Welcome to the micro-recycling community!

Before switching on your new machine, we strongly suggest spending some time reviewing the Precious Plastic Academy to learn as much as you can - knowledge is power! Additionally, we offer a complimentary training session for all new Zephyr Bros. machine purchases. To book your session, log in to the applicable Machinery Support page below (use the passcode provided at purchase), where you'll have access to our calendar to select your time.

Equipment support

Academy highlights

  • Precious Plastic | Shredded tubs of labelled plastics

    Plastic Basics

    What is plastic? Where does it come from, how much do we use, and what types are most commonly recycled? What different types of plastics exist, and how do you recognise them?
    Here we cover the basics of plastic to get you up to speed with the material you’re going to be working with!

    Learn more 
  • Precious Plastic Academy | Safety & fumes

    Safety & Fumes

    Safety is an exceptionally important topic when working with plastic - it’s critical to ensure you're taking the appropriate precautions. We’ll walk through the dangers of fume exposure, which plastics are unsafe to work with, and how we set up our filtration systems.

    Learn more 
  • Precious Plastic How-To's | Tips from micro-recyclers

    How To's

    Here, micro-recyclers around the globe share the things they've learned in a structured way. This tool is at the heart of our open-source, collaborative community. We rely on everyone to share learnings, as we collectively work towards solving the problem of plastic waste!

    Learn more 

Downloadable resources

  • Downloadable poster: Plastic types visual properties

    Visual Properties

    Thermoplastics are divided into subcategories (such as PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP & PS) depending on their structure and properties, and can be recognised by their name or number, which is usually printed or embossed somewhere on the product.

    Download 
  • Digital download: Plastic Melting Temperature poster

    Melting Temperatures

    One reason it’s so important to separate plastic types is because of their melting temperatures. They all reach a liquid state at a different heat, so in order to create high quality items it’s crucial to know at what temperature each plastic melts.

    Download 
  • Downloadable PDF: Floating properties of plastics

    Floating Properties

    Each plastic type has its own specific density that will make it float differently in liquids. This technique is used intensively by the industry, however it can be innacurate, as the additives mixed with plastic may result in unexpected density variations.

    Download 

  • Collection Flyers

    Use these downloadable, printable flyers to promote your plastic collection! Choose from A4 - perfect as a standalone flyer, and A6 - ideal for your school newsletter.

    Download 

Connect with like-minded humans

  • Build Community Connections

    Find workspaces and individuals use small-scale recycling machinery around Australia, from schools, to community groups and small businesses!

    View the map 
  • Precious Plastic Discord

    Precious Plastic Discord

    Precious Plastic is part of One Army, a group of people trying to tackle a variety of global issues. We use Discord to chat, learn from each other and answer questions.

    Join the Discord 
  • Precious Plastic Map: Pin your location

    Find The Global Community

    Individuals, groups and organisations create recycling spaces to power the Precious Plastic Universe. Spaces can connect and collaborate to tackle the plastic problem!

    Pin your location 

Need help with something? Contact us here!