Plastic waste is the biggest problem for our planet. About 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and much of it ends up in landfills or oceans. These take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down. So, we need to find better ways to reduce plastic waste and recycle wherever we can.
At Lainley’s 3D Printing, we create beautiful, high-quality 3D printed items using PLA filament. Unlike regular plastic, PLA is biodegradable and made from natural materials like corn starch.
We’re so passionate about sustainable 3D printing! We believe in giving failed or unwanted PLA prints a second life. Instead of tossing them in the trash, we recycle them into fresh filament using the Loop Filament Recycler.
Let’s talk about it in detail and make 3D printing more sustainable for everyone!
Why Recycling PLA Matters
When we throw away 3D prints, even if they are made from PLA, it adds to the growing problem of plastic waste. PLA is better than regular plastic because it’s made from natural materials like corn starch and can break down over time. But it doesn’t decompose quickly in normal conditions.
Recycling PLA helps reduce waste and gives old materials a new life. By reusing PLA, we save energy, reduce pollution, and cut down on the need to make new filaments from scratch.
For the 3D printing community, recycling is especially important. Many creators and hobbyists produce failed prints during their projects. If we recycle these failed prints, we can create a more sustainable way to enjoy 3D printing while protecting the environment.
What We Accept
We are happy to accept PLA failed prints from anyone who wants to contribute to our recycling program. But there are a few rules to make sure the materials we receive are clean and safe for recycling.
Here’s what we accept:
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PLA-only prints: We can’t process other types of plastic like ABS, PETG, or materials mixed with PLA.
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Clean materials: Please make sure your prints are free from dust, dirt, oils, or any other debris.
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No extra parts: We don’t accept supports, rafts, or painted prints, as these can interfere with the recycling process.
How to Send Your PLA Prints
We make it easy for you to recycle your PLA prints with us! Here’s how you can get started:
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Package Your Prints Properly:
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Place your PLA prints in a sturdy box to avoid damage during shipping.
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Make sure the prints are clean and meet the guidelines (PLA-only, no dirt, oils, or supports).
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Ship Them to Us:
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Send your package to our address: Lainley's 3D Printing, 122 Ham St, South Windsor
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Include a note with your contact details in case we need to reach you.
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Contact Us for Questions:
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If you’re unsure about packaging or shipping, feel free to reach out! We’re happy to help answer any questions.
What Happens Next?
Once we receive your PLA prints, the magic begins! Here’s what happens:
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Sorting and Cleaning:
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We carefully sort the materials to ensure they meet our recycling criteria.
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Recycling with Loop Filament Recycler:
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The prints are shredded into tiny pieces.
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These pieces are melted and turned into fresh, high-quality PLA filament.
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Creating New Products:
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The recycled filament is used to craft unique, sustainable gift items.
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Your failed prints are given a new life as something beautiful and useful!
Every contribution helps us reduce waste and build a greener future.
Benefits of Joining Us
When you recycle with us, you’re not just helping our business—you’re making a real difference for the planet. Here’s how your contribution helps:
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Protecting the Environment: Recycling PLA reduces waste and saves resources. It’s a small step with a big impact.
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Supporting Sustainability: Your failed prints are transformed into unique, eco-friendly gift items.
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Being Part of a Community: You’re joining a movement of 3D printing enthusiasts who care about the planet.
Ready to help us reduce waste and create something amazing? Send your PLA scraps to us today, and let’s make 3D printing more sustainable together!