How to Recycle PLA Filament The Right Way – Updated Guide

Printing in PLA filament has increased by an average of 2% per year since 2014. And while it’s great to see a more environmentally-friendly option for consumers, recycling PLA can be tricky due to the chemical makeup of the material.

So, how do you recycle PLA filament? PLA (Polylactic Acid) is derived from renewable sources and has a lower melting point than traditional plastic.

This can make for some really cool features when used for 3D printing and learning the recyclability of 3D materials are.

PLA filaments are really popular for their quality 3D printing abilities, but it’s not that recyclable.

The problem with PLA is that the material can become brittle and water-soluble when heated above a certain temperature.

This makes recycling a complex process, and one that can potentially ruin the quality of the filament.

Can you recycle PLA filament?

3D printing technology relies on moving mechanical parts to make physical objects. PLA is the ideal material for 3D printers because it offers fantastic strength and is durable.

This makes it ideal for creating prototypes, but there are a couple of things to bear in mind when it comes to recycling PLA filament. One is that the thermal process can cause the plastic to become brittle. And if it becomes too brittle, then you’ll need a new 3D printer and some new PLA filament to print new projects.

The second issue is that PLA melts when heated to a certain temperature. This can be damaging because it can cause the plastic to become water soluble and ruin the filament.

To combat this, the filament producers are producing PLA filament with additives that make it slightly water-soluble.

These additives make PLA less likely to melt and destroy the filament, but they also make it far less durable than other filaments. As much as it’s possible to recycle PLA filament, the process isn’t as simple as recycling other plastic types.

In fact, you cannot recycle it with other household recyclables. PLA is made from corn starch, making it biodegradable. It’s also recyclable and abundant, but not always easy to recycle.

In a recent survey conducted by TCT magazine, 64% of respondents said that PLA was difficult to recycle. Common issues include tangling, black staining and jamming machines.

This is in part because PLA chemical composition differs from other types of plastic. Consequently, many of the municipal and local recycling centers don’t accept PLA filaments for recycling.

It’s classified as Type 7 plastic, a category of plastics that are difficult to recycle.

This material is not always collected and can be a headache for people who want to recycle PLA filament.

There are exceptions, however, where PLA filaments can be recycled at your local municipal center or wherever they are collected.

Why is it difficult to recycle PLA filaments?

There is no doubt that plastic is a major problem in our environment.

There is an estimated 5 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans.

And much of that plastic comes from the billions of tons of plastic produced each year.

But recycling PLA filament presents some problems, both for consumers and for the manufacturers trying to produce it.

PLA filament is made from corn starch, which has a low melting temperature of about 140 degrees Celsius, as opposed to 440 degrees Celsius for traditional plastics.

This makes it hard to recycle because it creates challenges when melting or disposing of PLA.

And while it’s possible to recycle PLA filaments, it isn’t always worth the trouble for most recyclers.

Manufacturers across the world have tried to come up with innovative ways to create more environmentally friendly products.

But when it comes to recycling PLA, manufacturers are faced with a unique challenge.

Because of the chemical composition of PLA, manufacturers can’t completely recycle filament without compromising on quality.

That being said, PLA filaments need to be recycled and disposed of properly.

The process is delicate and often requires specific machinery to handle the material.

This is because PLA filaments are more brittle than other plastics and can potentially crack or break, which will compromise the quality of future prints.

For starters, it’s separated from the other plastic and processed separately.

It’s also compostable but this should only be carried out in an industrial composting facility.

How to recycle PLA filament

There are a few options for recycling your PLA filaments.

The first is to check your local municipal recycling center.

This is a very unlikely solution, but if you live in a city, it’s worth checking.

The next option is to take PLA filaments to a recycler.

If your local municipal center does not accept PLA filaments for recycling, there are some recyclers that recognize this material as Type 7 plastic.

These facilities can recycle PLA filament into granules which can then be used in other products.

Also, some brands of PLA filament are produced with corn starch, which means that it is biodegradable.

Most municipalities will not accept this material because they don’t want it in their system if the material can be absorbed by the soil and polluted.

If you live in a city with an industrial composting facility, you may be able to have these products recycled there.

Some people recycle PLA filaments on their own.

You just need a filament extruder to melt the plastic.

There are a variety of extruders for different applications, from household to professional use.

The biggest problem people face when recycling PLA filament is that it cuts easily and can cause damage to machines and the quality of prints.

Some people have even had problems with PLA filament sticking together as they are separated out of the filaments or granules.

You may have concerns about recycling PLA filaments, but it’s the best option if you are looking to reduce the amount of plastic and garbage in your environment.

And even though it isn’t always easy or convenient, it’s still worth recycling.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that 3D printing is a growing trend in the market, with more and more people wanting to get their hands on a 3D printer.

It can be a lot of fun, especially when you start becoming more familiar with it and the different types of filaments available.

But with this growth in popularity also comes some drawbacks, including the waste produced by these machines.

Recycling PLA filament is just one of the ways to combat this waste, and it can be a fun and interesting challenge.

We think that it’s a great idea to recycle these products by making them into something new, whether its art or even other 3D prints, they can live on in a different way.

FAQs

Is it possible to recycle mixed materials that contain PLA filament?

It may be possible to recycle mixed materials that contain PLA filament, depending on the specific composition of the material and the capabilities of the recycling facility. Some recycling facilities may be able to process mixed materials that contain small amounts of PLA filament, while others may not.

Are there any incentives or rewards for recycling PLA filament?

There may be incentives or rewards available for recycling PLA filament, depending on the location and specific details of the recycling program. Some recycling programs may offer financial incentives or rewards for recycling certain materials, including PLA filament.