Highlights • Applying ISM identifies 22 barriers to distributed recycling of 3DP waste. • The barriers are technical, economic, social, organizational, and regulatory in nature. • Quality demands from consumers and consumption behaviors constitute important barriers. • Homogeneous waste streams and avoiding contamination are key to encouraging 3DP recycling in makerspaces. • Overcoming barriers requires concerted effort by varied stakeholders: legislative bodies, companies, makerspaces, consumers.