How do you dispose of old air filters?

Author: Lue Willms  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Five Tips for Properly Disposing of an Old Air Filter
  1. Immediately Put Your Old Filter Into a Plastic Bag. ...
  2. Don't Shake a Dirty Air Filter. ...
  3. Tape the Plastic Bag Shut. ...
  4. Dispose of Old Air Filters in an Outside Trash Can. ...
  5. Never Leave Your HVAC System Without a Filter.

Are furnace filters garbage or recycle?

According to the Region of Peel, your furnace filter is garbage and can be safely disposed of in your garbage bin, or your grey bin. You can also wrap it up in an extra garbage bag if yours is already full.

What to do with an old AC filter?

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 of recycling your used filter in the best way possible.

How do you recycle old filters?

Your options include: Contacting your filter supplier and asking if the local recycling branch is capable of disposing of filters. Using the mail-in prepaid mailers that recycling companies offer for used air filters. In some cases, a recycling program will even provide return a new filter made from recycled materials.

Can you throw away air filters?

Dispose of Dirty Filters Outside

Take it outside and throw it out there. Even though you may have placed the soiled air filter in a garbage bag, objects in the trash can have a way of poking holes or puncturing bags. A little opening can let dust and other particles return to your indoor air.

How to recycle any air filter

Can Filtrete air filters be recycled?

Ways to recycle air filters:

Contact an HVAC company or supplier. Some will accept used filters for disposal. Use a mail-in recycling company that sends prepaid mailers to send off used filters for recycling. Purchase reusable filters as opposed to disposable ones.

What to do with an old Hepa filter?

Proper Disposal of Used Filters In general, while used carbon filters and HEPA filters can be disposed of in approved landfills, it is important to check with your laboratory safety officer in advance of filter disposal. Local codes may also determine how your used filters should be disposed.

Should I recycle air filter?

As such, most cities will not accept them as recycling, they have to placed in the garbage instead. Keep in mind that this means placing the entire air filter in the garbage, even the cardboard frame, despite the fact that as cardboard, it could theoretically be recycled.

Does Home Depot recycle plastic?

Customer Recycling Services

The Home Depot takes back rechargeable batteries, CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and plastic bags. You can find a recycling bin with directions for dropping off these materials near the entrance of your local Home Depot store.

What to do with old car air filters?

Dispose of Old Air Filters in an Outside Trash Can

Even a small hole can allow some of that dust and debris back into your air. Once you have the new air filter in place, immediately bring the old filter out to your trash can and throw it away there.

How often do you really need to change your AC filter?

How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.

What should I do with my old AC?

First, find a recycling facility that accepts air conditioner units. In most areas, there are facilities specifically designed for the disposal of electronic wastes and appliances such as AC units. Search online or contact your local facility in charge of waste management for recommendations.

How to dispose of blue air filters?

The filters are recyclable. The filter itself is made mostly of polypropylene. You can take them to your local recycle center and recycle them as a 5 or a 7.

Are air filters worth it?

Do air purifiers actually make a difference? Yes, they can be effective at removing airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. This can help reduce airborne allergens4 lead to a cleaner indoor environment.

Where do furnace filters go?

Look for the Removable Cover: In most furnaces, the filter sits directly behind a removable access panel. ” This cover is often located at the front or side of the furnace and may be of plastic or metal construction. It can be slid and locked by use of screws or it can be slid and locked.

Are cardboard furnace filters recyclable?

Furnace filters are made of different materials, the most common being fiberglass. There are parts of a furnace filter that are typically recyclable, such as the outer cardboard frame but the inner part of the actual filter is not recyclable.

What can I recycle at Lowe's?

Materials Accepted
  • Button Batteries.
  • Cell Phones & Small Tablets.
  • Mercury-Containing Products (thermostats - thermometers - CFL Light Bulbs)
  • Plastic Bags & Wrap.

What can I recycle at Office Depot?

Acceptable items include: Monitors, fax machines, desktop and laptop computers, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, telephones, digital cameras, VCR/DVD players, televisions, cords and cables.

Can you throw away old air filters?

To properly dispose of a used air filter:

3 - Place it gently into the bag without shaking it. This will prevent it from releasing the dust and particles into the air. 4 - Tie or tape the bag shut. 5 - Take the bagged air filter and place it in an outside trash can or dumpster.

Are air filters hazardous waste?

Air filters are regulated as a solid waste mixed with a listed hazardous waste.

Are old filters recyclable?

Some pleated filters can be recycled, especially if they are made from recyclable plastics or materials that can be processed in recycling facilities. However, it's essential to check with your local recycling program to determine whether they accept pleated filters.

Where to dispose of HEPA filters?

Just throw it in the garbage when replacing it. If your HEPA filter has been used to remove toxic chemicals or radioactive isotopes you must wear a hazmat suit and approved respirator for the toxin you are dealing with, take the filter and place it into a hazmat bag and dispose of it at a hazardous waste garbage dump.

What to do with old Dyson filters?

Dyson Purifier filters aren't currently recyclable - due to the pollutants and contaminates they can contain, they should be disposed of as part of your normal household waste. As a consumable part, our engineers strive to ensure they have the longest working life possible.

Are HEPA filters hazardous waste?

HEPA filters used to remove biological material can be disposed of after gas decontamination as solid waste. However, filters contaminated with certain chemotherapy or antineoplastic drugs must be disposed of as hazardous chemical waste due to their toxicity, if they are a “U” or “P” listed waste.

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