Practical Ways to Reuse, Recycle, or Responsibly Dispose of 3D Printing Scraps
If you’ve been 3D printing for a while, you already know this problem:
Failed prints.
Supports.
Color-change purge lines.
They pile up fast.
At first, most people think:
“I’ll keep them. Maybe I can recycle them later.”
Then one box turns into several boxes—and the question becomes unavoidable:
What should you actually do with 3D printing waste?
This article breaks down the most realistic, widely used, and proven ways makers handle leftover filament today—without hype or unrealistic expectations.
Why Failed 3D Prints Are So Common
Before talking about solutions, it helps to accept a simple truth:
Failed prints are part of the 3D printing process.
They come from:
- Test prints and calibration
- Support structures
- Color purging on multi-material printers
- Adhesion failures
- Warping or layer shifts
Even experienced users generate waste. The difference is how they deal with it.
The Typical Evolution of Every 3D Printing Hobbyist
Most users go through the same stages:
Stage 1: Saving Everything
- “PLA is biodegradable, right?”
- “I might recycle this someday.”
- “I’ll just sort it by material.”
So the first box appears.
Stage 2: Organized Hoarding
- One box for PLA
- One for PETG
- One for ABS
Everything is labeled neatly.
It feels responsible—but nothing actually gets recycled yet.
Stage 3: Reality Check
Eventually, most people realize:
- Home filament recycling machines are expensive
- Results are inconsistent
- Mixed colors usually turn into muddy brown or green filament
- Time investment is higher than the value of the material
At this point, users choose different paths.
Option 1: Disposing of Failed Prints (The Most Common Choice)
For many hobbyists, throwing failed prints away is the most realistic option.
This is especially true if:
- You print occasionally
- You don’t run a print farm
- You value time over experimentation
Disposing of waste responsibly is not failure—it’s a practical decision based on current technology.
Option 2: Sorting and Storing for Future Recycling
Some users continue to:
- Sort filament by material
- Store it clean and dry
- Wait for better recycling options
This approach makes sense if:
- You have access to a makerspace
- Local recycling programs exist
- You expect cheaper filament extruders in the future
Not recycling today doesn’t mean never recycling.Option 3: Turning Failed Prints into New Objects (Most Rewarding)
This is where creativity shines.
Melting Scrap Filament in Silicone Molds
Many makers reuse waste by melting it into molds using:
- Heat guns
- Dedicated toaster ovens (never food ovens)
Popular items include:
- Dice
- Decorative skulls
- Coasters
- Desk accessories
- Art pieces
Mixed colors often create:
- Marble effects
- Unique textures
- One-of-a-kind designs
⚠️ Safety notes:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area
- Never use kitchen appliances
- Expect strong odors
Option 4: Functional Reuse for Repairs and Assembly
Plastic Welding
Failed prints are excellent for:
- Welding large prints together
- Repairing cracked parts
- Reinforcing weak areas
All you need is:
- A soldering iron
- Matching filament scraps
This method turns waste into a practical workshop resource.
ABS Slurry (ABS Only)
ABS scraps can be dissolved in acetone to create ABS slurry, used for:
- Bonding parts
- Filling layer lines
- Strengthening seams
This is one of the few cases where filament waste becomes a useful material, not just decoration.
Option 5: Donation and Community Recycling
Some overlooked but valuable alternatives:
- Donating scraps to schools or art programs
- Giving material to local makerspaces
-
Sending Waste to Individuals or Small Businesses Offering Recycling-for-Discount Programs
- Some 3D printing users choose to send their filament waste to individuals or small businesses that operate recycling-for-discount programs. For example, some users send their scraps to erikaprintsshop.wordpress.com. Typically, for every 3 kg of filament waste sent, participants receive a BOGO coupon for 1 kg of recycled filament, supporting small-scale recycling efforts while turning waste into tangible value. Sometimes, your waste is someone else’s raw material.
What’s Usually Not Worth It (According to Most Users)
- Home filament extrusion systems (high cost, low consistency)
- Mixing different filament types
- Using food appliances for melting plastic
Almost everyone tries these once—and rarely continues.
