HEPA filters are an essential part of keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. But when it comes to disposing of them, are they recyclable? Unfortunately, the answer is no. HEPA filters are usually made of fiberglass or a form of polyester fibers, and these materials are not recyclable. Although there may be other elements of a filter unit that are technically recyclable, removing them will involve tearing apart a dirty filter.
The frame of a filter consists of recyclable material, but the filter itself can consist of several types of material. The materials used to create a filter include materials ranging from fiberglass, wire mesh, paper and plastic. Non-recyclable materials in an air filter can contaminate a batch of recyclable materials and complicate the process. Air filters generally need to be disposed of in the trash, rather than recycled.
HEPA filters should be discarded and replaced every six months or a year, although this metric may increase or decrease depending on use. Unless you're willing to do your best to recycle them, those disposable filters will be disposed of in a landfill. The filter has completed its task of keeping it healthy and must now be discarded. You can also reduce the number of filters you use by purchasing a reusable air filter for your home.
Another type of eco-friendly filter is washable air filters, also known as reusable HVAC air filters. These filters are slightly more expensive than other types of filters, but they can last up to five years with great care and may be worth the price in the long run for some people. When you want to recycle an air filter, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that materials are properly cared for. The entire filter cleaning process should be done every few months to avoid any clogging problems. Indoor air quality depends on the constant replacement or cleaning of your home's filters. To keep your air cleaner working as it should, you should change the filters regularly (frequency varies by model).
And who wants to handle a filter full of all the pollutants they want to remove from the air to begin with? And better yet, don't use a disposable filter that goes to a landfill after a few months.
