Why 3D Printing Operators Don't Recycle PLA Waste

Despite growing awareness about the need for recycling in 3D printing, a significant portion operators are not actively recycling their waste. In this article, we delve into the main factors behind this trend as highlighted by a recent LinkedIn poll.

Limited Available Options

The poll revealed that 56% of respondents cited limited available options as the main factor preventing them from recycling 3D printing waste.?

This challenge is deeply rooted in the rapidly evolving nature of the 3D printing industry. Unlike traditional recycling methods that are well-established, recycling solutions for 3D printing waste are still in their nascent stages.?

That said, while a universally established industry-standard recycling service for all 3D printing users is lacking at present, promising sustainable alternatives are already present.

Given this, lack of awareness is a possible barrier to accessing recycling as operators might not know solutions already exist. Enhanced communication and focused marketing efforts from recycling services and providers of related recycling equipment can bridge this gap between awareness and action.

Financial Considerations

17% of respondents identified financial considerations as a hurdle to recycling 3D printing waste. Unlike the previous factor, this implies that these operators recognise the existence of recycling solutions, but the cost of access serves as a restrictive barrier.

There are primarily two ways to recycle PLA 3D printing waste:

1. Shredding and repurposing waste into new filament through a closed-loop process
2. Utilising recycling services that allow waste to be returned for responsible disposal

Whilst option 1 may be viable for large volume users of 3D printing with the necessary resources, this option becomes impractical for many due to initial equipment costs and ongoing time commitments.

Option 2 is now an additional recycling option for 3D printing operators, with 3D Printing Waste in the UK being one such company offering a PLA recycling service. However, these models bear various costs, evident in the pricing of recycling boxes. Taking a ￡114 box capable of holding an average of 25 kg of waste, the recycling cost per kilo is ￡4.56.

Certain organisations, particularly businesses with environmental commitments and Net Zero objectives, are willing to cover recycling expenses. Yet, for other 3D printing operators with limited budgets, the cost of recycling might prove prohibitive.

Doubts Over Effectiveness

Around 20% of poll participants voiced reservations about the efficacy of recycling 3D printing waste. A lack of a proven track record for recycling solutions and misconceptions about the recycling process itself might contribute to this scepticism. These concerns could be exacerbated by instances of greenwashing – where claims of sustainability are exaggerated or misleading – which could cast doubts on the reliability of recycling methods for 3D printing waste.

An example of of reported 'greenwashing' involves an investigative journalist's findings into Terracycle. The journalist revealed that a collection of recycling from the UK was shipped to Bulgaria - allegedly for incineration - contrary to the stated practices of recycling in the UK. It’s important to note that TerraCycle asserts that this was an isolated incident at a recycling plant, while the journalist asserts the waste was located near an incineration plant. Additionally, the journalist alleges that TerraCycle attempted to suppress his disclosure of the findings, an accusation that TerraCycle refutes.

To overcome doubts over effectiveness, those involved in the recycling of PLA 3D printing waste should prioritise transparent communication, provide verifiable evidence of their processes, and engage in independent third-party certifications to establish credibility.?

Other Factors and Complexities

The "other" category received 7% of responses, indicating that there might be additional factors not covered by the provided options. These factors could include logistical challenges, regulatory barriers, and concerns about the carbon footprint associated with recycling processes. It's crucial to recognise that the recycling landscape is complex and multifaceted, with various factors contributing to operators' decisions.

Minimising the Environmental Impact of 3D Printing Waste

Recycling 3D printing waste is undoubtedly a challenge, as evidenced by the poll results.?

However, it's important to note that addressing these challenges is vital for the long-term sustainability of the 3D printing industry. As technology continues to evolve and awareness grows, it is expected that solutions will emerge to bridge the gaps in available options, financial feasibility, and doubts over effectiveness.?

Collaboration among industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, researchers, policymakers, and operators, will play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of sustainable recycling practices and minimising the environmental impact of 3D printing waste.