Prusa shipback?
Since we probably buy all of our filament from Prusa Research, would it be feasible to add a label in the boxes of filament we get so we can ship back the sides of the spools?
Maybe we can add some failed prints to recycle, or Prusa can ship spools with only one side (I've read the argument against a master spool), to save plastic.
What do you think?
3D printing is not very green
I am not aware of any sort of recycling program offered by Prusa. Most such programs only make sense locally. The shipping of empty spools back, particularly overseas, only adds to the environmental impact. 3D printing is by no means a "green" technology. We are part of the problem.
Prusa's branded filament does use locally recyclable components (low plastic content sides, cardboard spool hub). Prusa does internal recycling to produce frame components on the Mini. Note that Prusa states they specifically did not use cardboard spools or offer spool-less filament because they "love the appearance" of their tight spooling. Marketing and manufacturing concerns impact profit and profit comes before environmental concerns.
Polymaker and other firms are offering particleboard or other recyclable spool options.
Most 3D printing filament spools are not marked for recycling. If you dump them in your recycle bin, they are simply removed and discarded by others, thus actually harming recycling efforts. There are a few designs on sites like Thingiverse to repurpose spools, but these have limited use.
I am curious what the arguments against a MasterSpool refill are. I've been using Filastruder, Inland, and other refills for PLA & PETG filament without problems. Prusa's concerns had to do with consumer mishandling and appearance.
Check to see what is offered locally. Most firms offering recycled filament reuse internal waste. There was one firm (RePLAy 3D) that would accept shipped waste filament, but they have ceased operations. I am unaware of any others that accept shipments of spools or waste, but I only look for options in the NE USA.
If you really care about this and are not just trying to hand your waste off to others, look into:
- Recycled filament (usually just manufacturer waste, but it helps) along with...
- Spool-less filament refill options, or ...
- Recyclable spool options.
I keep an informal running list of filament manufacturers and resellers, including their recycled or spool-less options, here that might be of interest.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan