: Shruders are available for purchase as part of the Plastic Resource Recovery program. Programs can be self-funded, funded through grants, corporate sponsorship or our Plastic Neutral offset program for groups and businesses. We can provide assistance and advice to communities in need of funding. Please contact us for further assistance.
Q: What type of plastic can the Shruder ®️ shred?
A: The Shruder ®️ can shred all hard plastics, including the 3 most abundant plastics found in the environment – #1 PET, #2 HDPE and #3 PP, as well as the 3 less abundantly consumed plastics #3 PVC, #4 LDPE and #6 PS.
Q: What products can I make using the Shruder ®️?
A: Depending on the Shruder ®️ model, SE can produce shred, filament (cord) and moulded products. Model S will produce shred only.
Workshop
Q: How do we start a new Plastics Recovery program?
A: We will include support and advice on how to setup your resource recovery site. As each community is unique, this will require planning and guidance.
Q: What size of building is required to house a resource recovery centre and machine?
A: We will provide an advisory service to our clients to assist in the design/layout of the workshop centre, as per Stage 1 training. Compliance is essential to ensure safety considerations are addressed. Site plans will be provided to clients as part of our service.
Please note, delivery of Stage 2 is dependent on Stage 1 compliance. Should the centre not meet compliance requirements on arrival, delivery of Stage 2 may be delayed at additional cost to the community and/or sponsor.
Q: Do we need washing and sorting areas in a workshop?
A: An open plan area is required for sorting and washing. With up to 9 stages of processing, it is essential to have a well planned centre that meets all requirements and maximises workflow.
Q: What type of storage area is required for the mobile machinery?
A: A closed, lockable and weatherproof storage area for machinery, tools and products is essential. The machinery is mobile and can be wheeled in and out of the storage area, even transported on a small truck or trailer, if required.
Products
Q: What happens to end-of-life products that have been produced? Are people encouraged to take them back to be re-recycled?
A: The majority of processed material will be sold to advanced manufacturers to create multi-use items from shred, as opposed to single-use. A smaller proportion of recovered plastics will be made into products valued by the community for personal use or sale. Both options remove existing plastic material from the environment and reduce the need to produce more virgin plastic.
Q: Where can we buy recycled 3D filament?
A: For a current list of Resource Recovery programs developing filament and working in 3D printing, please contact us.
Demonstrations
Q: Where can we see a Shruder ®️ in action?
A: If you would like to visit one of the Shruder ®️ centres, please contact us to make arrangements. If that is not a convenient option for you, watch our latest video HERE now.
Q: Can we hire a Shruder ®️ for an upcoming event?
A: Currently we have limited resources available due to high demand and cannot provide Shruder hire service. We hope to have something in the near future.
Get Involved
Q: Where can my old plastic straws and other single-use items be recycled?
A: Click here to find a Shruder ®️ Program near you.
Q: How can I support these programs?
A: You can directly sponsor a community, by offsetting your own plastic use, through our Plastic Neutral program. PC has identified many communities in need of a solution for their growing plastic waste problem.To read their stories, visit the Community Projects section of our website.
Q: We want to create a Cleanup group? How do we start?
A: Cleanup groups are a great way to encourage community engagement and improve the health of your local environment. To help you get started, we recommend joining an amazing global program. Please CLICK here to learn more about the program and to receive your free “How To” step by step guide for all the information you need to start your local clean up group today!
Certified Ethical Plastic
Q: What is the Certified Ethical Plastic Program™?
A: Through Plastic Collective’s Certified Ethical Plastic™ program, communities are able to sell upcycled materials for a fair price, in a transparent market. All upcycled plastic is supported by certification of provenance, ethical work conditions and use-of-funds. Learn more.
Q: What is the Certified Ethical Plastic™ (CEP) trading market?
A: PC CEP compliant communities are invited to trade with established PC manufacturing partners through our ethical and fair trade marketplace. For more details on the PC Certified Ethical Plastic™ Program, please Contact Us.
Q: What is the benefit of being a CEP compliant community?
A: CEP compliant communities benefit from immediate access to an established, ethical, global trading network. PC provides full support services from start to finish, connecting communities to advanced manufactures.
Q: How is the Certified Ethical Plastic program monitored?
A: Regular reporting to PC by participating communities is part of the program, which includes quantity and type of shred produced and provenance tracking of all materials to end marketplace using specialised apps and partner services.
