+ How do I recycle my waste?

To recycle your PLA waste, simply visit the Design Futures Lab at UNSW and drop it off in the specially marked bins. The bins are located just outside the newly renovated Built Environment Laboratory, which you can find using the maps pin on our website. Waste will be accepted in April from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 5 pm. The lab is easily accessible on foot from the UNSW Anzac Parade L3 Tram station, or the short-term parking lot across from the UNSW Aquatic Center.

+ What's accepted?

We accept 3D printed PLA waste only, including old/failed prints, peeled off supports, and disused filament made of all colors. All brands and colors of PLA will be accepted.

+ What's not accepted?

We do not accept any materials that are not made of PLA, including composite PLA's such as PLA Woodfill or PLA Carbon Fibre. Additionally, we do not accept packaging material or regular waste.

+ Do I need to sort my waste by colour?

Yes, please sort your PLA waste by color. We provide two bins, one for white PLA and another for any other colored PLA.

+ What will happen to my waste?

The Design Futures Lab at UNSW’s School of Built Environment is conducting student-led research into large-format 3D printing using post-consumer recycled plastics. We will repurpose your old/failed prints, peeled off supports, and disused filament for large-format 3D printing.

+ How do I register my interest?

To register your interest in our 3D Printed Waste Recycling program, please visit our Expression of Interest page and click on I HAVE 3D PRINTED WASTE TO RECYCLE. Spots are limited, but we are currently conducting BETA testing with community members who have signed up.

+ If I'm invited, how will it work?

1. You print with our virgin or recycled filament.
2. We send you a recycling collection bag.
3. We collect, clean, sort, shred and process the waste into workable material.
4. We turn recycled material into new products.

+ What is accepted?

We accept waste generated from STANDARD PRINT CO. material only, including ABS, rABS, PETG, rPETG, PLA, and rPLA, regardless of color. This includes old/failed prints, peeled off supports, and disused filament.

+ What not accepted?

We do not accept any materials that are not STANDARD PRINT CO. material and not one of the accepted materials mentioned above. This includes PLA composite materials such as PLA Woodfill or PLA Carbon Fibre. Additionally, we do not accept packaging material or regular waste. For recycling of 3D printed material form other brands, please check our Collection Hubs section for nearby collection hubs in your area.

+ What will happen to the collected material?

The collected material will be processed and turned into new STANDARD PRINT CO. products.

+ Why don't you accept material from other brands?

While we understand the desire to recycle all types of filament but the variability in material properties and melting points can make it challenging to ensure a consistent and high-quality final product.

By focusing on our own material, we’re able to produce reliable 3D printing products from the recycled material.