---
title: Reduce micro-plastic & dust when shredding
slug: reduce-micro-plastic--dust-when-shredding
description: # Shredder Upgrade for Dust Minimization

Reduce micro-plastic and dust from your shredder with this effective upgrade. It also simplifies cleaning when changing colors or materials.

### Required Components:
- Vacuum
- 5.3-gallon (20L) Bucket
- Cyclone Dust Collector
- Funnel
tags: ["hack","shredder","collection"]
category: Guides
difficulty: Easy
time: < 1 week
location: Melbourne, Australia
---
import { Image } from 'astro:assets'
# Reduce micro-plastic & dust when shredding
<Image src={import('./HowTo_Slide.jpg')} alt="Reduce micro-plastic & dust when shredding" />
# Shredder Upgrade for Dust Minimization

Reduce micro-plastic and dust from your shredder with this effective upgrade. It also simplifies cleaning when changing colors or materials.

### Required Components:
- Vacuum
- 5.3-gallon (20L) Bucket
- Cyclone Dust Collector
- Funnel

User Location: Melbourne, Australia
## Steps
### Step 1: The Vacuum

## Vacuum Selection Guide

The vacuum is the most critical component of this setup. You may use an existing vacuum or acquire one suitable for your needs.

We opted for a backpack vacuum. In our shared, small workshop, we required a compact, quiet, yet powerful device. As our vacuum operates for extended periods, we decided on a model designed for commercial use.

Our selected vacuum: [Bayer BP45L 1200W Hi-Powered 4.5L Tank Dry Backpack Vacuum](https://sydneytools.com.au/product/bayer-bp45l-1200w-hi-powered-4-5l-tank-dry-backpack-vacuum).


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

### Step 2: The Bucket

This type of bucket is common and generally easy to find secondhand. Choose one in good condition with a removable lid. A round bucket is preferable to a square container for this purpose.


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

### Step 3: Dust Cyclone

### Dust Cyclone Overview

Dust cyclones effectively remove over 99% of dust and debris from the airflow, preventing accumulation in the vacuum. Our Dust Extractor has consistently operated without any plastic particles reaching the vacuum.

The cyclone kit includes a cutting template, instructions, nuts, bolts, and connection pieces. It is available for approximately $40 AUD ($26 USD) [here](https://bit.ly/3iKR4e6).

For a cost-effective or DIY approach, consider this [tutorial](https://bit.ly/33FxUSP).


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


<Image src={import('./IMG_5416.jpg')} alt="IMG_5416.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./IMG_5417.jpg')} alt="IMG_5417.jpg" />

### Step 4: The Funnel

To capture the shredded plastic from the sieve to the vacuum hose, an airtight funnel is essential. You may use a purpose-built funnel, a 3D-printed design, or a D Square grate with a plumbing pipe. A suitable option is available at: www.timbecon.com.au/dust-extractor-hood-large-big-gulp


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


<Image src={import('./IMG_5413.png')} alt="IMG_5413.png" />

### Step 5: Connect all the bits!

### Cyclone Assembly

1. Position the template (provided with the cyclone) centrally on the lid.
2. Mark and drill the bolt holes.
3. Mark and cut the center hole.
4. Attach the cyclone using the provided nuts and bolts (refer to images in Step 3).

### Funnel Installation

1. Attach the funnel directly below the shredder sieve. A D Square grate, a leftover plumbing pipe, and a hole cut in the cap were used (refer to image in Step 4).

### Vacuum Connection

1. Cut the vacuum pipe in half.
2. Use one half to connect the top outlet of the cyclone to the vacuum.
3. Connect the side inlet of the cyclone to the funnel beneath the shredder.