Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Faculty/Staff Department
Honors
Student Year and Major
(Michael) Freshman, AE, (Dane) Freshman, AE, (John) Senior, AE, (Adam) Sophomore, AE
Presentation Description/Abstract
In recent years, 3D printing has grown rapidly, both in homes and commercially. This has led to increased demand for plastic filaments, many of which contribute to plastic waste. This project explores the potential of recycling household plastics into 3D printing filament, promoting sustainability and creating a circular economy. Materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, and polypropylene can be recycled or even composted. Existing research has shown that recycled filaments can maintain comparable tensile strength to their virgin counterparts, depending on the recycling process. Furthermore, implementing circular economy practices for plastics could save billions annually by mitigating pollution and reducing landfill usage. Though consumer-level recycling systems face challenges regarding cost and scaling, companies like TerraCycle and Printerior have begun feasible collection and reuse programs. Overall, recycling 3D printing materials could reduce waste, conserve resources, and support sustainable manufacturing practices. However, continued improvements to material blends, extrusion methods, and recycling infrastructure will be essential for widespread adoption.
Keywords
3D-Printing, Filament, Circular Economy, Recycling, Plastic, Reuse, Tensile Strength, Biodegradability
Included in
Environmental Education Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Polymer and Organic Materials Commons, Polymer Science Commons, Sustainability Commons
The Science and Economics of 3D-Printed Filament Recycling
In recent years, 3D printing has grown rapidly, both in homes and commercially. This has led to increased demand for plastic filaments, many of which contribute to plastic waste. This project explores the potential of recycling household plastics into 3D printing filament, promoting sustainability and creating a circular economy. Materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, and polypropylene can be recycled or even composted. Existing research has shown that recycled filaments can maintain comparable tensile strength to their virgin counterparts, depending on the recycling process. Furthermore, implementing circular economy practices for plastics could save billions annually by mitigating pollution and reducing landfill usage. Though consumer-level recycling systems face challenges regarding cost and scaling, companies like TerraCycle and Printerior have begun feasible collection and reuse programs. Overall, recycling 3D printing materials could reduce waste, conserve resources, and support sustainable manufacturing practices. However, continued improvements to material blends, extrusion methods, and recycling infrastructure will be essential for widespread adoption.