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DI Gerald Hartl
(@di-gerald-hartl)
Member
Empty filament rolls

Although I am new to 3D printing, I have already printed my initial filament rolls and ordered new ones.What should I do with the empty rolls? I could not find a section for returning empty rolls in the PRUSA shop.Any hints?

Thank you very much!

Posted : 08/02/2026 10:13 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Empty filament rolls

I bought some Prusa Refills, and re used the  Prusa plastic  reel sides to complete the rolls for the refills
regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility.Location Halifax UK

Posted : 08/02/2026 11:23 am
DI Gerald Hartl
(@di-gerald-hartl)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Empty filament rolls

Hello Joan,

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I saw it in the shop, but it was only available in a limited range of colours (white, gray and black).

Best regards,

Gerald

Posted : 08/02/2026 11:51 pm
iftibashir
(@iftibashir)
Noble Member
RE: Empty filament rolls

I keep a couple of empty spools just in case I need them in future. If I can buy refills rather then a new entire spool, I will. If not then I recycle the empty spools if not required, but I always ensure I keep 2 or 3 'just in case'. 

There are some interesting projects on Printables where you can reuse your empty spools to make stuff too : https://www.printables.com/search/models?q=empty+spool

Click here for VIDEO BUILD GUIDES + 3D Printing Tips!

--> Core One - MK4 - MK4S - MINI+ - MMU3 - Accelerometer Guide <--

Posted : 10/02/2026 11:40 am
hyiger
(@hyiger)
Noble Member
RE: Empty filament rolls

I've kept the empty spools (3 so far) of the new all plastic NFC variant and have rewound my generic filaments onto them. 

Posted : 10/02/2026 1:40 pm
Sembazuru
(@sembazuru)
Noble Member
RE: Empty filament rolls

Empty spools can also be used for other things around the house. Like when taking down a string of lights or garlands (most commonly right after Christmas, but could be for packing up after other celebrations), you can use the empty spool to wind up the light string or garland for storage. Storing extension cords can be another use, I'm sure there are other long flexible things that could use a storage spool that I'm not thinking of. Not just for your own things, but maybe friends/family would like some of your empty spools for their own reuse.

See my (limited) designs on:
Printables - https://www.printables.com/@Sembazuru
Thingiverse - https://www.thingiverse.com/Sembazuru/designs

Posted : 10/02/2026 8:42 pm
Mac-N4MCC
(@mac-n4mcc)
Estimable Member
RE: Empty filament rolls

They are great for extension cords, lengths of coax and wire.  Christmas tree lights....

Extra HAM (and eggs some say) Radio - N4MCC

Posted : 04/03/2026 11:39 pm
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