Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What does your recycling program do?

We take scrap 3D printing filament and plastic waste, recycle it, and turn it into new, high-quality filament. By sending in your old filament, you earn points that can be used to get new spools.

What types of plastic do you accept?

We currently accept PLA, and PETG. You must sort your plastic by type before sending it in, but color sorting is optional (though rewarded with extra points).

Can I buy filament without sending in plastic?

Yes! Our recycled filament is available for direct purchase at $15 per spool, plus shipping

Sending in Plastic

What kinds of plastic do you accept?

We currently accept the following 3D printing plastics:

  • PLA (most colors and brands)
  • PETG
  • ABS

⚠️ We do not accept:

  • Resin prints
  • Contaminated or painted prints
  • Plastics mixed with non-3D materials (like metal or food)

All material must be clean, dry, and separated by type.

Do you cover any shipping costs?

No. As of April 2025, all shipping costs are the responsibility of the sender, both for sending us plastic and receiving filament orders.

What happens if I send in the wrong material?

If we receive plastic that is not suitable for recycling (e.g., mixed types, resin, or contaminated materials), it will be discarded or returned at your expense. We recommend checking our materials guidelines before sending anything.

Earning and Using Points

How does the points system work?

You earn 1,000 points for every 1kg of accepted plastic you send in.

Once you reach 3,000 points, you can redeem them for one free spool of Filacycle filament.

Check out our Points page for more information.

Are there other ways to earn points?

Yes! In addition to sending in clean, accepted plastic, you can earn bonus points by going the extra mile:

  • Empty Spools: Send us your empty filament spools (standard size, undamaged), and earn 200 points per spool.
  • Color Sorting: If you separate your plastic by color before shipping, you’ll earn an extra 100 points per kilogram.

These bonuses help streamline our recycling process and improve the quality of the filament we produce—so thank you!

Pro Tip: Be sure to label your bags or boxes clearly by color and plastic type

Can I track my points?

Yes! When you create an account with us, your point balance will be visible in your dashboard. We’ll also send an email confirmation after each accepted submission.

Filacycle Filaments

Is your recycled filament safe for all 3D printers?

Our filament is tested on a wide variety of common printers and works well in most cases. However, since it is made from recycled plastic, we cannot guarantee compatibility or performance with every machine.

⚠️ Important: Filacycle is not responsible for:

Any loss or damages resulting from use of our filament

Clogs or damage to your printer

Defects in printed parts

What is the quality of recycled filament like?

Our recycled filament is tested for consistency, diameter tolerance, and printability. However, due to natural variability in the source material, you may notice slight color or texture differences between spools. These are cosmetic only and do not affect performance in most prints.

Tell me more about Filacycle’s filament

Our filament is made from 100% recycled 3D printer plastic, sourced directly from makers like you. We’re committed to providing eco-friendly material without compromising print performance.

Here’s what you can expect from our filament:

  • Sustainability First: Every spool reduces waste and helps close the loop in the 3D printing community. We recycle, remanufacture, and reuse—all in-house.
  • Diameter Tolerance: We aim for a consistent ±0.05mm tolerance on our filament. Each spool is quality-checked throughout the extrusion proccess.
  • Color Variation: Because our plastic comes from a mix of post-consumer 3D prints, color varies between batches. Some spools may have subtle marbling or unique hues.

Printability: Our filament performs well on most FDM printers using standard settings. It extrudes smoothly and works for both functional and decorative prints.