Summary of "I Am Giving Up Recycling Plastic - 3D Print Vlog #75"

Creator’s Journey and Decision to Stop PLA Recycling

The video details the creator’s journey and decision to stop recycling PLA plastic waste from 3D printing by 2026 due to time constraints and complexity.

Key Points

Cardboard Giveaway

Instead of recycling cardboard at a center, the creator gave away large amounts of cardboard via Facebook Marketplace.
Some cardboard was reportedly shipped internationally.

PLA Recycling Process Challenges

The creator has accumulated large amounts of PLA waste (failed prints, scraps) stored in totes.
Uses an industrial shredder (7.5 kW, 10 HP) with interchangeable mesh sizes (4mm, 6mm, 10mm) to shred PLA waste.
Shredded PLA mixed directly with virgin PLA for filament extrusion causes jams and diameter inconsistencies.
To improve extrusion consistency:
- Shredded filament is extruded 100% recycled.
- Pelletized into uniform pellets (~3mm diameter) using a pelletizer.
- Pellets are dried and then mixed with virgin PLA.
The process is tedious and requires multiple steps: shredding, extruding, pelletizing, drying, and mixing.
Additional recommended steps like washing the PLA waste are not done, leading to contamination and dust issues.
Due to lack of time and space (with an industrial filament line arriving in 2026), the creator is retiring from PLA recycling.
The shredder, pelletizer, and PLA scrap are being offered for sale or free to interested parties, preferably local (Northeast US).

3D Printer Waste Observations

Initially thought newer Bamboo Lab P2S printers produced less waste than older A1 models, but testing showed P2S actually flushes more plastic.
The H2C printers produce almost zero waste, making recycling less necessary.
The H2C printers are praised for efficiency and low waste, with plans to acquire more.
Some nozzle limitations exist on the H2C, but software updates are expected to improve multi-nozzle usage.

Upcoming Plans

Clearing out warehouse space for the industrial filament extrusion line, expected after Chinese New Year (likely end of February).
Purchased a commercial filament dryer/dehydrator for drying filament spools post-production before vacuum sealing to improve product quality.
May add a new team member to help with warehouse prep and organization.

Notable Equipment & Locations

Industrial shredder: 7.5 kW, 10 HP, approximately 5 ft tall, with 3 mesh sizes (4mm, 6mm, 10mm).
Pelletizer: Sourced from China.
3D Printers: Bamboo Lab models A1, P2S, and H2C.
Cardboard Giveaway: Facebook Marketplace.
Preferred equipment pickup area: Northeast US.
Upcoming additions: Industrial filament extrusion line and commercial dehydrator.

Speaker

The video is a personal vlog by a 3D printing enthusiast and small-scale filament producer sharing insights on recycling challenges and workflow improvements.