The answer to the question of whether furnace filters can be recycled 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 different materials. It all depends on the type of air filter you have. A typical disposable HVAC filter is usually made with woven fibers, such as polyester or fiberglass, which are not recyclable.
When it comes to dealing with air filters, it's important to consider your health as well. These filters can expose you to dust, dirt, and even potentially harmful chemicals. As such, most cities don't accept them for recycling and instead require them to be thrown away. Unfortunately, oven filters are made of non-recyclable materials like polyester and fiberglass, and only some small parts are recyclable. However, the remaining materials can be recycled, such as cardboard and plastic.
Air filters cannot be recycled through most programs and are accepted only as garbage. So can air filters be recycled? If you look at 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. Normally, air filters should be thrown away in the trash rather than recycled. Although some of the material is recyclable (such as the paper box on the outside), the filter collects all kinds of contaminants to keep them out of the lungs, so they are garbage instead of recycling. One of the best ways to recycle an air filter is to contact an HVAC company or supplier.
These companies work with these filters every day and have the means to recycle their used filter in the best possible way. 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. 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. An HVAC professional should be able to offer advice based on the type and brand of filter you are using, as well as the construction of your filter and the materials it contains. Remembering to replace the oven filter will benefit your HVAC system in the long run and prevent debris from accumulating inside. Once you change the air filter, however, the old oven air filter can release dirt and debris into your home's air which could lower indoor air quality. In this post, we outline six steps that will help you dispose of and recycle old ovens and air filters:
- Contact an HVAC company or supplier for advice on how to recycle your old air filter.
- Check with your local recycling center for any special programs they may have for disposing of air filters.
- Look for a local hazardous waste disposal facility that accepts air filters.
- Check with your local government for any special programs they may have for disposing of air filters.
- Look for a local hazardous waste disposal facility that accepts air filters.
- If all else fails, throw away your old air filter in a sealed bag.
Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, so by following these guidelines you can effectively complete the oven filter recycling process. Most cities will advise that these disposable filters simply be dumped in the trash when it comes to disposable air filters. However, there are ways to recycle your old HVAC filters if you know where to look.
