Spring 2024 – Filament Recycler
The first Student Sustainability Fund grant went to Kade Bolen, a computer science student and MakerLab employee, for his innovative project to reduce 3D printing waste. After noticing the buildup of failed prototypes and scraps in the lab, Kade was inspired by a YouTube video to create a 3D printer filament recycler. With the grant, he purchased the necessary equipment and built the recycler in just three weeks. Once fully operational, it will help reduce waste, and Kade hopes it may even recycle plastic bottles in the future. His efforts demonstrate the potential for sustainability in technology, encouraging others to recycle electronics and conserve energy.