<p>If you're more interested in the recycling and reuse aspect than the re-print aspect, you could melt all the scrap filament onto a cookie sheet or into a bar (like in a bread ban).  You could then manually work the material, or use a CNC machine to carve out your next thing.</p>
<p>This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUR6_bQLU-E" rel="noreferrer">Youtube video</a> refers to HDPE, but the same concept will apply to other thermoplastics:</p>
<p><div class="youtube-embed"><div>
                <iframe width="640px" height="395px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kUR6_bQLU-E?start=0"></iframe>
            </div></div></p>
<p>This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-HWrDMr0ks" rel="noreferrer">Youtube video</a> uses a cookie sheet and failed prints:</p>
<p><div class="youtube-embed"><div>
                <iframe width="640px" height="395px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G-HWrDMr0ks?start=0"></iframe>
            </div></div></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2017-11-15T12:04:15.970Z
2021-12-02T12:13:18.933Z
2021-12-02T12:13:18.933Z
YetAnotherRandomUser
<p>There are a few options.</p>

<ol>
<li>Machines are available which grind the used plastic into fine pieces, melt it down, and extrude it as filament to be reused. <a href="http://www.filabot.com/">Filabot</a> is perhaps the most well known.</li>
<li>Depending on where you live the local recycling programs may accept PLA or ABS. They will then shred it and melt it down for reuse.</li>
<li>PLA is bio-degradable so you can put it in the compost.</li>
<li>I put scrap ABS in acetone which results in a slurry which can be used as a glue to attach ABS parts, fix cracks, and hold parts to the bed.</li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-01-10T20:25:23.537Z
AFAIK PLA is biodegradable only in industrial composting facilities, not in your backyard compost heap. This is because it requires specific conditions to break down effectively.
user31389
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-09-07T11:32:33.800Z
I am sorry to say but this filabot thing has a totally unacceptable pricing. I am surprised if anyone would pay this.
peterh
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T22:12:17.693Z
A DIY alternative to the Filabot is Hugh Lyman's Filament Extruder(s), the latest is v6, http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1199870
Chase Cromwell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T20:55:28.330Z
2016-01-12T20:55:28.330Z
Kevin Morse
<p>Is it possible to re-use ABS or PLA filament material from printed parts?</p>

<p>If so, what is the techniques to reform it?</p>

<pla><abs><recycling><filament-production>
How to recycle filament material from printed parts?
kenorb
# How to recycle filament material from printed parts?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-01-12)

Is it possible to re-use ABS or PLA filament material from printed parts?

If so, what is the techniques to reform it?

**Tags:** pla, abs, recycling, filament-production


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-01-12. Score: 33 | Accepted answer

There are a few options.

1. Machines are available which grind the used plastic into fine pieces, melt it down, and extrude it as filament to be reused. [Filabot](http://www.filabot.com/) is perhaps the most well known.
2. Depending on where you live the local recycling programs may accept PLA or ABS. They will then shred it and melt it down for reuse.
3. PLA is bio-degradable so you can put it in the compost.
4. I put scrap ABS in acetone which results in a slurry which can be used as a glue to attach ABS parts, fix cracks, and hold parts to the bed.

> **Comments:**
> **username_5**: A DIY alternative to the Filabot is Hugh Lyman's Filament Extruder(s), the latest is v6, http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1199870  
> **username_3**: AFAIK PLA is biodegradable only in industrial composting facilities, not in your backyard compost heap. This is because it requires specific conditions to break down effectively.  
> **username_4**: I am sorry to say but this filabot thing has a totally unacceptable pricing. I am surprised if anyone would pay this.  

---

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-11-15. Score: 11

If you're more interested in the recycling and reuse aspect than the re-print aspect, you could melt all the scrap filament onto a cookie sheet or into a bar (like in a bread ban). You could then manually work the material, or use a CNC machine to carve out your next thing.

This [Youtube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUR6_bQLU-E) refers to HDPE, but the same concept will apply to other thermoplastics:

This [Youtube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-HWrDMr0ks) uses a cookie sheet and failed prints:


---

