Sofia Martinez
Plastic model sprues are a by-product of injection moulding, where molten plastic is forced through a mould to create the parts of a model kit. Given the environmental impact of plastic waste, many hobbyists are keen to recycle their plastic sprues. However, the lack of a clear recycling symbol on sprues and the absence of a centralised recycling system in many countries, such as the UK, makes it difficult for individuals to determine whether and how they can recycle their plastic sprues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable | Yes, but it depends on the local recycling system and whether facilities exist |
| Recycled by recycling plants | No, because they are not easily identifiable as recyclable plastic |
| Alternative methods | Returning to the manufacturer, reusing, repurposing, melting down, cutting into bricks, making putty |
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What You'll Learn
Sprues can be recycled into custom putty or sprue goo
Plastic model sprues are recyclable, but they are not easily identifiable as recyclable plastic, so most recycling plants will trash them. However, there are ways to recycle them yourself. One way is to cut them up into very small pieces and dissolve them in modelling cement to make a custom putty or "sprue goo". You can use a thinner modelling glue, as this will help keep the putty workable. The thinner the putty, the easier it is to work with, but the more plastic binder you will lose.
Sprue goo is a good gap filler for plastic models, and can also be used for sculpting and texturing special effects. It can be applied with a brush, toothpick, or sculpting tool. As the modelling cement evaporates, the melted plastic will remain, creating a near-perfect fusion between the model's parts. You can also use the sprue goo to sculpt and texturize building sidings, facades, or ground lay on bases or around other structures.
Another way to recycle plastic model sprues is to cut them into miniature "bricks" and reconstruct them into a new structure, such as a dice tower. You can also use them for kitbashing or model bashing, which is creating a new model or miniature from the parts of other kits. This can be done by cutting the sprues into small pieces and then gluing them together to create a new shape.
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Sprues can be cut into miniature bricks to reconstruct new structures
Plastic model sprues are a by-product of injection moulding, where molten plastic is forced through a mould to create the parts of a model kit. While sprues are technically recyclable, they are not easily identifiable as recyclable plastic, so most recycling plants will not process them. This means that sprues often end up in landfills or incinerated, contributing to land and atmospheric pollution.
One creative way to recycle sprues is to cut them into miniature "bricks" and use them to construct new structures. This technique, known as kitbashing or model bashing, involves crafting a new model or miniature from the parts of other kits. It allows modellers to create unique sculptures that may not exist in the market or manifest their imaginative designs.
To create miniature bricks, sprues can be cut into small pieces and glued together to form the desired shape. These bricks can then be painted and decorated to add character to the final structure. This process not only reduces plastic waste but also encourages creativity and resourcefulness in the modelling community.
Additionally, sprues can be recycled into custom putty or "sprue goo" by dissolving them in volatile solvents such as toluene or methyl benzene, commonly found in plastic cements and modelling glues. This putty can then be used for various modelling projects, further reducing the need for new plastic materials.
While recycling sprues at home can be a fun and sustainable hobby, it is important to note that the plastic used in models can be poisonous and harmful to the environment. Therefore, it is essential to handle these materials with care and explore proper disposal methods if they cannot be recycled. Some companies, like Warhammer, offer in-store recycling programmes for their products, ensuring that the plastic is reused responsibly.
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Sprues can be used to create new models or miniatures
The plastic used in sprues is polystyrene, which is inexpensive and malleable and has a relatively low glass transition temperature. Polystyrene dissolves readily in volatile solvents such as toluene (methyl benzene), which are the active ingredients in plastic cements and modelling glues. You can use these solvents to your advantage to make a custom putty or "sprue goo" by cutting up your sprues into very small pieces and dissolving them in modelling cement.
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Sprues can be recycled at certain Warhammer stores
Sprues from Warhammer and other model kits are made from polystyrene plastic, which is not always recyclable. Many recycling plants will not recycle them because they are not easily identifiable as recyclable plastic. However, some Warhammer stores do offer recycling for sprues as part of the Warhammer Recycling Programme.
The Warhammer Recycling Programme was announced by Games Workshop in March 2023. It allows gamers and collectors to recycle their plastic waste, including sprues, paint pots, and unwanted plastic miniatures, at participating stores in the UK. The stores will then take care of the rest, ensuring that the plastic is properly disposed of or recycled.
It is important to note that the sprues must not have been glued or painted, as this can affect their recyclability. Additionally, the plastic used in Citadel miniatures is of very high quality, so it cannot currently be turned back into new models. However, it can be used for other purposes, such as garden planters, playground equipment, or table tennis tables.
There are also other ways to recycle sprues at home. For example, they can be cut into small pieces and dissolved in volatile solvents to create custom plastic putty or "sprue goo". Sprues can also be used for kitbashing or model bashing, where you create new models or miniatures from the parts of other kits. They can also be used to enhance terrain and models or make props for tabletop games.
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Sprues can be melted down and used to create new figures
Sprues are the by-product of injection moulding, where molten plastic is forced through a mould to create the parts of a model kit. The sprues are the channels through which the liquefied plastic travels. This process allows manufacturers to mass-produce model kits quickly, reliably, and inexpensively.
Sprues are made from polystyrene plastic, which has a relatively low glass transition temperature and can be readily dissolved using volatile solvents. This property of polystyrene can be used to recycle sprues by turning them into a custom putty or "sprue goo". However, simply putting sprues into a recycling bin is not a good idea. Since sprues are not easily identifiable as recyclable plastic, they will likely be trashed by recycling plants. In addition, the plastic may end up being incinerated, contributing to atmospheric pollution.
A better option is to melt down the sprues and use the plastic to create new figures or other objects. This can be done by cutting the sprues into small pieces, dissolving them in a solvent, and then using the resulting putty to mould new shapes. Alternatively, the sprues can be cut into miniature "bricks" and used to construct new structures. This practice, known as kitbashing or model bashing, allows for the creation of entirely new models or miniatures from scratch.
Some games companies have had sprue recycling schemes in the past, and it may be worth contacting local polystyrene recycling facilities to explore this option.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic model sprues can be recycled, but the process is not as simple as putting them in your recycling bin. Most recycling plants are not equipped to handle this type of plastic, so they will likely trash it. Check with your local recycling schemes to see if they accept this type of plastic. If not, consider reusing the sprues for crafting or take them to a store that can recycle them properly.
Plastic model sprues can be reused to create new models, miniatures, or other crafts. You can cut them into small pieces to make custom putty or "sprue goo" using modelling glue. You can also cut them into miniature "bricks" to construct a new structure or use them for scatter terrain.
If you are unable to recycle plastic model sprues yourself, you can check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept this type of plastic. Some stores, such as Warhammer, may also accept sprues for recycling. Alternatively, look for polystyrene recycling facilities in your area.
