Recycling our items and materials
Before considering recycling, we encourage you to prioritize repair, reuse, or resale whenever possible.
An item that is still functional can often find a second life, particularly through second-hand platforms.
First and foremost: repair
Before considering recycling, we encourage you to prioritize repair, reuse, or resale whenever possible.
An item that is still functional can often find a second life, particularly via second-hand platforms. Here are a few:
Dismantling objects
Our items are designed to be disassembled as much as possible.
Separating the different elements allows each material to be directed to the most appropriate stream and avoids mixtures that are difficult to recycle.
We recommend, whenever possible, disassembling the parts before placing them into recycling circuits.
The components can then be sorted by category: printed parts, electrical components, or metal components.
This simple step significantly improves the possibilities for reuse or recycling.
3D printed parts: PLA / PETG / PHA
Parts printed in PLA, PETG, or PHA require special attention.
. PLA
Although derived from bio-based resources, it does not degrade in a home compost.
It requires specific conditions, usually found in industrial composting facilities.
These channels are currently intended primarily for professional waste streams and remain largely inaccessible to individuals.
In practice, it is therefore recommended to look into local reuse or recycling solutions where these exist.
. PHA
Also bio-based, it is compostable in home compost under the right conditions. It can therefore be placed in a composter, ensuring that it is shredded if necessary to facilitate its decomposition.
. PETG
It can sometimes be integrated into plastic recycling streams, depending on local capabilities. It is recommended to check with your local authority or specialized sorting centers.
Processing solutions for these materials are still being developed.
This is why this page is intended to evolve as new innovations and local initiatives emerge.
Certain organizations such as fablabs, workshops, or collectives may also accept these materials to transform or reuse them in new objects.
Project example: PRECIOUS PLASTIC
Find their global network HERE, and perhaps a collection and processing point near you.
Electrical components
Electrical components are classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and must not be disposed of with household waste.
They can be dropped off at several types of collection points:
. municipal recycling centers
. reuse centers or second-hand organizations
. hardware stores
. supermarkets with collection bins for light bulbs and small equipment
These channels allow for the safe processing of materials and the recovery of certain components.
Reuse centers & reuse
Even before recycling, certain structures help extend the life of objects or their components.
Reuse centers, workshops, or associations collect, repair, or transform objects to give them a new purpose.
Certain parts may also be of interest to artisans, designers, or local organizations.
Dropping off an object or components with these networks helps prevent them from being treated as waste and promotes reuse.
! Summary by material !
PLA
. Industrial composting only
. Plastic processing workshops
. Fablabs / local initiatives
PHA
. Home compostable
. Can be fragmented to facilitate decomposition
PETG
. Plastic recycling streams (depending on the region)
. Recycling or processing workshops
Electrical components
. Waste collection center
. Hardware stores / supermarkets
. Specialized collection points
Mapping initiatives, making solutions visible.
We offer here a map to identify local stakeholders involved in the collection, recycling, or reuse of plastics and bioplastics, as well as networks of reuse centers and independent initiatives.
Designed as an interactive and participatory tool, it is intended to evolve over time.
Everyone can contribute by sharing locations, projects, or organizations near them, in order to enrich this resource and make these solutions more visible.
Do you know of an initiative, workshop, or space committed to the reuse or transformation of materials?
You can contribute to this map by sharing a project near you.
Every proposal is reviewed before being added to ensure the quality and consistency of the selection.