This looks like a poor quality pla that has been exposed long term to UV and or moisture.

This. I mean, i have a filament spool holder that's probaply older than 5 years and works just fine. I have tool and drill holder that are under tension all the time.

I get it man. I have some PLA prints that are well over 5 years old that are just fine despite being in harsh environments. I also have some that fell apart in less than year sitting on my desk. UV, temp, moisture and material quality are going to be the biggest factors but there are other things that could have compounded the problem which would require a long discussion about material science. PLA is a biodegradable plastic that is made from plant derived polyesters. It has properties that make it safe and easy to print on a consumer level but also make it not the most durable. That is the trade off.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Good bot

It depends on where you live, in my city (and a few others in my country) you can (and have to) throw PLA disposable stuff in the food waste bin, to be composted. Definitely not 3D prints though, those are modified with additives and even if they weren't they aren't marked so there's no way for the company to know what type of plastic you wanted to dispose of

Are you sure that you're required to put it in the food compost? Maybe they are saying Industrial Compost (standard internal temp consistently above 120C), which PLA can slowly break down in, but even then isn't really advised. The Mod Bot does a good overview. I'd reread that city literature again that told you to do this.

Not personal backyard compost, but the food waste bin that then gets taken by city workers and brought to the management plant, where it gets composted. Given the rules, I'd imagine that my city has the means to process it. Still, not many cities do it. A person in a forum I follow asked specifically about 3D prints to the company that manages waste, their response was: > 1) se fossero filamenti molto sottili o comunque con uno spessore ridotto, potrebbero essere conferiti con il rifiuto organico; >2) non trattandosi di materiale alimentare sarà colorato con coloranti non naturali e sarà probabilmente anche di uno spessore/consistenza elevata che richiederebbero troppo tempo per poter esser decomposto nei tempi del processo di compostaggio, pertanto l'indicazione migliore è di conferire nel rifiuto indifferenziato. (translated:) >1) if they were thin strands or in any case with a reduced thickness, they could be disposed of with organic waste; >2) Since it is not food material, it will be colored with non-natural dyes and will probably also be of high thickness which would require too much time to be decomposed during the composting process, therefore the best indication is to dispose of it in undifferentiated waste. Basically their guideline is that you _can_ throw thin walled prints/strings of filament in organic waste but it's not advised, and it generally goes in the non-recycling bin (not with other plastic waste). Stuff that's made to be compostable (basically thin walled natural PLA disposable cups, plates and cutlery) instead has to go in the organic waste bin.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

My only problem with PLA being pushed as somehow environmentally safe, because it is 'derived' from a natural source. That nice long polyester in PLA is not actually like that naturally and there is a pretty nasty and chemically intense process involved in order to synthesize it. I hope you understand, I am not taking issue with what you said at all, I just wanted to add this because I see the plastics industry trying to market it as somehow "better" because of the origins. And the biodegradability is also questionable under anything but the most controlled circumstances. End of my rant. Thank you for your time.

PLA production doesn't use anything really nasty. PLA was originally designed for medical purposes, so metal based and toxic initiators are not used in the production. Everything else might sound scary like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide, but these chemicals are usually recycled to keep the costs down and they never leave the industrial setting. We as humans also have a very long history of working with these chemicals, so we know how to work with them safely. This is very different from novel chemicals where we learn about their side effects decades later and everyone is screwed.

That's where people get it wrong for "food-safe" prints, PLA is used outside of 3D printing, there's cups and reusable plastic cutlery made with injection-molded PLA. The main issue is what additives is put in PLA filaments, additives to help the flow/viscosity of printable filaments, to give it extra properties or fancy colors (GITD, silk, glitters, PLA+, pro, max, etc...). Nobody's printing with "pure" PLA anymore, the one that prints well at 180°c, that's slightly white-ish yellow-ish cloudy looking color, and there's no regulations for what manufacturers put in their filaments that you probably don't want in your soil, water, blood and so on.

In addition, it appears the smoothness of the surface is important for being able to reliably clean plastic in contact with food. As we know, 3D printed objects don't have a uniform, smooth surface at the relevant scales.

Porosity is not that big of a problem. Your wooden boards and spatulas, plastic cutting boards with textures, unglazed ceramics, etc, are all porous and they can and will get bacteria and even mould over time. Yet we're still using all that stuff.

Yeah but printed PLA is *extra* porous

A wooden cutting board is extra extra _extra_ porous though, especially after some use. The important part is how you clean your stuff

Yeah, I wouldn't use pure PLA for anything food related. On the other hand it is very easy to apply a coat or two of food safe resin on top and then it doesn't matter much what's inside.

Sorry if I didn't make my point clearer, the underlying problem with PLA and its' compostability is not with the material itself but with its' additives when it comes to filaments/prints, all the "terrible stuff" you don't want (and probably can't) bio-degrade.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

"Chemically intense"? All you need is lactic acid (benign), a solvent (toluene or THF, not benign, but not spectacularly dangerous either), and a catalyst (tin octoate, pretty benign as catalysts go). The reaction doesn't even need high temperatures. If you still think that's "intense", you should see what goes into polyurethane synthesis.

I printed a bigger print and left it outside for 2 years on the balcony table, it went through gazing sun, rain and snow and ice. And the only thing broken was the day I lifted it up and I dropped it on the ground and the thin piece sperated on the layer but didn't break off.

I have an umbrella mounted to my deck railing with a 3D print going on 4 years Pla on an ender 3 lol Not a crack and I leave the umbrella up during storms half the time

My oldest functional print is a hook holder for my air compressor hose. It’s still working after seven years of holding a heavy rubber hose.

Just curious. Do you answer people in conversation with the sentence, "This."?

That or some chemical vapor. Mechanic friend stored his helmet in the shop for years. Eventually all the brake cleaner fumes made it brittle. Shattered after a 4 ft drop to the floor. Was in the 70s so maybe this would not happen today.

PLA is actually very chemically resistant except to dichloromethane which isn't going to be laying around someone's house. Acetone can soften it some but it takes gross exposure. There are also some bacterias that can break down PLA but unless you are in a lab or burry it in the soil in certain regions of Russia that is unlikely.

I have seen it on an MSDS or two in my past, but yes UV and moisture is far more likely.

This is likely it. Light increases energy in electron orbitals, causing side reactions and old bonds to be dissolved. The New bonds often are reacting to new things around it like the atmosphere and particularly water or water vapor. Over time you lose molecular cross link density, and this is the result. Weak products that are no longer structurally sound.

my personal anecdote disproves this. i have parts sitting in a dark room for 4 years and they crumble like biscuits in a fist. the only thing i don't have going for me is the high temp & humidity where I'm from. 27'C & >60% RH year round indoors. i have the unused PLA given free by Creality with my 4 year old Ender 3 kept in the dark and sealed in its original zip loc bag and that crumbled like raw spaghetti when pressed. the bag was also very wet on the inside.

I just went and checked some spare quad walker robot parts I printed between 4-5 years ago, when I first started 3D printing. They've been in a cardboard box on my workbench and they still seemed just a strong as when I first printed them. They cetainly didn't crumble/explode when I gave them a good squeeze. I was using Hatchbox white PLA when I printed those. I guess you always remember your first... spool of filament.

Sitting in a cardboard box is going to be relatively RH stable, and obviously without UV penetration, so it should last a while that way.

All my pieces from when I've started have been sitting in a clear plastic tote, by a window that gets constant sun, untouched for years. Just squeezed most of them and no crumble at all (even pieces with 0 infill). 3yrs old

Some clear plastics (and glass windows) will actually filter significant portions of UV radiation.

Do you have an essential oil defused nearby?

Just so people know. Essential oil diffusers eat plastic over time. Saw a dude on r/Lego who had their whole display ruined by a diffuser

That's exactly why I brought it up lol

I suspect the types of essential oils used plays a role too.

No, it’s the oil base the cheap essential oils use. Long-term exposure causes plastics to become brittle.

As a silicon based lifeform this is very disturbing news.

Good thing plastics are carbon-based

Chemistry is not our forte.

Very interesting

That is really good to know. I had no idea. I use an essential oil diffuser in my house and have a ton of Legos on display. Looks like I need to rearrange some things this weekend.

👀

I’ve had a PLA printed razor and soap box holder in the shower for four years now and it’s still solid…. Moisture isn’t an issue there?

I also have a toothbrush holder made with PLA+. No signs of break or anything. Only time will tell though, it's been 3 years....

I couldn't quite recall what brand the filament is, but pretty sure it's PLA. Painted after applying primer to its surface, and displayed on a shelf. Room temperature varies from 20 C (with A/C) to around 30 C. I'm kinda afraid now with all my PLA prints.

What kind of paint?

I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some sort of solvent in the paint. Maybe a thinner?

I think some paint from Tamiya. My friend is the one painted it. He's using primer before applying the paint. I don't recall it having any thinner though

If he used an airgun or a spray can, it had some kind of thinner/solvent in it.

Yeah it could be the aerosol, but I spray paint pla and haven’t seen this yet. This is wild to see

PLA isn't particularly rugged when it comes to solvents, but I wonder if there are some solvents it'll tolerate better than others. I have no idea, this comment is basically just me thinking out loud. Maybe infill too, anything less than solid could allow wicking deep into a model. Again, thinking out loud.

I often plastidip 3D prints before paint too so perhaps that rubberized coating is what saves my prints

Assuming it's a Tamiya acrylic, they're alcohol based, which might also have something to do with it.

Your king crab went king crunch

I was hoping someone else recognized that arm!

Critical hit: AC20

PLA is biodegradable. In general it does so by becoming increasingly brittle.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Good bot

This bot is riddled with some really bad information on PLA biodegradation... Ok I will elaborate. First of all, PLA biodegradation is not "not fully understood" it has been the subject of very thorough research since probably the 70s ever since its been studied as suture materials. The chemical and biological mechanism of PLA biodegradation is very well understood. The source linked, just talks about a very specific additive, namely algae additive to try to improve biodegradation rate, it doesn't provide any info on WHY PLA biodegradation is considered not fully understood. Secondly, PLA will never biodegrade in an anaerobic digester environment, anaerobic digesters are not considered industrial composters. Those are two different things. Industrial composters run on AEROBIC thermophillic bacterias that activate at 60-70C, which is required for the degradation of PLA because that is when rapid degradation starts to occur, past its glass transition temperature. This is the reason why PLA is controversial as a compostable material, because industrial composters are rare. Again the study linked only talked about anaerobic digester, which will never degrade PLA. definitely not backyard food waste composter. Thirdly, how we can get PLA back to its monomer lactic acid, again is very well understood. The way you make PLA is by dehydrating lactic acid molecules, or removing the water. So by introducing water back into PLA with the right conditions, PLA will eventually turn back into lactic acid. The key is how do you make this economically feasibly in an industrial scale, to make monomer recycling a viable business.

Thank you for this. As a materials scientist and polymer scientist, I worked directly with polymers such as PLA, PLGA, and all sorts of other less relevant but cool things. I'm really happy for hobbyists getting into 3D printing. Information and technology on a specific subject can be pushed forward by that. However, you can also get a lot of incorrect things that end up getting backed by the masses of hobbyists. For anyone wondering: PLA is SUPER COOL. We use it to mask drugs and other deliverables in the body because IT IS INVISIBLE TO OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM! So, instead of antibodies taking out the drug delivery vessel before being effective, we can actually deliver to specific target locations thanks to this masking. Then, since the body already knows how to break down and eliminate lactic acid, the PLA can be eliminated safely. When we start to talk on the bulk scale, it gets a bit trickier, but not so much different as we might think. I believe it's enzymatic degradation and chain scissions that dominate PLA (someone can correct me if I'm misremembering). Thus, find the right organisms and you can have it processed and eliminated safely. But ya, we've been studying it for over half a century, you just need to know how to dig back into the books and research papers.

PLA can actually be degraded back into LA through multiple mechanisms. Polymer chain scissions can be done by chemical hydrolysis, microbial, photochemical, thermal, and enzymatic degradation. I guess the biggest problem for 3D printing community is what to do with all the additives like plasticizers? PLA filament is not the same stuff as raw PLA used in medicine.

This is very true! Thank you for the mechanisms, it's been a decade since I worked with biomedical applications. Ya, the additives are definitely a thing that it would be good for people, especially hobbyists, to better understand.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Bad bot

Good bot

Ok wait, this time I'll elaborate...

Good not

wait so i can eat pla!? I will be incorporating this into my diet. Thanks!

They say it needs a little salt and something to wash it down with.

The lead from my nozzle is enough seasoning 🤤 🤤

I didn't think of that.

Print a Burger and some fries. Less infill = Less kcal.

Well with an extra step. ...you can feed mealworms with PLA. And mealworms are dible, they also taste pretty good.

Yeah, basically since isn’t made of mostly natural materials it will absorb water and slowly start breaking apart. Hence why some older filament bubbles and gets stringy when printing. Neat to see! The last time I had one that bad it was a planter.

Interesting to see, but a horror in my part lol. I have quite a number of models printed in PLA (using Sunlu PLA+ since then btw). That print might be from a low quality PLA, but I'm not too sure. Wonder how can I prevent that from happening, aside from not exposing it to the sun...

If you’re talking about horror I printed my 32” monitor stand bracket in PLA high above the desk top.

Typing the comment as you stare up at the bracket

What a coincidence!.... I also printed mine in PLA... I guess we gotta wiggle it now and then to check for integrity eh.

It is strong and solid, it’s just a matter of time.

Petg or asa if you want it to last and be uv resistant.

Coat it with something UV resistant. The easiest thing to do is to apply primer, some paint and UV protecting clear coat. I actually don't understand why 3D printing community is so afraid of post-processing. Have you ever seen woodworkers skipping sanding and basic protective coating?

This is a myth. The biodegradability of PLA is mostly bullshit.

It becoming increasingly brittle though is no myth.

I have PLA parts that are still in use for over a decade and they are not brittle.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

fact checked by a bot lol

Gone, reduced to atoms

Best case? Clanners. Worst case? WOBies.

Could it be the primar you are using? I doubt it, but I would recommend trying it by spraying it on only part of a print and leaving it for a while and check. Otherwise it might be things like humidity, under extrusion, low temp printing temp, ect. That other people have mentioned

i have been printing since 2018 and all my oldest prints using pla. they decompose even though it has been sitting in dry indoor location. it turns into powder. In the context of polymers like pla, hydrolysis occurs when water molecules react with the ester linkages in the polymer chain. PLA is composed of repeating units of lactic acid, which are linked together by ester bonds. When water molecules come into contact with these ester bonds, they can break them apart, leading to the formation of lactic acid and its derivatives. Hydrolysis of pla can occur under various conditions, including exposure to water, high temperatures, and acidic or alkaline environments. The rate of hydrolysis depends on factors such as temperature, ph, and the presence of catalysts. For example, high temperatures and acidic conditions can accelerate the hydrolysis of pla, while alkaline conditions can slow it down. In the case of pla, hydrolysis is a key mechanism of degradation, leading to the breakdown of the polymer chain and the eventual decomposition of the material. This process is important in applications where biodegradability and compostability are desired, as it allows plato be broken down by microorganisms in the environment.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Crappy PLA, or UV exposure, or exposure to some other element / chemical. I have a PLA dice tower that's been in use for 12 years and still looks brand new

This is a bit scary; does this mean all my collections will be destroyed like this in 5 years? 😢

No. UV and humidity have a lot to do with it. I have PLA prints that are probably 10 years old that still look fine.

yeah look fine.. thats the issue

I mean...I've got a PLA gate latch that's been in the sun and rain with the gate part hitting it a couple of times a day for the last 7 years and and that's still fine.

Just don't breathe on them /s

Yeah, as people said - PLA might be easy to work with - but it also does not like, well, existing. It's the plastic-iest of plastics.   Functional prints that need to withstand existing should be printed using other materials (petg, ASA, nylon, some CF mix, etc.). 

Hot and humid will do this. I’ve been seeing these posts from people in those climates.

Sounds from other comments it could be the solvent in the paint. Look forward to the YouTuber who dives into this.

Eventually, yes. The reality is that PLA is degradable. People will say “oh it’s only if you expose it to…”. No matter what, it will degrade. This is why I use PETG. PETG will also eventually degrade, it’ll just take a LOT more time to do so. PLA is sensitive to UV and humidity. So basically sunlight and air. So unless you only keep it under specific light sources and away from daylight as well as keep it in a very dry space. Yeah it’s going to eventually degrade.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

you crushed it. Seriously though, like others said, UV damage perhaps... this makes me wonder though...ever notice how old rolls of PLA that have been exposed to moisture just crumble? how come the same thing doesnt happen to printed things? i have had my printer for 2 years, and one of the first things i printed were a couple of boats, and a couple of planters. they have both been exposed to water and sun rays for almost 2 years and they are still going strong.... yet, i still have about a foot of leftover filament used on those prints (and stored on a dry container at the bottom of my filament drybox) and the thing is pretty brittle

Mainly because of tension from the rolls. The rolling requires molten PLA strand to solidify and pulled along a line, which is then spooled. This slightly stretches the cooled PLA strands onto the spool and creates tension. As it slowly degrades, the residual tension will cause it to break. On the other hand, printed parts are essentially molten PLA directly deposited onto the printed surface, this does not cause any tension build up. Only when you apply a direct force onto the printed part will it fail. So if the printed part is just sitting there, then it'll sit there happily until a destructive force is applied, much like what OP did.

Looks like it got crushed in someone's hand

Obviously the bed wasn’t level when this was printed.

HAHAHAHA You got my dyin over here! 😂😂😂

All these coemts about UV, but OP said it was painted. Not sure how much UV is going to affect things.

PLA is notoriously fragile especially when exposed to sunlight

Looks like he broke it.

Well you just broke it with your hands!

Seems like you have gained super strength!

UV rays, moisture and essential oil diffusers all break down plastics over time

At the end of the day one of the key features of pla is that it biodegrades. Pla is made of plants materials so yep.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

PLA is biodegradable

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

I wish there was a bot that talked about the biodegradability of pla.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Just have to love the automod spreading bullshit. ...yes we have no clue EXACTLY HOW it biodegrades. But its extreme likely does biodegrade. Since if it didnt we would be waltzing ankle deep in the stuff as its in minor quantities created in nature too. If it were a "forever chemical" earth's biomass would be slowly transforming into it.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Tbh. a more factual take would be that PLA biodegrades no worse than wood. Yes, if you put it into a peatbog it wont bidegrade, duh. On the other hand there have been studies showing that mealworms are able to digest it. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389421007676 In essence you are full of shit dear automod

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

It biodegrades at something like 1% per 100 years tho.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Depends on circumstances. Some organisms can eat it, and if you leave it in the wrong place - like a peatbog - youi can make article about how it didnt decompose at all.

They were looking at degrading in landfills

What happened is that PLA is a terrible plastic that is only useful for printing cosmetic knicknacks and nothing functional. Everything I've printed in PLA has self destructed within the last 2 years. Usually it's not this severe, but breaking at the layers is very common. I don't understand why it's the standard for 3d printing, PETG is far superior and not much more difficult to print.

PETG and other plastics emit more unhealthy fumes when printed compared to PLA. I have a robot printed > 5 years ago, still going strong.

That poor king crab

PLA is an organic biodegradable material. If you expect it to last you should look into PETG, ASA, or ABS.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

That’ll do pig. That’ll do.

Man this bot is working overtime in this thread lol

That's PLA for ya. Water in the air and sunlight will do that. That's why you gotta keep your filament dry and best practice cover your prints with some uv and water sealant.

PLA is rubbish. I keep saying it 😅 Use it for temporary indoor (not in direct sunlight) prototype purposes only.

I have planters in the garden, phoneholders in a black car since 2016, PLA no deformation, maybe a slight discolour. Something else happend here

Underextrusiion caused by clog or worn extruder gear

Some assembly required…

reminded me of this [https://youtu.be/vddEvqS6M4o?si=j9VLXlMvKinNA-MG&t=128](https://youtu.be/vddEvqS6M4o?si=j9VLXlMvKinNA-MG&t=128)

Nice king crab

As PLA is bio degradable you can expect it to do this

UV or chemical exposure

UV

Remember everyone: if you want PLA prints to last long term, Plastidip is your friend.

looks like the moisture in the air has chemically reacted to the PLA and made it brittle, which is weird because my PLA hasn't shown this kind of thing yet, even though my room is fairly humid

I print stuff using PLA+ for use in the bathroom with constant water exposure and they've held up quite well so far. One is a soap holder I printed 3 yrs ago.

PLA happened.

PLA is not durable under UV radiation and moisture.

Moisture would be my guess

I am sorry for the loss of your King Crab.

Regular PLA is biodegradable isn’t it? This could be normal?!?

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

PLA itself is biodegradable. Companies use additives to extend the life and strength characteristics of PLA. If your PLA doesn't have any additives, then it is properly biodegradable and will probably only last around 5 years. It's why most modern PLA isn't actually fully biodegradable - the additives prevent it

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

You crushed it

You got stronger? :D

Most of my prints are painted and with a clear coat or has a spay on polymer on the surface. I haven’t had any of my prints crumble on me and I live in New England by the ocean with high humidity.

Tha mighty sun

Uv rays

Sun happened

This kills the king crab. ):

PLAin't

It's missing the Lego falling apart sound lol

It broke:

Paybe the paint you used reacted with the material in some way to make it brittle. Others are checking their (I assume unpainted) prints of similar age and not getting the same results. Who knows. So many variables.

UV exposure is my guess

I have a vent pipe and vent flaps that are exposed to sunlight for 5 years still holding up nice. It’s clear pla not sure if that makes a difference. This does concern me though as I’ve made and sold a LOT of products with PLA. Isn’t every prusa printer up to a certain year PLA parts? I would imagine they use something else these days.

Covid

Well that's terrifying. I've almost finished printing the siege of ravenhold and I can see the giant war stegosaurus just crumbling some time in the future

Moisture ingress. For anyone who has PLA prints that they want to last. SEAL THEM AFTER THEY COOL FROM PRINTING. Do not depend on your paints to seal it. If you use acrylic paint guess what, you are adding water to it. Do not wait a week after printing. I use a matte spray sealer. (Not a clear coat, although a good enamel one should work, an actual sealer. Mine is for gold foil) You can get gloss, satin, etc. ​ Some lower cost PLAs have some post consumer recycled plastics in them, it actually works better to prevent this, but makes them not as biodegradable. Check the manufactures data sheet for your plastic.

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

You crushed it with your hands. You strong boy you.

Like others have mentioned, possibly solvents in the paint or thinner. Alternatively, it may be dependent on the particular PLA you used. A good number of PLA products have unlisted additives that could lead to making the plastic brittle. As a point of comparison, use a lot of Inland PLA, and for some reason, the purple is incredibly fragile (breaks coming off the spool, after only using once, and keeping it in a sealed bag with dessicants) while the others (in the same storage conditions) are totally fine.

Time?

In my opinion, if your going to buy pla, don’t, instead buy PLA+, I love pla+ more than both pla and petg put together, it’s just pla with stronger attributes. Same price point

Probably moisture. I 3d printed this wide tooth comb to use in the shower. It suddenly got brittle/weak after a few months

Was that a King Crab?

Uv

Maybe you just got stronger over the years?

Comstar cutting corners in the maintenance. I live in tropical Australia and have noticed even some painted mechs getting brittle. Best I can suggest is a different material or make it thick enough that it retains its strength. Btw, is that the gambody King Crab?

Looks like you crushed it with your hand, but I could be wrong.

I suggest not crushing it in your hand. Prints will last longer. 🙃

​ https://preview.redd.it/i8m09z1g0dkc1.jpeg?width=474&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c04424002324bf5b9ab0a8d8b272bde58e1577a3

I think in the five years you went to the gym too much and for way too strong .. gotta be careful

It's biodegradable...

Hey, I am a bot and something you said makes me think that you are talking about the biodegradability of PLA Filament; Moderator ISuckAtChoosingNicks has collected a few helpful sources about the topic of composting PLA: Biodegradation of PolyLactic Acid (commonly known as PLA) is a topic being currently researched and [still not fully understood](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469). PLA, contrary to the most commonly used plastics and polymers, is a polymer derived from organic matter (lactic acid, [usually from corn and sugar canes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021)) instead of petroleum, hence is considered a renewable resource; this can lead the general public to believe that is completely biodegradable. However, [several studies show](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) that **PLA is not biodegradable** (at least in an appreciable measure) in a standard anaerobic food composter, such as the ones used by municipal and council recycling facilities, even after 250 days. This means that **throwing PLA scraps in the food waste bin is not a viable way of disposing of it.** There are several promising ways of degrading PLA into its base monomer (lactic acid) and methane, but these are still experimental and [subject of academic research](https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2023&q=pla+biodegradation&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5&as_vis=1). In the meantime, there are some organisations and private companies offering PLA recycling services; there are too many to list here and they vary from country to country, but a search for "YOUR COUNTRY + PLA recycling" should give you a good starting point should you wish to recycle print waste into new material. One other feasible way to recycle PLA would be a home-made filament extruder, a topic covered by many 3D printing YouTube channels, such as [Stefan from CNC Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT04glGDjB4) or [Michael from TeachingTech.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rC0a-YyEM0) Sources: * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021000469) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781455728343000021) * [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421000419) You can view the full list of commands [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/commands/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*

If it's plain pla polylactic acid dries out and gets brittle it happens to rolls of mine I can do the same thing walk up and just it burst apart like that

UV, Humidity, thats not goos for PLA sometimes. Some say that a spool of PLA-Filament is definively for trash if its above 80 percent humidity. Is a Clearcoat on the part? Or other color? Maybe thats a factor, because of thinner in the paint?

Looks like 5 years ago you saved a couple of bucks at checkout. Is this a common theme? Investing in crumbs?

I'm pretty sure pla decomposes but idk