When it comes to air filters, it is essential to keep in mind that your health should be a priority. These filters can expose you to dust, dirt, and even potentially hazardous chemicals. As such, most cities don't accept them as recyclable material, but instead require them to be thrown away. The answer to this question is yes, air filters can be recycled, but the process is not as straightforward as putting the filter into the recycling bin.
The frame of a filter is made of recyclable material, but the filter itself can consist of several types of material. The materials used to create a filter include fiberglass, wire mesh, paper, and plastic. The non-recyclable materials in an air filter can contaminate a batch of recyclable materials and complicate the process. Dust and debris that enter the air conditioning system while the air filter is being removed can cause all kinds of damage to the most important and vital equipment. The higher the MERV rating, the more filtered the air that passes through it will be and how often it will need to be cleaned.
If you'd rather not go through the trouble of recycling your air filter (we understand), learn how to properly dispose of your filter safely and efficiently. If you maintain your air conditioning unit according to the manufacturer's instructions, you're accumulating between four and twelve used HVAC air filters a year. Most of this dirt and debris can break down quite easily, especially if you shake the air filter or hit it against something. Indoor air quality depends on the constant replacement or cleaning of household filters. Recycling air filters is a bit more complicated than simply placing them in the weekly cardboard collection.
Instead of leaving the system unprotected, replace the filter with a new one immediately to ensure that the air intake grille remains fully protected at all times. Fortunately, there are places to recycle home air filters, but you might have to do some research to find them. While your home's air quality benefits from your diligent efforts to change your air filters once a month, you may be accumulating used air filters and feeling guilty about what you're wasting. If you want to reduce your environmental footprint, talk to an air filter company that offers the right air filter removal services. Once you have placed the new air filter, immediately take the old filter to the trash can and discard it there.
Many of the problems that can cause the system to slow down or stop working completely can be attributed, at least partially, to an old or clogged air filter, so changing it regularly is an important part of home maintenance. Recycling air filters is possible but requires some extra effort on your part. To ensure that your home's air quality remains healthy and safe for everyone in your household, make sure that you are replacing or cleaning your filters regularly. If you want to reduce your environmental impact even further, look for an air filter company that offers recycling services for used filters.
