Can You Recycle Air Purifier Filters: What You Need to Know

Can we really recycle air purifier filters? That would be lovely if we can!

Air, it’s essential for our survival, but just because it’s all around us doesn’t mean it’s always good quality. 

That’s where air purifier filters come in – they help clean the air we breathe by trapping dust, chemicals, and other harmful particles. 

But while air filters are great for keeping us healthy, they can be tough on the environment when not properly disposed of. 

In this post, we’ll let you know if you can recycle air purifier filters, what happens to the filters after they’ve done their job and how you can ensure they’re not harming the planet. 

It’s a serious topic, but let’s have some fun with it, shall we?

can-you-recycle-air-purifier-filters-featured-image

Can You Recycle Air Purifier Filters?

You know what’s not so fun? Air pollution

And while air purifiers can help clean the air we breathe, they can also be tough on the environment. 

Running them constantly can use a lot of energy, and those filters must be replaced every few months. So can you recycle air purifier filters?

Unfortunately, you can recycle most air filters because of the toxic particles they’ve collected – they almost usually end up in a landfill. 

Although an air purifier filter might look recyclable, it’s unsafe to recycle because of all the particles. 

Even many recycling centers won’t take them because of the potential health hazards. 

So, the next time you’ve got a bunch of old air filters hanging around your house or office, don’t even think about dumping them in a recycling bin.

But don’t worry; we’ll discuss some ways to ensure those filters don’t harm the planet.

How to Dispose of Air Filters

Air filters are essential for keeping our air clean but are not so great for the environment. 

The vast majority of them contain fiberglass, which can’t be recycled. Even if they don’t, recycling air purifier filters are still unsafe because they’ve been trapping dust, pollutants, and debris. 

So, what do we do? 

The best option is to invest in reusable filters that can be washed and used for years. That way, you can decrease your carbon footprint. 

But if you’re stuck with one-time-use filters, don’t worry; we’ve got some tips on how to get rid of them properly.

Put your used air filter in a large plastic bag

Alright, you’ve got an old air purifier filter you need to dispose of, but you don’t want to just toss it in the trash. 

Here’s what you do: First, grab yourself a plastic bag. Make sure it’s big enough for your specific air filter. 

For example, air purifier filters are usually around 7 to 18 inches on each side, so you’ll need a large plastic bag. 

However, if you’re dealing with a refrigerator filter, it’ll probably fit in the palm of your hand, so a small shopping bag will do the trick. 

Next, ensure no holes are in the bag and open it up nice and wide. Carefully slide that old filter into the bag. And that’s it! 

Tie the bag to keep dust out

So, you’ve safely tucked your old air filter in a plastic bag. 

But we’re not done yet. 

We need to make sure that bag stays closed. 

So, if the bag comes with handles, tie them together and give them a good pull. That should keep the bag closed. 

If you’ve got a lot of extra plastic hanging around the top of the bag, twist it up and tie it into a knot.

That should keep everything nice and secure. 

And if you’re feeling extra cautious, you can always use duct tape to tighten and keep it intact. 

 Put the filter in the trash for pickup

After safely tucking away the old air filter in a plastic bag, it’s time to get rid of it. 

But don’t just leave it in your indoor trash can. 

You don’t want it getting punctured by something sharp and making a mess. 

So, take it to your outdoor trash can, and pop it in there. 

That way, it’ll be picked up with the rest of your garbage when your trash collector comes by. 

If you don’t have an outdoor trash can, no worries. Just keep the filter in your garage.

That’s it! You’ve safely disposed of your old air and done your part to keep the environment clean.

changing-air-purifier-filters-recycle

When Should You Discard An Air Purifier Filter?

Cluttering your home with old, broken items can be an energy zapper. 

Even the best air purifiers will eventually show signs of wear and tear. 

And let’s be honest, some of them are pretty big, so getting rid of them can free up some much-needed space. 

This is especially true for necklace units, those air purifiers you put around your neck. 

They’re great for cleaning the air you breathe, but once they’ve run their course, it’s time to say goodbye. 

So, if you’ve got an air purifier that’s not working properly and just taking up space, it might be time to think about getting rid of it.

Replace Dirty Filters with Reusable Filters

Granted, we need air filters to keep the air clean. 

But constantly buying new ones can be a real bummer, especially when we can’t recycle air purifier filters. 

However, here’s the good news: you can reduce the number of filters you use by getting a reusable one! 

That’s right, reusable filters are washable before reinstallation. The cleaning process should occur every few months to ensure it works correctly. 

Plus, they are not only better for the environment, but they’re also made from durable materials that last longer than disposable filters.

Sure, they may be a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it in the long run. 

Plus, you’ll save yourself the hassle of constantly buying new filters. So, reusable filters are the way to go if you want a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option. 

What Can You Do with Old Air Filters?

Air filters are essential in maintaining clean air in your home, but what do you do with them once they reach the end of their lifespan? 

While it’s unsafe to reuse or recycle air purifier filters due to the accumulation of toxins and pollutants, that doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. 

There are many ways to repurpose old air filters for other uses. 

The possibilities are endless, from protecting plants in your garden to making fire starters for camping or using them as oil filters for small engines. 

However, before repurposing an air filter, it is important to consider the possible health hazards and take the appropriate safety precautions. 

  • Use them as plant guards. You can cut old air filters to size and use them as guards to protect your plants from pests and insects. Simply wrap the filter around the base of the plant, securing it in place with a rubber band or twine.
  • Make a fire starter. Roll up old air filters tightly and use them as kindling for your next camping trip or your fireplace at home. They make great fire starters as they easily burn for a long time.
  • Use them as oil filters. Cut the air filter to size and place them in the oil filter housing for small engines or machinery. They will help to filter out impurities and keep the oil clean.
  • Cut them to size and use them to cover furniture or doorways during home renovations to keep dust from spreading to other parts of the house.
  • Use them as a cleaning tool. You can use them to clean blinds, baseboards, or even your car’s dashboard, as they are good at trapping dust and debris.
  • Use them for craft projects to make wreaths, garlands, or wall hangings.
  • Use them for composting: Lay them on the bottom of your compost bin to help filter out debris.

Air filters may have accumulated pollutants and toxins, so make sure you wear gloves and a mask when handling the filters to avoid inhaling or ingesting the particles. 

Also, ensure the filters are completely dry before repurposing them, as moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow.

Recycling Air Purifier Filters FAQs

Are Air Filters Recyclable?

Not all air purifier filters can be recycled. 

While some parts of the filter may be recyclable, the whole thing can rarely be. 

But don’t let that discourage you! 

Look at the instructions that came with your filter and see if there are any recyclable parts you can remove and toss in the recycling bin. 

Every little bit helps!

Why Do I Need to Replace Filters?

You must replace air filters because they get dirty and clogged over time. 

HEPA filters especially need regular replacement to keep them working at their best.

Can I Recycle Dirty Filters Another Way?

You can recycle dirty filters by contacting an HVAC company, using a mail-in recycling service, or investing in reusable filters.

How Do I Order More Replacement Filters?

If you want to stock up on replacement filters, you can easily order them on e-commerce platforms like Amazon. 

But before you hit that “buy” button, double-check to ensure the replacement filter is compatible with your air purifier. 

You want to avoid ending up with a filter that doesn’t fit!

woman-holds-clean-and-dirty-air-purifier-filters-recycle

Can You Recycle Air Purifier Filters: Conclusion

Alright, we’ve talked about air filters, and how awesome they are for keeping the air we breathe clean and improving our health. 

But, as much as we love them, they can also cause problems if we don’t care for them properly. 

We’ve discussed how recycling air filters might not be the best option because of the risks involved. 

So, what’s the solution? 

Properly disposing of them in the trash the right way. 

So, now that you know what to do with those old filters, you can breathe easy knowing you’re making a positive impact on the environment.

READ NEXT: The 3 Best Air Purifiers with Washable Filters