Materials
What 3D print waste we recycle
We take PLA and PETG, the two plastics most shops and schools print with. Keep each one in its own bin and we can turn it back into filament.
Accepted and not accepted
Goes in the bin
- PLA and PETG, in their own bins
- Failed prints, supports, brims and rafts
- Purge and leftover filament ends
Leave it out
- Resin prints
- Parts with metal inserts or magnets
- Other plastics, such as ABS, ASA or TPU
PLA
PLA is the most common filament for FDM printers. Put PLA failed prints, supports, brims, rafts, purge and leftover filament ends in the PLA bin.
PETG
PETG is tougher and more heat resistant than PLA, and is used for functional parts. It goes in its own bin, with the same kinds of scrap: failed prints, supports, purge and filament ends.
Why PLA and PETG are kept apart
The two plastics melt at different temperatures and don't blend into a filament that prints well. A bin with both mixed together can't be made into either one, so keeping them apart is what makes your scrap recyclable. If you're not sure what a part is made of, leave it out.
What to leave out, and why
- Resin prints. SLA and other resin prints are a different kind of plastic and can't be melted down into filament.
- Parts with metal inserts or magnets. Metal can't go through the shredder, so leave these parts out.
- ABS, ASA, TPU and other plastics. We can't recycle these yet. Check your municipality's waste guide for how to get rid of them.
How much fits in a bin
Each bin holds about 8 kg of scrap. Large failed prints leave more air between them than supports and purge do, so a bin of big parts fills up sooner. See the pickup plans to match a schedule to how fast you fill a bin.
Ready for your first pickup?
Sign up in about 3 minutes, choose a plan, and we'll arrange your bins.