Are you wondering if you can recycle your HVAC filters? The answer is yes, but the process is not as simple as throwing them in the recycling bin. The frame of a filter is made of recyclable material, but the filter itself can be composed of several types of materials, such as fiberglass, wire mesh, paper, and plastic. Non-recyclable materials in an air filter can contaminate a batch of recyclable materials and complicate the process. The short answer to this question is that it depends on the type of air filter you have.
A typical disposable HVAC filter is made with woven fibers, most commonly polyester or fiberglass, which are not recyclable. When it comes to dealing with air filters, you also need to consider your health. These filters can expose you to dust, dirt, and even potentially harmful chemicals. As such, most cities don't accept them as recycling, but instead have to throw them away.
So can air filters be recycled? If you talk strictly about the recycling policies of the city or county, the answer is almost always no.
Oven filters
and air conditioning filters are on the “do not recycle” list in most cases, along with televisions and other appliances. However, just as there are special entities that can recycle electronic devices in a safe and environmentally friendly way, there are also paths you can take to recycle used air filters. Can a domestic air filter really be recycled? The answer is that it depends on the type of filter your air conditioner has. Most households use the disposable type made with woven fibers such as fiberglass or polyester, which cannot be recycled.Disposable filters do their job by trapping dust, dirt, and other small particles that can be harmful to a person's health. But once they get dirty, it's not possible to simply wash and reuse them once more. It's not healthy or safe to use them again. In general, air filters are not recyclable. This may not sound like what you want to hear, but it's the real position.
But then, why is that so? Air filters, especially disposable ones, are a product of woven fibers, which are often fiberglass or polyester. These materials have proven to be difficult to recycle. Many recycling stations often remove them from the list of their recyclable materials. Unfortunately, oven filters are made of non-recyclable materials such as polyester and fiberglass and only some small parts are recyclable. However, the remaining materials can be recycled such as cardboard and plastic. In this regard, this publication will address the problems of air filters and the effects they could have on the environment.
When deciding to throw out air filters, you should follow some processes to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Unfortunately, uncertainty is one of the main causes of recycling neglect around the world so it is essential to first determine if the oven filter is recyclable. Read these brief and concise do's and don'ts to help speed up the process and avoid any mishaps in recycling oven filters. Oven filters need maintenance to stop any problems with airflow which means they can start to build up over time. Air filters may look dirty but what you see may be just part of the dirt and debris that one of these filters may contain.
Most cities will advise that these disposable filters simply be dumped in the trash at least when it comes to disposable air filters. If you're lucky they'll swap out the old filter material with a new one and then follow the right steps to recycle the old material. Depending on the types you buy your filter can be comprised of anything from fiberglass to plastic wire mesh or a combination. Have a plastic bag ready when you are going to change the air filter and immediately place the old filter in this bag when you remove it from your oven or intake vent. But then behind this short answer is a long explanation of how cautious you should be when it comes to air filters. Placing the filter in a large plastic bag and sealing it will help avoid additional environmental impact due to particles or debris captured by the filter. Keep in mind that if you choose permanent reusable filters you must ensure that the filter is completely dry before placing it back in the oven.
You can also reduce the number of filters you use by purchasing a reusable air filter for your home. While not all of these materials may be recyclable with some diligent efforts you can dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner by contacting an HVAC company or supplier for more information. Your HVAC technician may also be able to recommend a reusable filter for your HVAC system or at least a more efficient filter than the one you are using. . .