Integrated Teaching and Learning Program launches innovative 3D printing recycling initiative
The College of Engineering and Applied Science is taking a step toward advancing campus sustainability, thanks to the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program鈥檚 new 3D printing recycling program.听
The initiative transforms plastic waste from 3D printing into reusable materials, reducing landfill impact and supporting innovative student projects.
The idea originated in an engineering classroom, where a student team led by integrated design engineering major Ian Mcleod first explored ways to repurpose failed prints and excess support structures generated from PLA filament.听
With the support of ITLP engineer Kathryn Penzkover, the concept was developed into a working system and later refined by Eli Post, an ITLP summer intern who is majoring in mechanical engineering. Today, this recycling process has been incorporated into the ITLP ecosystem, and sheets of this material are free for students to use.
The process involves collecting failed or excess PLA prints, grinding them into small fragments and using a T-shirt press to flatten the fragments into durable flat sheets. These sheets serve as raw material for laser cutting projects, offering students a sustainable alternative while conserving resources.
The project has already earned recognition on campus. The student team behind the recycling innovation won both first place and the People鈥檚 Choice Award in the Student Idea Showcase at the 2025 Campus Sustainability Summit. In addition, Post published a step-by-step Instructible, allowing others to replicate the process and extend its impact beyond the university.
Further support for the project came from the Engineering Excellence Fund, which awarded a grant to help purchase the polymer shredder. The investment provided the team with a reliable way to process PLA waste into uniform fragments, making the recycling workflow more efficient and scalable.
鈥淲hat excites me most about this project is that this started with students who saw a problem and decided to solve it. By backing their creativity with mentorship and resources, we are not only cutting down on waste, we are showing future engineers that they have the power to drive real change,鈥 said Kai Amey, director of engineering education and operations for the ITLP. 鈥淚ncorporating recycled plastic into hands-on engineering education turns what would have been waste into a shared resource for students. By making these materials freely available, we are reducing our environmental impact while giving students new opportunities to innovate and create.鈥
The ITLP will continue to expand its recycling and sustainability initiatives, ensuring that hands-on engineering education is paired with responsible stewardship of resources.
