---
title: Storage of shredded plastic
slug: storage-of-shredded-plastic
description: There are several ways to store shredded plastic. For large quantities, industrial containers are recommended. For smaller workshops, 5-gallon (19-liter) water bottles are convenient for storage.

Download the file: [here](http://tiny.cc/679fiz)
tags: ["sorting","collection","hack"]
category: Guides
difficulty: Easy
time: < 1 week
location: 
---
import { Image } from 'astro:assets'
# Storage of shredded plastic
<Image src={import('./storeplastic-lids-cover.jpg')} alt="Storage of shredded plastic" />
There are several ways to store shredded plastic. For large quantities, industrial containers are recommended. For smaller workshops, 5-gallon (19-liter) water bottles are convenient for storage.

Download the file: [here](http://tiny.cc/679fiz)
## Steps
### Step 1: Shredding

### Options for Grinding Plastic

1. Use a hand tool for manual grinding.
2. Employ a shredder or crusher.
3. Purchase pre-crushed or granulated materials.


<Image src={import('./Industrial_container.jpg')} alt="Industrial container.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Pellet.jpg')} alt="Pellet.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Tools.jpg')} alt="Tools.jpg" />

### Step 2: 19L bottles

A 19-liter (5-gallon) water bottle is an effective container for storing materials. It is lightweight and transparent and is widely available. A potential drawback is the issue of static electricity.

These bottles can be made of PET or polycarbonate (PC), with PC being preferable due to the typical inclusion of a handle. Simple racks are available for bottle storage, but construction details will be covered in a separate guide.


<Image src={import('./Static_electricity.jpg')} alt="Static electricity.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./PET_PC.jpg')} alt="PET & PC.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Bottle_storage.jpg')} alt="Bottle storage.jpg" />

### Step 3: How to use

To pour the material into the bottle, use a funnel, which can be fashioned from an extra bottle. To prevent dust entry, cover the bottle neck. Sealing with masking tape will suffice, but it hinders ventilation, potentially leading to mildew if moisture is present. This method also requires frequent tape replacement for access.


<Image src={import('./Shred.jpg')} alt="Shred.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Bottles_2.jpg')} alt="Bottles_2.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Bottles.jpg')} alt="Bottles.jpg" />

### Step 4: Bottle lids

To address this issue, I recommend using special covers with ventilation holes. These covers shield the material from dust while allowing ventilation for the plastic inside. The top lid displays the plastic type, and the outer diameter is marked below the inner surface. 

It's important to note that even with bottles from the same manufacturer, the neck diameter can vary from batch to batch, ranging from 45.75 mm (1.80 inches) to 47.75 mm (1.88 inches).

Attached, you will find a link to files for various types of plastic and sizes in f3d and step formats.


<Image src={import('./Lid.jpg')} alt="Lid.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Lid_2.jpg')} alt="Lid_2.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Lid_3.jpg')} alt="Lid_3.jpg" />

### Step 5: How it's look like

Print the lid upside down without supports. For easy identification, use different filament colors for each plastic type, such as gray for HDPE, black for PS, and orange for PP.


<Image src={import('./Prusa.jpg')} alt="Prusa.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Lids.jpg')} alt="Lids.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Bottles_full.jpg')} alt="Bottles_full.jpg" />