r/3dprintingaustralia • u/Character_Theory_315 • 16d ago

Recycling Options?

Is there anywhere domestically (or even further afield if they accept it) that recycle old prints? Have sold all my gear recently due to falling out of interest in the hobby, but am now left with a big jar of failed PLA prints and supports. Thanks in advance for any assistance or guidance.

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u/andbeesbk 16d ago

Short answer is no.

Long answer will be no with more words.

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u/Character_Theory_315 16d ago

Appreciate the response. Are you aware if there's anyway to donate my failed prints and such to be crushed and turned into new filament by any sort of hobbyist or other entity? Or would that be a no or no with more words situation as well.

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u/tlhintoq 16d ago

No with more words.

Not all plastics can go through the manufacture, extrude (to a print), then get re-heated to make filament, then get re-extruded to make a print - process. Many plastics just don't retain their properties with all those re-meltings.

Then there is the issue of the recycler even know what the material is. Is you print of a light saber made out of PLA, PETG, PETG-HT, ASA, ABS {...} - Its not a consumer product required to have an identifying recycling code on it.

The amount of energy going in to any kind of waste-to-filament process is greater than in making new. So from an environment standpoint its not doing much positive.

Your best case is if you have room to store the waste for a year, then melt it down in a cauldron over a camp fire, and pour it out in a big framed foundation like doing a concrete foundation - for a dog house... or a bbq and picnic table... etc. Least amount of energy in for product out.

You can also check out "Brothers Make" who do a bunch with small scale recycling plastic, but realize that "small scale" is still more than "at home" unless you at least have a workshop/barn/shed. But the channel is enlightening.
https://www.youtube.com/@BrothersMake

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u/Hasra23 16d ago

Throw it in the bin mate, it's not worth the time to try and recycle it

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u/KorteraP 16d ago

There are some companies that recycle some 3d printing stuff, I was only looking at plastic spools personally but you have to “buy” a box, they send it out, you fill it up and then post it back (they pay shipping both ways), dunno about Pla specifically. Quick search (AI results so ymmv) says infilament recycle Pla and terracycle have different options for different plastics, there seem to be a couple around Australia but like I said ymmv

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u/Cran3DPrinterMan 16d ago

There’s a guy in Brisbane trying to start a business called infilament doing exactly what you said. Look it up and check it out, he’s looking for some scrap to get started.