ARMA BLOCKS INVESTIGATIONS

ARMA(Association of Rotomoulders Australia) blocks investigations into poly tank recycling claims.


According to Don Matthews, leader of the Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group (APTCIG), UV-degraded plastic cannot be recycled and the polytank industry is misleading the Australian public on recycling.
In a survey of the industry conducted over the past 6 months he was reassured repeatedly by manufacturers and suppliers that UV-degraded tanks could be recycled at the end of their life. On further questioning and requests for evidence the industry went quiet. APTCIG now wants to put questions to company directors but their association CEO Leisa Donlan seems not to want to go along with this idea.


Over the past months ARMA has put up the following obstructions to APTCIG investigations:

On 11 Aug 2008 I emailed:

Dear Leisa,

In my email of 24 July I asked if you had names and email contacts for key people in member companies of ARMA.Haven't received anything yet. The reason I am asking is that I emailed the following companies from addresses given on their website for assistance in my research into recycling spent poly tanks. No-one bothered to reply or acknowledge receipt of my email. They were definitely received because none were returned. There is no excuse for this and only helps to reinforce my view that nothing is being done. You will appreciate why I am so sceptical.

sales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au 9 July
paulh@duraplas.com.au 15 July
infoworld@polyworld.com.au 17 July
sales@teampoly.com.au 17 July
Brisbane@ozpoly.com.au 17 July
feedback@waterforce.com.au 23 July

Could you please forward names and contact emails for all managing directors of ARMA associated companies. Maybe then I will be able to get a response to my questions.

Thanks,
Don Matthews


No response

-------------------------------------------------------


On 11 Aug 2008 I emailed:

Dear Leisa,

I am interested in finding out more about the work you are doing with Auckland University on finding new ways to make it easier for tank owners to recycle their own tanks at the end of their product life

Thanks
Don


Dear Don

Details of the research currently being undertaken are restricted to ARMA members, as the research is still in progress and funded by the members.

Regards
Leisa Donlan

--------------------------------------------------------

On 27 Aug 2008 I emailed:

Leisa,

Do you have an email address for egr water ? Can't find it on their website.

Don

No response

-------------------------------------------------------

On Dec 17 2008 I emailed:

To: Leisa Donlan CEO Association of Rotational Moulders Australasia
From: Don Matthews APTCIG

Leisa,

Please email names and email addresses for Managing Directors of the following manufacturers.I wish to ask some serious questions on recycling.

National Poly Industries
Ozpoly
EGR Water

If you choose not to release this information without a valid reason I will interpret your actions as a deliberate attempt to block my investigations into industry recycling claims and will make every effort to make my view widely known.

Don Matthews
APTCIG Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group
seeking open and honest answers to open and honest questions


No response. As advised I am now making my views widely known.

-------------------------------------------------------

Formit

Manufacturer
Fountaindale NSW
------------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
to information@formit.com.au
Dec 17, 2008
subject Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-bygmail.com

Dear Formit,

I am thinking of buying a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help
Don Matthews

-----------------------------------------------------
No response
-----------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
to infomation@formit.com.au
Jan 7, 2009
: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Could you please acknowledge and respond to my email

Thankyou
Don Matthews

----------------------------------------------------------

Dural Irrigation

Supplier of Nylex tanks
Dural NSW


---------------------------------------------------------



From: Don Matthews [mailto:donmatthews7@gmail.com]
8 December 2008

To: Erin Eyles

Subject: Recycling spent poly tank



Dear Dural Irrigation,


I notice you sell Nylex poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.I am thinking of buying a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.



Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

---------------------------------------------------------

fromErin Eyles <admin@duralirrigation.com.au>

toDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
Dec 9, 2008

RE: Recycling spent poly tank

To our knowledge poly tanks are not recyclable after there completed use. However I encourage you to contact the tank dealers directly, to receive a more detailed and knowledgeable response to your query.



Rapid Plas – 02 43234404 OR FREECALL ENVIRO AUSTRALIA 1800 011000.Tank Master – 08 9274 7000 I hope that helps answer your questions.



Katrine Hermansen

Dural Irrigation Pumps & Power Products

270 New LIne RdDural NSW 2158

Ph No:02 9651 4111 www.duralirrigation.com.au


---------------------------------------



fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>

toErin Eyles <admin@duralirrigation.com.au>
Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 12:18

Re: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-bygmail.com

Dear Erin/ Katrine,

Thankyou for your honesty. My research agrees with what you are saying - UV degraded polyethylene tanks can't be recycled. This is opposite to what the industry and ARMA keep telling me. I may get back and talk to you later about this.

Don

-------------------------------------------------------

Absan recyclers

Recycler

----------------------------------------------------------------

fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>toabsan@iprimus.com.au
Aug 21, 2008
subjectRecycling spent poly tanks
mailed-bygmail.com


Could you help me with some research I am doing into the recycling of spent poly tanks ? those which have been completely degraded by UV I believe you recycle them in some way to produce more resin for remoudling. I am a little puzzled because to my understanding poly that is completely degraded becomes brittle and loses all its properties making impossible to be remoulded again. How then is it recycled ?

Could you trace the path of a spent poly tank for me from when it reaches youir facility to when it is formed into the final product ? What do you do with the tank? How is the reconstituted resin made? Where does it go to from you? What do they make from it and how is it done? Do you get many spent tanks for recycling?

Thanks for your help
Don Matthews

---------------------------------------------------------
No response
---------------------------------------------------------

fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
toabsan@iprimus.com.au
Dec 1, 2008
subject: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-bygmail.com

Could you please acknowledge and respond to my email

Thankyou
Don Matthews

------------------------------------------------------

Malcolm Campbell ABSAN PTY LTD
to me Dec 2

Hi Don,

Best to give me a ring and I will talk you through the recycling process.

Regards,
Malcolm Campbell
0402334179

-----------------------------------------------------

fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
toMalcolm Campbell ABSAN PTY LTD <absan@iprimus.com.au>
Dec 11, 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-bygmail.com

Dear Malcolm,

Thankyou for getting back to me although I am wondering why I didn't receieve any response to my initial email.

I am aware that non-degraded plastic can be recycled. My question relates specifically to UV-degraded plastic. Can this be recycled and remoulded. I suspect it can't. Am I correct?

Don

----------------------------------------------------------
No response
----------------------------------------------------------

fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
toMalcolm Campbell ABSAN PTY LTD <absan@iprimus.com.au>
Wed, Dec 17, 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tsnks
mailed-bygmail.com

Malcolm,

Please respond.

Don

-------------------------------------------------------------
No response
-----------------------------------------------------------

The following email came in response to the 'ARMA blocks investigation into recycling claims' email I sent out to the industry. The phone call he refers to was not in response to my initial enquiry (which was ignored) but in response to a reminder some 3 1/2 months later. Go up to the top of this post and check for yourself. The tanks he is referring to are non-degraded tanks. He has never answered my questions on recycling UV-degraded tanks. Why? Because degraded plastic can't be recycled. (If anyone can prove this incorrect please do so)
-------------------------------------------------------------

FromMalcolm Campbell ABSAN PTY LTD <absan@iprimus.com.au>
toDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
ccsales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au,
infoworld@polyworld.com.au,
sales@teampoly.com.au,
Brisbane@ozpoly.com.au,
feedback@waterforce.com.au
Fri, Jan 9, 2009
subjectRe: ARMA blocks investigations into recycling claims
mailed-byiprimus.com.au

I don't know who you are but you are totally ignorant and misinformed.

I responded to your first email asking you to ring me and discuss the recycling of end of life tanks but you did not. Tanks can be and are being recycled. Our Company does it regulary.

Malcolm Campbell
B.Eng. Phd.Absan Pty Ltd
08 84478847
-----------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
to Malcolm Campbell ABSAN PTY LTD <absan@iprimus.com.au>
Wed, Feb 25, 2009
subject Debate 4 I would like an apology Malcolm
mailed-bygmail.com

From: Don Matthews APTCIG
To: Malcolm Campbell Absan

Malcolm,

I do not appreciate the following comment you have made about me:

"I have no idea who you are but you are totally ignorant and misinformed" (9 Jan 2009)

It would seem a good idea to find out who I am before making such comments.

I would like an apology.

Don Matthews
APTCIG
Australian Poly tank Concerned Individuals Group
"valueing courtesy and respect"

PS This email has been posted on the weblog http://thegreataustralianpolytankdebate.blogspot.com and forms the basis for Debate 4.
We await your response.
----------------------------------------------

CAMPAIGN BLACKPHONE HOTLINE

0 4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

We regret to advise the virus affecting servers (which is preventing our emails being delivered to polytank industry recipients) has flown across the ether and infected Blogger. This has affected our input and we are only able to post one digit per week. Sorry bout that.

Polly F Leen (Miss)
Secretary
APTCIG

ADMIRING SUPPORTER GO DON

To: APTCIG members
From: APTCIG HQ
Re: Admiring supporter go don

An admiring supporter has just written in with this ditty about our don. Had to rush it out to you.

A gardener don matthews I'm told
In a campaign decidely bold
Did gather together his birds of a feather
And knocked our polytankers out cold

So I'm told.

("admiring supporter" - go don)


Polly F Leen (Miss)
Secretary
APTCIG

WE ARE CALLING FOR

AUSTRALIAN POLY TANK CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS GROUP

We are calling for:

1. The polytank industry to publically acknowledge that UV-degraded (spent) poly tanks cannot be recycled.

2. The polytank industry to publically acknowledge that when they have been saying "Can poly tanks be recycled? Yes, they can be completely recycled" they were only referring to non-UV degraded polyethylene.

3. The setting up of a non-biased website to explain about the various types of tanks available and their pros and cons.


APTCIG
looking for the most positive
and least painful way forward

WE'RE AIMING FOR TRANSPARENCY

AUSTRALIAN POLY TANK CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS GROUP

We're aiming for transparency

- and we shoot from the hip

The polytank industry has thrown up a smokescreen aroung the recycling of millions of tanks they are planning to put into the environment which can't be recycled.

Tanks are already breaking down many well before their warranty even expires. Our Australian sun is harsher than anticipated. Do they want to talk about it? No. All they want to do is bury their head in the sand and hope the problem goes away. It won't. And neither will we.

Reln Plastics

Manufacturer
Ingleburn, NSW

-------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews to sales@reln.com.au Nov 5, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Reln Plastics,

I have been reading with interest about your new poly rainwater tank.
Can you tell me whether at the end of its life when it is fully degraded by UV if it can be recycled or not ? I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a poly tank.

Thanks for your help
Don Matthews
-------------------------------------------------
from Kristy Pilsworth to Don Matthews Nov 7, 2008
RE: Recycling spent poly tank

Hi Don

Thank you for your enquiry. Yes, the tank can still be recycled when fully degraded by UV.

Regards,
Kristy Pilsworth Customer Service Officer
14B Williamson Road, Ingleburn N.S.W. 2565
P: 1300 137 356 F: 1300 137 358
-----------------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews to Kristy Pilsworth Nov 10, 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tank mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Kristy,

It is interesting you say UV degraded tanks can be recycled. I have just had information from another source which says they can't be ???

Are you sure your information is correct ?

I would like to look into this further. Could you direct me to the person who told you this or the source of your information so that I can ask a few more questions.

Thanks,
Don
----------------------------------------------------
from Owen Luke
to donmatthews7@gmail.com
cc Kristy
date Nov 13, 2008
FW: Recycling spent poly tank

Hi Don,

Please feel free to give me a call. 9605-9999

Kind Regards,
Owen Luke
------------------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews to Owen Luke Nov 13, 2008
Re: FW: Recycling spent poly tank mailed-by gmail.com

Hi Owen,

Are you able to fill me in via email?

Don
------------------------------------------------------------
from Owen Luke to Don Matthews
Nov 14, 2008 RE: FW: Recycling spent poly tank

Hi Don,

It’s easier to talk about this as the subject is highly technical and I can then get a better understanding of your concerns. Either give me a call (9605-9999) or send me your phone number and I’ll call you.


Kind Regards,
Owen
-----------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews to Owen Luke Nov 17, 2008
Re: FW: Recycling spent poly tank mailed-by gmail.com

Hi Owen,

I sort of know what's going on. I have a chemistry degree and taught the subject (including the chemistry of plastics) for many years.

I think the issue could be sorted out with answers to the following questions:


(QUESTION 1)
Sunlight eventually breaks down plastic making it brittle and lose all its strength. The long-chain polymer molecules which allow plastic to be moulded and give it its strength and rigidity are ruptured by UV light. No amount of added UV stabilizers will prevent the chemical degradation process from occurring. Essentially the plastic disintegrates and loses all its properties. As a result I do not see how it is possible to then remould it into other products. Is the correct?

(QUESTION 2)
Would I be correct in saying that polyethylene plastic currently being recycled is only clean plastic such as factory scraps, seconds etc and not fully UV degraded (spent) plastic ?

(QUESTION 3)
If I am not correct (and I am more than happy to be put right on this) and fully UV degraded plastic is actually being remoulded what evidence is there to support this? What process is being used and what products is the spent plastic being turned into?


If you are able to provide any answers it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Don
---------------------------------------
from Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>to sales@reln.com.au
Mar 5, 2009 subject Reln MD details request mailed-bygmail.com

Hi Kristy,

Do you have the name and email address of Reln's Managing Director?

Thanks
Don Matthews
--------------------------------------------
from Sales <sales@reln.com.au> to Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
Mar 5, 2009 RE: Reln MD details request

Hi Don

The Managing directors name is Nigel Nattrass. His email is nigelnattrass@reln.com.au

Regards, Kristy Pilsworth
Customer Service Officer
14 Williamson Road, Ingleburn N.S.W.
2565P: 1300 137 356 F: 1300 137 358 E: sales@reln.com.au W: www.reln.com.au
-------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com> to nigelnattrass@reln.com.au
bcc Owen Luke <owenluke@reln.com.au>,Sales <sales@reln.com.au>
Tue, Mar 24, 2009 subject Recycling UV degraded poly tankmailed-bygmail.com

To: Nigel Nattrass Managing Director Reln Plastics

Dear Nigel,

There is an opinion going around that UV-degraded poly tanks cannot be recycled. That sunlight breaks the plastic down until it becomes brittle, falls apart and loses all the properties which enable it to be remoulded and recycled. As Managing Director of Reln Plastics I would be interested in your view on this. If degraded plastic cannot be recycled I see a potential environmental problem ahead when millions of degraded tanks will need disposing of at the end of their life.

Regards
Don Mattthews
---------------------------------------------
fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>tonigelnattrass@reln.com.au
Apr 1, 2009 Re: Recycling UV degraded poly tank mailed-bygmail.com

Nigel

Do you have a response for me?

Don
------------------------------------
from Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>tonigelnattrass@reln.com.au
Apr 6, 2009 at 10:48 Re: Recycling UV degraded poly tank mailed-bygmail.com

Nigel,

I am still waiting .

Don Matthews
--------------------------------

James Porteous ECOS magazine

Managing Editor
ECOS: Australia's magazine on sustainability
------------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to ecos@csiro.au
Oct 29, 2008
Environmental concerns re spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

To: James Porteous (editor EOS)
From: Don Matthews (gardener)


Dear James,

I would like to try and arouse your interest in a potential environmental problem which is beginning to bother me..

It concerns the rapidly increasing number of plastic poly tanks being added to the environment and the issue of their disposal at the end of their working life. Personally, I feel we should be trying to reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment not increasing it. As this is not likely to change in the foreseeable future we must ensure that what poly tanks are added can be recycled at the end of their working life, yes?

Ask anyone in the business of manufacturing or selling poly tanks and they will tell you without fail they can be recycled. The industry's ARMA (Association of Rotatational Moulders Australasia) website www.watertanks.org.au says " Can poly tanks be recycled? Yes, they can be completely recycled". Most Australians would accept this as being correct and so feel environmentally comfortable about purchasing a poly tank. Unfortunately, this appears to be far from the truth. I believe the industry have no idea how UV-degraded (spent) tanks are going to be recycled.

Over the past months I have been directing questions to various sections of the industry to find out what they would tell an environmentally concerned member of the public about recycling spent poly tanks. The results have been interesting and have all been documented on the weblog http://thegreataustralianpolytankdebate.blogspot.com . I then followed this up with further questions and asked for evidence to back up their claims. The result? - one big deafening silence. Their recycling claims appear to be simply marketing tools to take advantage of the current water crisis and make us all feel environmentally comfortable with poly tanks.

For the moment I am just asking questions and recording results on the weblog. Next year I would like to see a national awareness campaign launched to raise this issue with the Australian public. It needs to be brought out into the open for discussion and debate. The industry is just burying their head in the sand and while no-one asks questions they will continue to sell their tanks and perpetrate what I believe is misleading information about recycling.. In the not-too-distant-future millions of spent tanks will be lying around. If the recycling issue is not resolved I can see us heading for a major environmental pollution problem.

I am looking for people to join an environmental action group APTCIG (Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group) to take the matter further. The industry, ARMA and its CEO Leisa Donlan will not take any notice of one individual calling for the issue to be addressed and misleading statements to be removed from industry websites.

If you are new to the weblog http://thegreataustralianpolytankdebate.blogspot.com start at the first post in July "The journey begins". This will explain how it all started, then work your way up the posts and discover the positive efforts being made by the industry to fulfill ARMA's statement "Can poly tanks be recycled? Yes, they can be completely recycled".

Feel free to pass this email on to anyone you feel may be interested in being put on a mailing list for updates on progress.


Regards,

Don Matthews


"You are on the money. Congratulations - and how can I help?" (Don Burke)

-----------------------------------------------------

"James.Porteous@csiro.au"
to me
Oct 29

Hello Don,

Thanks for your email, and congratulations on your working through of this issue to do with poly tanks. Thanks also for alerting me to it.

Based on your correspondence here (and pending more investigation and a right of reply from the tank 'recyclers' themselves), I think it very important that this be raised as a matter of integrity - and a clear illustration that, despite seeming stated intentions, there are still clear (premeditated?) mistakes being made where environmental responsibilities are being agreed on. If your evidence holds true, it also shows up a gaping hole in Federal and state government processes for assessing the environmental suitability of product classes, and of assess the onus on manufactures to take responsibility for their end of life circumstances. It is no doubt quite easy to calculate the sorts of plastic volumes we are talking about here.

I would be very happy to give you the opportunity to write this up in Ecos, to support your cause, and to provide a platform for national further elucidation about this issue. We could aim for the Feb-March issue (copy due in December). You would be paid for your work. How does that sound?

Regards,

James.

Managing Editor
ECOS: Australia's magazine on sustainability
www.publish.csiro.au/ecos
PO Box 1139 Collingwood VIC 3066
Ph +61 (0)3 9662 7604 Fax +61 (0)3 9866 7600

----------------------------------------------

Don Matthews
to James.Porteous

Hello James,

Thankyou for your reply. You have certainly given me something to think about now! I have been happily plodding away by myself emailing the industry from my comfortable little cocoon. Now you have given me the opportunity to go public and do what I really want to see happen. It's the next big jump and certainly what APTCIG is looking for. Yes, you will probably have some copy in December (when is deadline?) but I will have to adjust to this......

Cheers

Don

APTCIG
Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group

-----------------------------------------------

from "James.Porteous@csiro.au"
to donmatthews7@gmail.com
Nov 5, 2008 4:07 PM
RE: Reply from Simon Gough Gough Plastics
signed-by csiro.au mailed-by csiro.au

Thanks Don.

Best of luck with the continuing investigations - I think with this type of enquiry you'll need to use a fair degree of diplomacy given the types of questions involved.

I would prefer not to be copied in on all the developments if you don't mind - I have enough coming in as it is. It would be best if you can run the investigations under your campaign, and then get back to me at the end once you have the picture painted. At that point we can then work out what to cover in the article.

By all means get in touch if I can be of help with anything specific to do with communications.

Thanks, and, again best of luck with it.

James Porteous

Managing Editor

ECOS: Australia's magazine on sustainability

-------------------------------------------------------------
Following information received
------------------------------------------------------------

From: Louise Berecic [mailto:louise@polarity.com.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2008 4:33 PM
Subject: Nylex water tank media release


Please find attached media materials which may be of interest to you and your readers. With regulations being introduced at all levels of government and across peak industry bodies, it is important to ensure manufacturers of water tanks comply with local and international standards and do not give false impressions.



Nylex is one of the first in Australia to be granted two internationally recognised standards, tangible evidence of their commitment to quality, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.



Please contact myself, Anna Shortt or Erica Plompen on the number below for further information.



Kind regards,

Louise Berecic.

Office Manager

Polarity Consultants

45 Dove Street

Richmond, VIC 3121

Tel: 03 9429 7166

---------------------------------------------------------------

Download the original attachment

For Immediate release 6 November 2008
NYLEX TANKS AMONG WORLD’S BEST


Nylex sites manufacturing polyethylene water storage tanks are one of the first in Australia to have been granted two individual globally-recognised standards, testimony to Nylex’s commitment to meet and maintain world standards for quality, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.


The Type Test certification to AS/NZS 4766:2006 – Polyethylene storage tanks for water and chemicals, and accreditation to the ISO9001:2000 – Quality management systems requirements standard were issued for Nylex sites in Pakenham, Seaford, Ingleburn, Crestmead and Bundaberg.


Mr Stephen Perry, Business Development Manager for Nylex VIC said the accreditation was tangible proof that their tanks met world best standards and not just an arbitrary claim.


“Consumers should look for the relevant licence number on the tank, that is issued when the tank of their choice has undergone the rigorous testing process and achieved the global industry benchmark,” Mr Perry said.


“Nylex wanted to provide this assurance for its consumers given the renewed focus on the increasing role of water tanks in water conservation, evidenced by recent political and environmental debates.


“Storing water and other chemicals needs to be done in a conscientious manner and this accreditation will give architects and designers, builders and developers and plumbers the confidence to use our products easily, safely and for the long term.


“In addition, they are ideal for anyone anticipating potential policy changes by government and local councils who may decide to include the standards as part of any rebate scheme.”


Achieving the internationally-recognised standards requires great fortitude and commitment by companies who undergo the rigorous testing procedures.


“Accreditation means that we have had our products tested to provide the surety of a reliable and dependable final product,” Mr Perry said.


“That includes the initial design of size, wall and floor thicknesses and holding capacity to confirm structural soundness right through to the quality of materials and fittings used.


“They have also been tested to ensure they are suitable for their intended purposes by looking at the workmanship employed to ensure our products are free of any faults and down to whether they have used the appropriate materials.”


Nylex polyethylene water storages are UV stabilised to provide maximum protection against harmful UV rays and excludes sunlight to prevent algae growth.


Nylex maintains the quality of its products by testing each and every tank it manufactures.


“Every tank is verified using ultrasonic measurements to ensure we continue to meet the standards set out in our licence,” Mr Perry said.


“We take a sample out, keep it, refrigerate it and then impact test it at negative 40 degrees to ensure excellent strength and superior crack resistance.”

-end copy-


For further information:

Anneliese Shortt

Polarity Consultants

anna@polarity.com.au

03 9429 7166


Photo caption: Nylex water tanks are among the world’s best with the recent granting of two internationally recognised accreditation standards.

------------------------------------------------------------

Rota Moulding WA

Manufacturer
Midvale WA
-----------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to sales@rotamoulding.com.au
Oct 16, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Rota Moulding WA,

I notice you manufacture poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help
Don Matthews

---------------------------------------------

from Troy Coulthard
to Don Matthews
Oct 16, 2008
RE: Recycling spent poly tank

Don,

The Tank can be recycled by various company’s in Perth, the problem you have is thinking sunlight will break down the plastic, While some inferior and imported plastics breakdown, the material that all manufactures use in WA use will last for 20 -30 and more

RegardsTroy Coulthard
Sales and Marketing,
Rota Moulding WA Pty Ltd - Plaka Boats14
Artello Bay Rd Midvale WA 6056
PH: 08 9250 1125 Fax: 08 9274 3688 Mobile: 041 791 6724 www.rotamoulding.com.au www.plakaboats.com

----------------------------------------------

Coastline Plastics

Manufacturer
Undanderra NSW
-----------------------------------------------------


from Don Matthews
to sales@coastlineplastics.com.au
Oct 16, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Coastline Plastics,

I notice you manufacture poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

-----------------------------------------------

from De Rooy
to Don Matthews
Oct 17, 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by optusnet.com.au


Yes. Polyethylene is a recyclable product, though at present It is very difficult to find such a recycler to take your tank. however maybe by the time it does break down it would be more common.. Our tanks are expected to last well over 20 years (that's just the warranty/guarantee.
I have personally seen polyethylene tanks that are 23 years old and they do not look even faded let alone are starting to become brittle. So it will be long time before you need to seek a recycler.

Michelle De Rooy
Coastline Plastics Water Tanks
http://www.coastlineplastics.com.au/

-----------------------------------------------

Acqua Poly Tanks

Manufacturer
Brassall QLD
-----------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to info@acquapolytanks.com.au
Oct 16, 2008
recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Acquapoly Tanks,

I notice you manufacture poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

------------------------------------------------

Clark Tanks

Manufacturer
Bathurst NSW
----------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to info-moama@clarktanks.com.au
Oct 16, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Clark Tanks,

I notice you manufacture poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

------------------------------------------------

from David Pope
"donmatthews7@gmail.com"
Oct 16, 2008
subject RECYCLE
mailed-by awspl.com.au

Don,

Yes they do recycle poly, the problem being it is now produced with UV protection and we expect the tanks to last approx 40 years before they break down..

Regards,

David Pope
Sales Manager (Southern Region)
CLARK TANKS (MOAMA)

----------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to David Pope DPope@awspl.com.au
Oct 23, 2008
subject Re: RECYCLE
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear David,

Thanks for your reply but I am having a problem with your statement "Yes they do recycle poly". I have some further questions. Perhaps you can help me sort this out?

Sunlight eventually breaks down plastic making it brittle and lose all its strength. The long-chain polymer molecules which allow plastic to be moulded and give it its strength and rigidity are ruptured by UV light and no amount of added UV stabilizers will eventually prevent this chemical degradation process from occurring. Essentially the plastic disintegrates and loses all its properties. As a result I don't see how it is possible to then remould it into other products. Is the correct? (QUESTION 1)


Would I be correct in saying that any current recycling of polyethylene only involves clean plastic such as factory scraps, seconds etc and not fully UV degraded spent plastic ? (QUESTION 2)


If I am not correct (and I am more than happy to be put right on this) and fully UV degraded plastic is actually being remoulded what evidence is there to support this? What process is being used and what products is the spent plastic being turned into? (QUESTION 3)

Why I am concerned is that in the not-too-distant future millions of spent tanks will be lying around waiting to be disposed of. If the problem of their recycling is not resolved we are likely to have a major environmental pollution problem on our hands.

Could you please respond to these three questions or pass them on to anyone in your organisation who can, or alternatively direct me to someone who can.

Thanks

Don Matthews

---------------------------------------------

Atlas Tanks

Manufacturer
Kunda Pk QLD

---------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to atlas@atlastanks.com.au
Oct 15, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Atlas Tanks,

I notice you manufacture poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.

I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

--------------------------------------------------

from Atlas Tanks
to Don Matthews
16 Oct 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tank

Dear Don

Thank you for contacting Atlas Tanks.

Our poly tanks are manufactured from a UV stabilised polyethylene, so it will not break down in the sunlight, however, should you want to dispose of the tank at any time we do send our plastic waste to be recycled and we would be happy to help you with this.

Kind regards

Lisa Mitchell
Atlas Tanks
Telephone: 07 5445 1844
Fax: 07 5445 1733
www.atlastanks.com.au

---------------------------------------------

Superior Tanks

from Don Matthews
to info@superiortanks.com.au
Oct 15, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Superior Tanks,

I notice you manufacture poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.

I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

--------------------------------------------

from jamie
to Don Matthews
Oct 15, 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by bigpond.com

Hi,
Yes they can be but they wont brake down for at least 30 years.
Regards jamie

------------------------------------------

Gough Plastics

Manufacturer
Townsville QLD
---------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to salestsv@gough.com.au
Aug 28, 2008 3:35 PM
Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Gough Plastics,


I am doing some research into the recycling of spent poly rainwater tanks - those which have been completely degraded by UV and need to be disposed of. Recycling these tanks has now become a top priority, for as you are probably aware, tanks are failing much earlier than expected, many well before their warranty even expires.

Leisa Donlan CEO of the Association of Rotational Moulders Australia (ARMA) states on the industry website www.watertanks.org.au "can polty tanks be recycled? yes then can be completely recycled" and also "the material is 100% recycled"

She has also also confirmed to me that "spent tanks are currently recycled" and that "rotational moulders gather the material, cut it to a size to be recycled and then arrange for it to be collected by the recyclers"

From all this it would appear recycling spent tanks is well under control. It is good to hear the industry is showing concern for the environment by already recycling tanks it is putting into our environment at a rapidly increasing rate.

As a rotational moulder could you please tell me what Gough Plastics is doing in this area? What process is being used to recycle the tanks and what products are they being turned into?

Thanking you in anticipation for help with my research.



Don Matthews

---------------------------------------------

from Simon Gough
to donmatthews7@gmail.com
Aug 29, 2008 8:24 AM
RE: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gough.com.au


Hi Don,

Always interested in helping people out who have an interest in the environment and the future of our planet.

Would you mind telling me who you work for and or the purpose of your research?

We are typically doing what you have already outlined below.


Regards,

Simon Gough.


-------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews
to Simon Gough
Sep 1, 2008 3:27 PM
Re: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Thanks for your reply Simon. Will get back to you on your questions when I have a little more time to spare.

Don

--------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to Simon Gough
Oct 15, 2008
subject Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Simon.

As mentioned earlier I am doing some research into the recycling of spent poly tanks and would like to get some clarification on the following:

Sunlight eventually breaks down plastic making it brittle and lose all its strength. The long-chain polymer molecules which allow plastic to be moulded and give it its strength and rigidity are ruptured by UV light. No amount of added UV stabilizers will prevent the chemical degradation process from occurring. Essentially the plastic disintegrates and loses all its properties. As a result I don't see how it is possible to then remould it into other products. Is the correct? (QUESTION 1)


Would I be correct in saying that polyethylene plastic currently being recycled is only clean plastic such as factory scraps, seconds etc and not fully UV degraded (spent) plastic ? (QUESTION 2)

If I am not correct (and I am more than happy to be put right on this) and fully UV degraded plastic is actually being remoulded what evidence is there to support this? What process is being used and what products is the spent plastic being turned into? (QUESTION 3)

Thanks for your help in this.

Don Matthews
----------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to sg@gough.com.au
cc Leisa Donlan
Oct 29, 2008
Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Simon,

I have been waiting for a response. Is there a problem?

Don

------------------------------------------------------

from Simon Gough
to Don Matthews
Oct 31, 2008
RE: Recycling spent poly tanks

Hi Doug,

There is no problem other than you have not responded to my questions.

1. Who are you

2. Who do you work for

3. What is the purpose of your research.

Regards,

Simon

---------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to Simon Gough
Nov 3, 2008 11:29 AM
Re: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Simon

In answer to your questions:

1. Who are you? Don Matthews

2. Who do you work for? No-one

3. What is the purpose of your research.? To find out if UV-degraded tanks can be recycled.

Don

--------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to Simon Gough
cc Leisa Donlan
Nov 3, 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Simon,

With respect, I do not see who or what I am has any relevance to answering what seem very simple questions if there no problems with recycling UV-degraded (spent) poly tanks. To summarize our past communications:


In my email of 28 August I said:


"I am doing some research into the recycling of spent poly rainwater tanks"
"Leisa Donlan CEO of the Association of Rotational Moulders Australia (ARMA) states on the industry website www.watertanks.org.au "can polty tanks be recycled? yes then can be completely recycled" and also "the material is 100% recycled"

"She has also also confirmed to me that "spent tanks are currently recycled" and that "rotational moulders gather the material, cut it to a size to be recycled and then arrange for it to be collected by the recyclers"




Your reply to this was:


"We are typically doing what you have already outlined" (29 Aug)


thus confirming that you currently recycle UV-degraded (spent) tanks, yes?



My next email of 15 October then asked three more detailed questions:


"Sunlight eventually breaks down plastic making it brittle and lose all its strength. The long-chain polymer molecules which allow plastic to be moulded and give it its strength and rigidity are ruptured by UV light. No amount of added UV stabilizers will prevent the chemical degradation process from occurring. Essentially the plastic disintegrates and loses all its properties. As a result I don't see how it is possible to then remould it into other products. Is the correct? (QUESTION 1)"

" Would I be correct in saying that polyethylene plastic currently being recycled is only clean plastic such as factory scraps, seconds etc and not fully UV degraded (spent) plastic ? (QUESTION 2)"

"If I am not correct (and I am more than happy to be put right on this) and fully UV degraded plastic is actually being remoulded what evidence is there to support this? What process is being used and what products is the spent plastic being turned into? (QUESTION 3)"


Your reply to this was (3 Nov):


"The short answer is yes, Tanks can be recycled.
If you wish to get highly technical I think that their is sufficient information out there that is freely available on recycling of plastics in general. If this is not sufficient i think your next course of action should be to contact a polymer scientist."



While I appreciate you may not be able to answer the technical question 1, having already told me you recycle UV-degraded (spent) tanks your answer to question 2 should have been a simple 'no' and question 3 would have gone something like ' we at Gough plastics shred UV-degraded tanks into small pieces and grind it into a powder. More UV stabilizers are added and then we remould the regrind into non-food containers eg cattle water tanks."



Where is the evidence to back up your claim "The short answer is yes, Tanks can be recycled" ? It would appear to be non-existent.

I shall be including your reponse in my research report

Thankyou for your assistance.

Don Matthews

----------------------------------------

from Simon Gough
to Don Matthews
cc Leisa Donlan
Nov 3, 2008
RE: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gough.com.au

Hi Don,

With respect.

I see no problem with you saying.

My name is Don Matthews, i work fro XYZ company.

My interest in recycling poly tanks is _______


If you cant see where i am coming from then i really can’t help you.



It is common courtesy in the business community to introduce yourself.


Regards,

Simon

------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews ago)
to Simon Gough
Nov 5, 2008 12:12 PM
Re: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Simon,

With all due respect,

I have said it once but I will say it again.

My name is Don Matthews, and I do not work for any company, but as you seem desparate that I do I can say I am attached in some way to a little-known but large clongomerate 'don matthews enterprises (DME)' and as I keep reiterating I am trying to get to the bottom of this "Can poly tanks be recycled? Yes, they can be completely recycled" puzzle.

I hope my introduction meets with the accepted standards of "common courtesy in the business community" and that you are now able to give some open and honest answers on an issue which is of concerned to many environmentally concious Australians.

Thanks

Don

PS don't worry, DME has no interest in getting into poly tanks

-------------------------------------------------

from Simon Gough to Don Matthews
cc Leisa Donlan
Nov 5, 2008 1:04 PM
RE: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gough.com.au

Hi Don,

We do recycle tanks, so far up to about 15 years old into non critical application, not water tanks.

Its just very strange that you keep pursuing members of the rotational moulding industry for information when there is published information out there from researchers.

As i said I am not in a position to give your polymer science answers.

I think it best if you require in depth information to contact a polymer scientist.

Sorry i can t be of more help to you.

Regards,

Simon Gough

-----------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to Simon Gough
cc Leisa Donlan
Nov 5, 2008 2:13 PM
Re: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Hi Simon,

Thanks for your help.

Don

-----------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to Simon Gough
cc Leisa Donlan ,
"Jennifer Marohasy (AEF)"













date Nov 10, 2008 2:57 PM
subject Re: Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com


To: Simon Gough (Gough Plastics)
From: Don Matthews


Dear Simon,

The reason I am 'pursuing' the industry is because I am sceptical UV degraded poly tanks can be recycled.

My chemistry background suggests it is not possible and repeated calls to a materials scientist at a major recycler and supplier of resin to the industry to answer my questions have been ignored.

Questions to another 'materials scientist' from another major recycler received the 6 minutes-later reply "The process in which the material is reconstituted is proprietory knowledge and is therefore not given out to the public. Sorry".

This just confirms my scepticism.

Of more concern is an industry reassuring an environmentally concerned public that UV degraded poly tanks can be recycled yet seem unable to provide any supporting evidence. This is a worry.

Gough Plastics have provided a perfect example.

To begin with you told me "We are typically doing what you have already outlined below " but on further questioning it appears you have had no experience with recycling UV degraded water tanks, are unable to refer me to anyone who has, nor have you been able to direct me to any specific research being done on this area

Is is any wonder I am a sceptical and say "I have been misled"

Don Matthews

------------------------------------------------------------

Bushmans

Manufacturer
NSW
-------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to sales@bushmans.com.au
Oct 13, 2008 4:08 PM
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Bushman Tanks,

I notice you sell poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.

I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

------------------------------------------

from "Todd, Craig"
to Don Matthews
Oct 14, 2008 12:44 PM
RE: Recycling spent poly tank

Don

We actually manufacture the rainwater tanks.

The material we manufacture the tanks with is 100% recyclable.

You will be looking at about 40 to 50 years before you need to recycle your tank.

Best Regards,
Craig

Craig Todd
Sales and Technical Support

Bushmans Group Pty Ltd
PO Box 7001
Blacktown NSW 2148
Australia
Ph (02) 8884 4111(Extn 125)
Fax (02) 8814 8437
Mb 0438 225 181
Free Call: 1800 00 88 88
email ctodd@bushmans.com.au

------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews to "Todd, Craig"
Oct 15, 2008 12:17 PM
Re: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Craig,

Thanks for your reply. Just want to clarify a couple of things.

When you say "The material we manufacture the tanks with is 100% recyclable" I was meaning about recycling this plastic after it has been completely degraded by UV. I don't mean clean plastic factory scraps, seconds etc. Is this fully UV degraded plastic recyclable? How is it being recycled and what is it being turned into?

I would like to think I could get 40-50 years from a poly tank but your tanks only have a 10 year warranty suggesting a life of only 15-20 years. What are you basing an expected life of 40-50 years on ?

Thanks

Don

----------------------------------------------

from "Todd, Craig"
to Don Matthews
Oct 15, 2008
RE: Recycling spent poly tank

Don

Some of the recycled material gets turned into the sewerage storage vessel on caravans, I no of one company that is turning the recycled plastic in to power poles and another into decking.

I’m not sure of the process and how it works.

We give a 10 year guarantee on our tanks that is for the next 10 years if you install our tank to our recommendations will fix or replace that tank for the next 10 years.

Now I can spend a million dollar on a house and I would not get coverage like that.

Even if I bought a new car I would not coverage like that they give a 2 year warranty if you are lucky and there is a difference between a warranty and guarantee.

Best Regards,
Craig

Craig Todd
Sales and Technical Support

Bushmans Group Pty Ltd
PO Box 7001
Blacktown NSW 2148
Australia
Ph (02) 8884 4111(Extn 125)
Fax (02) 8814 8437
Mb 0438 225 181
Free Call: 1800 00 88 88
email ctodd@bushmans.com.au

---------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to "Todd, Craig"


Craig,

1. I would like to find out more about how plastic is being recycled turned into power poles and decking. Could you give me the names of these companies so I can contact them. Are you sure it is UV degraded plastic they are using ?

2. You seem to have missed the point of my second question. I was asking what evidence you are basing your claim of a 40-50 year life expectancy for a Bushman tank on? A 10 year guarantee suggests an estimated life of 15+ years which is nowhere near what you are claiming.


Don

--------------------------------------
No response

Vanglobe Recyclers

Recycler and supplier of resin to the industry

----------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews to support@vanglobe.com.au
Aug 21, 2008 4:12 PM
Recycling spent poly
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear sir,

Do you accept spent poly rainwater tanks for recycling - ones that have been completely degraded by UV. ?

Don Matthews

-----------------------------------------

from "Tony.Mercieca@vanglobe.com.au"
to don matthews
Aug 22, 2008
RE: Recycling spent poly

Hi Don,

Thanks for your enquiry.

We do recycle Rotomoulded products obtained from the field – usually these are returned via our moulder base and are cut up into manageable sections of approx 300mmx300mm.

A few Q’s,

Where is the tank(s)
What size / weight of resin is there to recycle
Is it whole or is it in sections
Has the tank failed or is it still in service.

Depending on the status and history of the tank, there may be an opportunity to use this vessel as the subject of a research project that I am considering.

Feel free to contact me should you discuss the options.

Best regards

Tony

Tony Mercieca B.App.Sci(Chem)
Technical Manager
M: (61) 0427 763 465
Ph: 61 (3) 8361 8838
Fax 61 (3) 8361 8445
tony.mercieca@vanglobe.com.au
Vanglobe Sales – 1800 888 141
Visit us at www.vanglobe.com.au

-----------------------------------------------------

Comment - mention of a research project suggests recycling spent poly could still be in unknown stage?

------------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to "Tony.Mercieca@vanglobe.com.au"
Sep 1, 2008 3:44 PM
Re: Recycling spent poly
mailed-by gmail.com

Hi Tony,

Thanks for your reply. It's good to be taking to an applied chemist. You may be able to answer some of my questions at last.

From my chemistry background I understand the UV breakdown of plastic ruptures the polymer chains causing them to lose all their properties which make plastic a plastic. Therefore what's left after UV competely breaks it down cannot be remoulded again because there are no polymer chains for which to hold it all together.

You mentioned something about about a research project you were considering which interests me (from a chemists point of view). When I was at university there was no technology available to reverse the UV depolymerization process. Is there something available now to do this? It would certainly be a major breakthrough.

At present I am just making an initial enquiry into the chemistry side of things. I understand regrind is used to recycle plastic at the moment but is completely UV degraded polyethylene suitable for this purpose?

I may have access to such tanks further down the track depending on how things develop.

Look forward to hearing from you

Don

-------------------------------------------

No response

-------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to "Tony.Mercieca@vanglobe.com.au"
Oct 15, 2008 11:44 AM
Re: Recycling spent poly
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Tony,

I have not had any response to me last email yet. Could you please help me sort this out by providing some answers to the following questions:

Sunlight eventually breaks down plastic making it brittle and lose all its strength. The long-chain polymer molecules which allow plastic to be moulded and give it its strength and rigidity are ruptured by UV light. No amount of added UV stabilizers will prevent the chemical degradation process from occurring. Essentially the plastic disintegrates and loses all its properties. As a result I don't see how it is possible to then remould it into other products. Is the correct? (QUESTION 1)


Would I be correct in saying that polyethylene plastic currently being recycled is only clean plastic such as factory scraps, seconds etc and not fully UV degraded (spent) plastic ? (QUESTION 2)

If I am not correct (and I am more than happy to be put right) and fully UV degraded plastic is actually being remoulded what evidence is there to support this? What process is being used and what products is the spent plastic being turned into? (QUESTION 3)

Thanks

Don Matthews

--------------------------------------------

No response

-------------------------------------------
fromTrent.Farleigh@vanglobe.com.
todonmatthews7@gmail.com
Dec 8, 2008
RE: Tony Mercieca

Hi Don

Your information is right that Tony has left Vanglobe.

Don are you still bagging polyethylene tanks in the market as most of our customers have reported.

Trent Farleigh
National Sales Manager

M: 0439 763 469T:
07 3271 3955F:
07 3271 4532T:
1800 888 141 (toll free)

-------------------------------------------------------

fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
toTrent.Farleigh@vanglobe.com.au
Wed, Dec 10, 2008
Re: Tony Mercieca
mailed-bygmail.com

Dear Trent,

I am pleased you have made contact. I would like to say a few things and ask some questions of you,

1. Leisa would have informed you that I am conducting a private research project on the recycling UV degraded (spent) tanks. hence my questions to the industry. What began simply out of interest and curiosity has snowballed into a 'can of worms' so it seems. The response of the industry, particularly Leisa Donlan CEO of ARMA has prompted and inspired me to investigate this further with some very interesting results. Leisa has probably also told you that I am considering publishing my work. There seems to be quite a deal of interest being shown in it which hopefully will be of benefit to everyone.

2. Could you please give me the name of your new Technical Manager so that I may continue the discussion I was having with your previous Manager. Tony seemed well qualified to help me and hopefully your new replacement will be able to help.

3. Perhaps you would like to a have a go at answering the following three questions I am now putting to the industry:

QUESTION 1
Sunlight eventually breaks down plastic making it brittle and lose all its strength. The long-chain polymer molecules which allow plastic to be moulded and give it its strength and rigidity are ruptured by UV light. No amount of added UV stabilizers will prevent the chemical degradation process from occurring. Essentially the plastic disintegrates and loses all its properties. As a result I don't see how it is possible to then remould it into other products. Is the correct?

QUESTION 2
Would I be correct in saying that polyethylene plastic currently being recycled is only clean plastic such as factory scraps, seconds etc and not fully UV degraded (spent) plastic ?

QUESTION 3
If I am not correct (and I am more than happy to be put right) and fully UV degraded plastic is actually being remoulded what evidence is there to support this? What process is being used and what products is the spent plastic being turned into?

Don Matthews
APTCIG

Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group
asking questions, recording responses, drawing conclusions

------------------------------------------------------
fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
toTrent.Farleigh@vanglobe.com.au
ccLeisa Donlan <ldonlan@rotationalmoulding.com>
Tue, Dec 16, 2008
e: Tony Mercieca
mailed-bygmail.com

Good Afternoon Trent,

As already mentioned I am conducting a research project into the 'recycling' of UV-degraded poly tanks.

I was in the process of discussing this with your Technical Manager Tony Mercieca when he suddendly stopped responding. You have informed me that he is no longer working for Vanglobe and I have already asked you for the name and email address of his replacement but you have not obliged.

For the second time, please email me this information. I wish to ask some questions.

Don Matthews
APTCIG
Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group
asking questions, recording responses, drawing conclusions

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

fromTrent.Farleigh@vanglobe.com.au

todonmatthews7@gmail.com
ccldonlan@rotationalmoulding.com
Wed, Dec 17, 2008

RE: Tony Mercieca

No

----------------------------------------------------

fromDon Matthewdonmatthews7@gmail.com

toTrent.Farleigh@vanglobe.com.au
Wed, Dec 17, 2008

Re: Tony Mercieca

mailed-bygmail.com

Dear Trent,

Is this a wise move?

You are making a deliberate attempt to block the enquiries of a concerned member of the public engaged in a serious research project into industry 'recycling' claims.

You know I am considering publishing my work which eventually will find its way all over Australia. Every response you make is being documented and will be out in the open for public scrutiny.

How you proceed is up to you.

Don Matthews

APTCIG

Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group

looking for honest answers to open and honest questions

-----------------------------------------------------------

fromDon Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>to"trent. farleigh"<Trent.Farleigh@vanglobe.com.au>
ccLeisa Donlan <ldonlan@rotationalmoulding.com>
Wed, Feb 25, 2009 subject Debate 5 Trent, please explainmailed-bygmail.com

From: Don Matthews APTCIG To: Trent Farleigh Vanglobe Recyclers

Trent,

Leisa has suggested I talk to a material scientist. I have asked to talk to yours but you have said "no". Can you please explain to me and my members why?

Don Matthews APTCIG

Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group

"we're aiming for transparency - and we shoot from the hip"

PS This email has been posted on the Debat 5 'Trent, please explain' post. A gathering audience is awaiting your response.

-------------------------------------------

Action Tanks

Supplier
Noosaville QLD
--------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to info@actiontanks.com.au
Oct 13, 2008 3:59 PM
recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Action Tanks,

I notice you sell poly rainwater tanks and wondered if you could help me.

I am wanting to buy a poly tank but would like to know if it can be recycled when it eventually is broken down by sunlight. I would like to think I was doing the right thing by the environment in buying a tank which can be recycled at the end of its life.

Thanks for your help

Don Matthews

--------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to info@actiontanks.com.au
Oct 29, 2008
: recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Action Tanks,

I have been waiting for a response. Is there a problem?

Don Matthews

----------------------------------------------------

from Jeremiah Myo-Min
to donmatthews7@gmail.com
date Oct 29, 2008
subject Fwd: recycling spent poly tank


Hi Don,


We are having some issues with our network server and some emails were lost.


Answer to your question are as follow;


Poly Tank Industry recycle plastic by re-milling process. Such recycled plastics were used in making of different products eg. Troughs, Gardens Tools, Plants containers and more.


Every material has a life that will eventually be broken-down completely if you do not attempt anything to recover it.


In relation to poly tanks, Action Tanks issue 10 Years warranty on the its product which is in-line with the industry warranty. End user must maintain the tank system (yearly) and check the tank strength on regular basis (after 10 years).


At some point, the tank will be no longer strong enough to hold the liquid due to stress factors over a long period. At that point, you will need to replace the tank. This could possibly be 25-30 years later depending on the conditions.


Bottom line is that your tank will need replacing well before the material was broken down completely. End of the life for poly tank is when the tank is no longer able to perform its function (hold water), NOT at the point when the tank was completely broken down. At the end of its life, your poly tank can still be recycled.




I hope this answer your question.

Regards,


Jeremiah Myo-Min
Manager (Quality Assurance, Compliance & Regulations)
P + 61 7 5442 4242
F + 61 7 5442 4240
E jeremiah@actiontanks.com.au
www. actiontanks.com.au

---------------------------------------