“Show me your poop!”—not exactly a phrase you’d expect to hear in everyday conversation. But in the 3D printing community, it’s completely normal! If you’re new to 3D printing, you might be wondering what this unusual phrase means. Well, it’s all about waste filament, often referred to as “3D printer poop.”

Why Does 3D Printing Create Waste Filament?

Additive manufacturing, which includes filament-based 3D printing (FDM), inevitably produces waste. There are several reasons why:

• Nozzle Purging: Before and during prints, the printer cleans out old filament to ensure smooth extrusion.
• Filament Changes: When switching colors or materials mid-print, leftover filament needs to be removed from the extruder and tubing.
• Failed Prints: Not every print turns out perfectly—misprints, adhesion issues, or slicing errors can result in discarded plastic.
• Brims, Rafts, and Supports: Many prints require extra structures for stability, which are later removed and thrown away.
• Flow Calibration & Priming Lines: Some printers perform test extrusions at the start of a print to ensure proper flow and adhesion.

What Can You Do With Waste Filament?

Instead of throwing it away, many 3D printing enthusiasts look for ways to reuse or recycle waste filament. Some ideas include:

• Recycling Programs: Certain companies accept used filament for recycling.
• DIY Projects: Waste filament can be melted down for new creative projects or repurposed as small functional parts.
• Filament Re-extrusion: With the right equipment, you can shred old filament and turn it into new spools. Although we need to tell you that it is a really expensive investment.

While waste is an inevitable part of 3D printing, finding ways to minimize and repurpose it can make the hobby more sustainable. So next time someone asks to see your “poop,” don’t be alarmed—they’re just curious about your latest 3D printing adventures!