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

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

Tuff Tanks

Manufacturers and distributors
Queensland

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

from Don Matthews
to sales@tufftanks.com.au
Aug 27, 2008
Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Tuff Tanks,


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 Tuff tanks 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

-------------------------------------------------
No response. Try another approach.
------------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to sales@tufftanks.com.au
Oct 13, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

DearTuff 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

---------------------------------------------
Still no response
--------------------------------------------

from Don Matthews
to sales@tufftanks.com.au
Oct 29, 2008
: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Tuff Tanks,

I am waiting for a response. Is there a problem?

Don Matthews

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

from "sales@tufftanks.com.au"
to Don Matthews
Oct 29, 2008
RE: Recycling spent poly tank

Hi Don,

Apparently it can be done, the polyethylene has a guaranteed life of 20 years (according to the manufacturers) and they inform me that there are a couple of places that will ‘shred’ the tank. It is then taken and turned back into a “2nd Grade” powder that can be used for other items.

Thank you for your enquiry

Regards

Michelle

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

Eco-Plus

Supplier and installer
Adelaide SA
---------------------------------------------------


from Don Matthews
to carol@eco-plus.com.au
Oct 2, 2008 1:28 PM
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Carol at Eco-Plus,

I notice you supply and install 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

-------------------------------------------------=--

National Poly Industries

Manufacturer
QLD
----------------------------------------------------

sales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au
date
Jul 9, 2008
Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

I am doing some research on recycling of spent poly tanks and was wondering if you could direct me to the source of your website statement "The manufacturing process....and the material can by recycled".(Why buy poly tanks?)

Thanks
Don Matthews

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


No reply. Try another approach

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

from Don Matthews
to sales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au
Sep 30, 2008 5:10 PM
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear National Poly Industries,

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 Don Matthews
to sales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au
Oct 13, 2008 4:04 PM
subject Re: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Could you please respond to my email

Thanks

Don Matthews

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

from Michael Peters
to donmatthews7@gmail.com
Oct 17, 2008 9:59 AM
National Poly Industries - Answer to your question

Good Morning Don,

To answer you question, Yes our tanks can be recycled. Here at National Poly Industries from time to time we get tanks that don’t form properly or may have been under cooked. If this happens we simply cut the tank up into small manageable pieces and they are then collected by a recycling company in Brisbane you use then to make toy boxes, milk crates and so on.

I hope this has answered your question.

If you would like any further information please feel free to contact me directly on 41313416 or by reply email.

Thanks

Michael Peters
Internal Sales
National Poly Industries

Toll Free 1800 644 750
Direct (07) 4131 3416
Fax (07) 4155 2088
Email michaelpeters@polyindustries.com

------------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews
to Michael Peters
Oct 21, 2008 3:40 PM
Re: National Poly Industries - Answer to your question
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Michael,

Thankyou for getting back to me about recycling spent poly tanks but I am puzzled as to why you are talking about " tanks that don't form properly or may have been under cooked" when I was asking about recycling a tank which "eventually is broken down by sunlight". In the not-too-distant future millions of brittle UV-degraded tanks are going to be sitting around waiting to be disposed of. Is how to recycle spent plastic all very much an unknown at the moment?

Don Matthews

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

from Michael Peters
to Don Matthews
Oct 22, 2008

RE: National Poly Industries - Answer to your question

Good Morning Don,

Sorry about the delayed reply.

I have been away for the last few days. In short the answer to your question is yes.

Once a poly tank has lasted it’s lifetime the material can be recycled into other non food grade products eg. Milk crates. There are several companies in Australia that can recycle polyethelene products.

I hope that this has answered your question.

Thanks

Michael Peters

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

from Don Matthews
to Michael Peters
Re: National Poly Industries - Answer to your question
22 Oct 2008
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Michael.

Thanks for your reply but I am having a problem with your statement "In short the answer to your question is yes. Once a poly tank has lasted it's lifetime the material can be recycled into other non food grade products". 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

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

from Joe Rostas
to donmatthews7@gmail.com
Oct 23, 2008
subject poly tanks

Good morning Don,

Sorry that no one got back to you sooner to answer your question. Poly tanks are environmentally responsible. Our tanks are made from virgin food grade polyethylene. At the end of its service life perhaps 20-30 years +, it will be a high value recyclable material. In addition to that there is no pollution and no water used during their malefactor. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.
kind Regards

Joe Rostas
National Poly Industries
89 Childers Road BUNDABERG QLD 4670
P 07 4131 3400
M 0408 763 971
D 07 4131 3406
E joerostas@polyindustries.com
W http://www.nationalpolyindustries.com.au/
F 074155 2088

-------------------------------------------
from Don Matthews
to Joe Rostas
Oct 23, 2008
subject Re: poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

Hello Joe,

Thankyou for getting in touch about recycling spent poly tanks.

I am wondering which email are you responding to? (I have sent several and been communicating with a Michael Peters before). What position do you hold in National Poly Industries? (you have not identified any position)

Regards

Don Matthews

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

Joe Rostas
to donmatthews7@gmail.com
Oct 24, 2008
: Recycling spent poly tank

Hello Don,

Michael is away so I'm covering for him. If you want, let me know what area you live in and I'll send you some prices on our tanks.

Thanks
Joe Rostas
Business Developer - distribution.
National Poly Industries
89 Childers Road BUNDABERG QLD 4670
P 07 4131 3400
M 0408 763 971
D 07 4131 3406
E joerostas@polyindustries.com
W http://www.nationalpolyindustries.com.au/
F 074155 2088

From: Don Matthews [mailto:donmatthews7@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, 22 October 2008 10:31 AMTo: bundypolyind@optusnet.com.auSubject: Recycling spent poly tank

Dear Bundaberg Poly Industries,

Would you please respond to my email below.

Don Matthews


from Don Matthews <donmatthews7@gmail.com>
to bundypolyind@optusnet.com.au
Oct 16, 2008
subject recycling spent poly tank

mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Bundaberg Poly Industries,

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 Don Matthews
to Joe Rostas
cc Leisa Donlan


date
Oct 24, 2008
Re: Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Hi Joe,

I have just put the pieces together and now see that Bundaberg Poly Industies is part of National Poly Industries.

I am seeking answers to the following questions. If you are unable to provide the answers could you please pass this email on to someone in your organization who can. Please let me know what action you have taken.

Thanks,
Don

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?


I would appreciate answers the above questions,

Don Matthews

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

from Joe Rostas

to donmatthews7@gmail.com
Oct 24, 2008
from JoeRostas@polyindustries.com

Hello Don,

We are in the business of making and selling rainwater tanks.We are not a scientific advisory service. Please do not send anymore emails.go online There are
plenty of other tank companies that would be happy to deal with you.

good bye
Joe Rostas
National Poly Industries
89 Childers Road BUNDABERG QLD 4670
P 07 4131 3400
M 0408 763 971
D 07 4131 3406
E joerostas@polyindustries.com
W www.nationalpolyindustries

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

from Don Matthews
to sales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au
Oct 27, 2008
subject Request for information
mailed-by gmail.com

Could you please let me know the name and email address for thr Managing Director of National Poly Industries

Thanks

Don Matthews

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

from Don Matthews
to sales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au
Oct 29, 2008
subject Request for information
mailed-by gmail.com

Could you please respond to my email request.

Don Matthews

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

from Don Matthews
to sales@nationalpolyindustries.com.au
cc Leisa Donlan ,
Joe Rostas ,
Michael Peters
Nov 4, 2008 4:43 PM
subject Hello.... is anybody home?
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear National Poly Industries,

I have been receiving reports from recipients that their servers are having problems and losing my emails. Perhaps you are experiencing the same problem?

I have tried on two occasions to get information without sucess (below). Does anyone happen to know the name and address of the Managing Director? I would like to ask him/her a few questions.

Thanks

Don Matthews

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

from Don Matthews
to Joe Rostas
cc ldonlan@rotationalmoulding.com,
Michael Peters
Nov 10, 2008 2:10 PM
subject Dear Joe don't worry
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Joe

Don't worry if you don't know the name of your Managing Director. I can get my boys from triple M to ferret this out. Mind you I don't always agree with their tactics but they seem to always come up with the goods so guess I can't complain.

Need to ask some questions

Thanks anyhow

Don


On 4 Nov I wrote to no avail:

To: sales@nationalpolyindustries
date 4 Nov 2008
Subject: Hello... is anyone home?
cc Joe Rostas (NPI)
Michael Peters(NPI)
Lisa Donlan(ARMA)

Dear National Poly Industries,
>
>I have been receiving reports from recipients that their servers are having
>problems and losing my emails. Perhaps you are experiencing the same problem?
>
>I have tried on two occasions to get information without success . Does
>anyone happen to know the name and address of the Managing Director? I would
>like to ask him/her a few questions.
>
>Thanks
>
>Don Matthews

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

from Don Matthews
to Joe Rostas
cc Leisa Donlan
Nov 17, 2008 3:23 PM
Re:
mailed-by gmail.com

To: Joe Rostas Business Developer - distribution (National Poly Industries)

Dear Joe,

I wish to respond to your email of 24 Oct reproduced below :


Hello Don,

We are in the business of making and selling rainwater tanks.We are not a scientific advisory service. Please do not send anymore emails.go online There are

plenty of other tank companies that would be happy to deal with you.

good bye
Joe Rostas
National Poly Industries



While you may be in the business of making and selling tanks you also have the responsibilty of ensuring the tanks NPI is putting into the environment are efficiently recycled of at the end of their life.

I have asked for evidence to support your claim that UV-degraded (spent) tanks can be recycled but you do not seem to be able to provide any.

I do not know where you sit in the company but I have asked for the name of your Managing Director on numerous occasions, from yourself and others, including your association ARMA. Each time I have been ignored. From this I conclude no-one wants me asking questions and that the Managing Director is not prepared to come out and discuss an issue which is of environmental concern to many Australians.

I will therefore have to take your response to be the official response of National Poly Industies. i.e.

1. Despite claiming UV-degraded (spent) tanks can be recycled NPI have been unable to supply any evidence to support this or direct me to any specific research being carried out in this area.

2. I have been asked to go away and find the evidence for myself and to not communicate anymore.

3. The Managing Director of National Poly Industries is not prepared to come out and discuss the matter.

Your response will be included in my report into the current state of recycling UV-degraded (spent) poly tanks in Australia, due to be published in the new year.

Thankyou for your assistance with my research project.

Don Matthews

APTCIG
Australian Poly Tank Concerned Individuals Group

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

Polyworld

Manufacturer


to info@polyworld.com.au.com.au
Jul 17 2008
Recycling spent poly tanks
mailed-by gmail.com

I am conducting some research into the current state of recycling spent poly rainwater tanks in Australia - those which have been completely degraded by UV and have finished their useful life. Failed tanks are now beginning to appear in the environment and there are conflicting reports as to whether they can be recycled or not. What is Polyworld is doing in this regard? What process is being used to recycle them and what products are they being converted into?

Thanking for your help

Don Matthews

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

No reply. Try another approach

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

from Don Matthews
to info@polyworld.com.au
Sep 30, 2008
Recycling spent poly tank
mailed-by gmail.com

Dear Polyworld,

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

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