Frequently Asked Questions

 

 Got a question? we might have the answer here!

Precious Plastic

+ What is open source?

An open source platform is where all of the material used to make and create a product is available free online. Dave Hakkens decided that this method would be best for the global community to tackle the rising issue of plastic pollution. In keeping with the global initiative, we have created our own download kit which can be downloaded here.

+ What’s the aim of Precious Plastic?

"Precious Plastic is a global community of hundreds of people working towards a solution to plastic pollution. Knowledge, tools and techniques are shared online, for free, so everyone can start." - Precious Plastic Global

 

Plastic

+ What is plastic made from?

Most plastics are made from hydrocarbon chains that are found in fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas). Plastics are created when molecules link together to form long chains called polymers - this is why a lot of plastic names start with ‘poly’.

+ Why is plastic used so widely?

Plastic is a valuable product because it has the following properties:

  • Strong
  • Lightweight
  • Versatile (available in a range of colours and transparencies, rigid or flexible)
  • Durable
  • Cheap

+ What types of plastic does Precious Plastic Monash recycle?

The main types of plastic that we recycle are PP (polypropylene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene). We are currently experimenting with methods to recycle LDPE (low density polyethylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

+ Can Precious Plastic Monash recycle soft plastics?

Our shredder cannot process soft plastics (like plastic bags) so currently we do not recycle these plastics. We recommend recycling through Red Cycle at your local supermarke!

+ What happens if plastic goes to landfill?

A lot of plastic does go to landfill as only 9% of plastics produced are recycled. But plastics generally aren’t biodegradable which means they stick around in landfill for a long time - it can take 400-500 years for plastics to break down.

+ Where does Precious Plastic Monash find plastic waste to recycle?

We find waste from all kinds of places! Hospitals, 3D printer offcuts, other student teams here at Monash and also plastic waste brought in by our own student members are a few examples. As of 2022 we are working with other Monash University based groups to set up collection points for students and retail vendors.

+ Where does household plastic waste get sent?

Up to 50% of Australia’s plastic waste was previously sent overseas to areas in Asia to be recycle. Now, China has banned the import of recyclable plastic and other countries are following this action. With recycling facilities in Australia struggling to keep up with increased demand, recyclable plastic can end up in landfill.

 

Recycling

+ Where does my recycling currently go?

Currently, most recycling is going to warehouses and landfill. This is on the back of China halting their import of 99% of the world's recycling. In Australia it varies from council to council. Some councils contract private operators to recycle the waste, whereas others they run their own processing facilities. At this time only 9% of all the plastic created has been recycled where a large majority of it ends up in landfill.

For more information contact your local council.

+ Can soft plastics/cling wrap/plastic bags be recycled?

Yes, but soft plastics cannot be recycled by the councils. For soft plastic recycling, you would have to take your soft plastics to a supermarket. These supermarkets have soft plastic recycling and are extremely happy to take the soft plastics from you.

+ How many times can plastic be recycled?

There are two types of plastics, Thermosets and Thermoplastics. Thermoplastics can be re-melted and re-moulded into new products. Thermoset plastics have stronger bonds which cause the plastic, when heated, to burn rather than melt. Thermosets alse release harmful gases into the air when heated.

 

Machines

+ What types of plastic can the shredder handle?

Currently, our shredder can only handle hard plastics. Putting in soft plastics as they are they tend to jam the shredder. We are developing ways to shred these plastics and will provide updates once we have discovered an appropriate method.

+ Can I build the machines?

Of course! These machines are simple designs that anyone can make. Visit the Precious Plastic website on how you can get started! We recommend that you have prior technical experience before undertaking the build process. In keeping with the global initiative, we have created our own download kit which can be downloaded here.

For more detailed understandings and further questions, please contact info-preciousplastic@monash.edu.

 

Outreach

+ Can PPM host a demonstration for us?

Due to our limited resources we are limiting the events we attend to the following requirements:

  • 1000 people for outreach events or up to whole school for school visits
  • Power requirements of 3 separate single phase power outlets
  • Indoor or under cover

Thank you for your understanding. We also run Schools Days during the school year. EOI for these go out via our social media or on our upcoming events page on the website.

+ How can I get in contact with PPM?

There are multiple ways for you to contact us. We have multiple social media accounts which we try to interact with frequently:

We also have an expression of interest form. You can also contact us via email: info-preciousplastic@monash.edu.

+ How do we apply for an outreach event?

The way to apply for an outreach event or workshop demonstration is via the expression of interest form. From here one of our members will contact and the details will be worked out from there.

+ How can I join the team?

Being a Monash student team, we can only have current students of Monash Univserity on the team. We do intakes every semester which will be advertised on our social medias and our wesbite. Check our our 'recruitment' page on the website to see what positions are currently available.

 

Products

+ Where can we buy products?

Due to limitations surrounding being a student team, we currently only sell products at our in person events. If we are ever at a market or a show, we will have our products!

+ Can Precious Plastic Monash do commissioned work?

If the product is viable for us to make, then we can do commissioned work. Although we make most of our products from ideas created in house, we are very much open to external collaborations if we have the scope! For any inquiries surrounding this, please email info-preciousplastic@monash.edu

+ What can Precious Plastic Monash make?

We are currently working on new methods and techniques for the development of new products. Our basic products consist of injected moulds, bowls, jewellery and many other items. The products team has recently shifted their focus towards making more bespoke items that challenges the idea of what plastic can be. We have a 'Products' page on our website which is updated with most of our recent products. Check out our Instagram for more frequent updates.