3D printer waste, specifically PLA, presents a problem for Makerspaces. This can not be commingled with other recyclables, and though there are claims of compostability, specialized industrial composters are required to effectively break down the material. It is of course possible to buy equipment to break down the waste and extrude as new filament, but the machinery is costly and tolerances for filament diameter are tight. In addition to these issues, PLA can only be remelted so many times before it degrades. In 2026 the CCU Makerspace developed a plan to reuse the waste PLA was in an unconventional way. We ground up the material and then mixed it with epoxy to create flower pots that were given away to students in celebration of Earth Day This session will provide a brief overview of our planning, staffing, methodologies for using PLA and epoxy as well as a timeline of the project from January through April. The session will also provide some basic statistics on the distribution of the recycled pots including impact on social media metrics and student perceptions.
