Method of recycling carbon fiber prepreg waste

A method of recycling carbon fiber prepreg waste, comprising the steps of:

• shredding a volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste, wherein the carbon fiber prepreg waste includes a backing film associated with the carbon fiber prepreg;
• providing a mold, wherein the mold has interior surfaces adapted to receive the the volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste;
• lining the interior mold surfaces with a release agent;
• filling the mold with the shredded volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste;
• providing a hot press;
• heating the hot press for 30 minutes at 100° F.;
• inserting the mold into the hot press;
• curing the shredded volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste in the hot press to produce a recycled element, wherein the curing is at a predetermined pressure and at a temperature of 270° F. and for 30 minutes;
• and
• removing the mold from the hot press and letting it cool at room temperature.