Most recyclers will let you know how they prefer to receive your old insulation, so check with them before heading off. Remember, the only types of insulation you can recycle are natural fiber and mineral wool insulation. You will need to drop off all other types at your local waste disposal center.
Call your local waste-management office and ask what to do with the insulation of your type. In some cases, you can place the bags out with your regular trash. In others, you will have to take it to a designated area at the dump.
If you have fiberglass insulation you would like to recycle, call your local recycling facility to see if they can handle it. If not, they may know the nearest facility that can take your insulation.
First, it can be cut into smaller pieces and used for insulating around objects or in spaces that often have small or awkward voids that need to be filled. Extra insulation can be used around air ducts or piping to prevent freezing and ensure temperatures stay at the appropriate level.
Generally speaking, replacing old insulation may not be worth it if old insulation is dry, free of dust and it is not squashed. In this case, its removal isn't necessary. In fact, it can be quite beneficial to leave old insulation.
Moisture Sensitivity: One of the major drawbacks of blown-in insulation is its susceptibility to moisture. If your attic has a moisture problem or experiences water leaks, the insulation can become damp, leading to mold growth and reduced effectiveness.
Use rakes to collect insulation on to dustpan, place collected insulation into waste bag (without commercial vacuum usage). Use the Shop-Vac to remove remaining insulation after raking and vacuum the attic floor (without commercial vacuum usage).
Asbestos insulation comes in many forms and can look loose, lumpy, and fluffy like wool or hardened like corrugated cardboard or pebbly, and has a gray, gray-brown, or silvery gold color.
Underground Disposal
This will help prevent the spread of harmful chemicals into the environment and minimize environmental impact. The best option for disposal of fiberglass insulation is to take it to a local landfill that accepts construction waste.
Expect costs of between $1 and $2 per square foot to remove insulation, with blown-in varieties near the lower end and rigid types near the top end. Keep in mind that those prices are for dry and in good condition non-asbestos insulation.
In summary, the disposal process for insulation involves identifying the type of insulation, removing it from the building, transporting it to the appropriate facility, and either recycling it or disposing it off as hazardous waste, depending on the type of insulation and local regulations.
If you have a large amount of insulation that won't fit in your trash bin, you can haul it to a landfill or your municipal waste facility. Just make sure to take it to a facility that accepts construction and demolition waste. Fees may apply. Some types of insulation can be recycled.
After removing the staples, simply roll out and fold the fiberglass insulation individually. It's best to start from the farthest corner of the room. Discard them in large garbage bags. Talk to your local waste management department to know where you can take them for proper disposal.
Environmentally friendly: Cellulose is an entirely recycled insulation, made from shredded waste paper and wood products that have been repurposed. This also makes it mostly biodegradable, as well as endlessly recyclable.
Look for insulation blower rental equipment in The Home Depot Tool Rental Center to help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Heating and cooling costs are the biggest portion of utility bills for the average homeowner.
The preferred method of removing blown in insulation is by machine, using a vacuum process to suck the insulation out of the attic. This is the most efficient option and can save both time and money. If you're doing the removal yourself, you'll need to rent a high-powered insulation vacuum.
Use caution when vacuuming up the insulation, and use plastic sheets to protect parts of your attic/house if necessary. After the vacuum is full, empty it into large heavy-duty trash bags and ensure that they are sealed very tightly, perhaps double-bagging for extra protection.
Blown-in insulation, available in fiberglass and cellulose varieties, generally lasts 20 to 30 years. Fiberglass tends to be the more durable option, while cellulose is more sensitive to humidity, which can affect its longevity in certain climates.
Blown-In Cellulose Particles Are Paper.
Unlike glass fibers, cellulose isn't dangerous to breathe. However, it can irritate your lungs. If you have pre-existing allergies, the dust of cellulose insulation can be obnoxious.
Unlike blown-in fiberglass, blown-in cellulose is safe to touch with bare hands. While your hands may come away dusty, contact dermatitis is not a risk when touching ground-up paper.
Do I Have To Remove Old Insulation? Unless your insulation is wet, moldy or infested with pests, you don't need to remove it before adding insulation on top of it. ENERGY STAR® recommends that you inspect your insulation for signs of mold, mildew, moisture and pest infiltration before making this determination.
Both open-cell spray foam and closed-cell spray foam are paintable, but you must be careful with both. Closed-cell spray foam tends to offer a more rigid surface, but it can be smoother, making it harder for the paint to adhere. Several light coats may be necessary for the best coverage.
When blown-in insulation settles, your attic loses insulation performance. Settling compromises the R-value of your insulation.