If you have an old air purifier or some spent filters you want to get rid of, there may be only one question on your mind. How do you dispose of an air purifier? Read this guide for tips on how to dispose of purifiers and their air filters. You can also read this guide to learn more about the best air filters.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Before disposing of an air purifier or a related air filter, check with your local government for specific instructions.
- Most air purifiers can simply be thrown in the trash, though it will depend on the unit’s size and internal components.
- Used HEPA filters should be placed in a resealable bag before being disposed of. Additionally, wear gloves and a mask when dealing with a used filter.
When Do You Get Rid of Air Filters?
HEPA filters need to be disposed of and replaced every six months to one year, though this metric can increase or decrease depending on usage. Electrostatic filters and activated carbon filters are permanent, meaning you should wash them every month instead of replacing them. Read this article to know whether your air purifier is working by checking the airflow.
Insider Tip
HEPA filters need to be disposed of and replaced every six months to one year, though this metric can increase or decrease depending on usage.
When Do You Get Rid of an Air Purifier?
An air purifier should be disposed of when it is no longer functioning properly and is just taking up space in your home. Some air purifiers are rather large, so getting rid of them could be a priority.
How Do You Dispose of an Air Purifier?
Air purifiers fall into different classes of trash depending on your location. Here are some tips.
Check Local Ordinances
You should take a few moments to check on any local rules and regulations that may impact air purifiers. Most cities will operate a specialized web portal with instructions regarding the disposal of a multitude of common home appliances. Looking at this site should give you all the information you need. If you are having trouble finding pertinent info, feel free to email a government official or direct message someone on Twitter or a related social network. You can also check out this guide to know if your air purifier is working.
Insider Tip
Most cities will operate a specialized web portal with instructions regarding the disposal of a multitude of common home appliances.
Put it in the Garbage
Though this will depend on where you live, many areas allow you to simply throw a dilapidated air purifier right in the garbage. If it is too big to fit in the garbage receptacle, many cities encourage citizens to bring it to a dedicated landfill or trash hauling center. We advise that you check with your city before putting an air purifier in the trash.
Give it Away or Sell it
If your air purifier still works, give it away or sell it. There are plenty of online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, where you can list local items for sale. You could also list it as free and see how long it takes for someone to come pick it up. Another option is to contact friends and family and let them know you have a used though functioning air purifier up for grabs. You will be making someone’s day.
How to Dispose of an Air Filter
For the purpose of these tips, we are assuming you are looking to dispose of a true HEPA filter since they need to be replaced twice a year.
Check With Local Agencies
Just as with air purifiers, you should perform a quick check to see if your city has placed any special restrictions on HEPA filters. These filters can occasionally contain toxic materials that they have taken from the air, so caution may be a necessity.
Place it in the Trash
You will likely be able to put a used air filter in the trash, though there are some steps you should take first. Wrap the purifier in a bag of some sort to protect anyone who handles it later on. You should also wear a mask and gloves while handling the used filter, though the amount of caution you exercise will likely depend on what it has been used to filter out from the air.
Warning
You should take a few moments to check on any local rules and regulations that may impact air purifiers.
Check for Contaminated Waste Receptacles
Some areas may place trash receptacles that have been purpose-built to handle toxic or contaminated materials. It may be a good idea to wrap the filter up in a sealable bag and place it in one of these bins. This could make things easier for the trash hauler later on. Check with your local government ahead of time.
F.A.Q.
Are air filters recyclable?
Some parts of an air filter are recyclable, but it is rare that the entire filter is. Check with the instructions that accompanied your filter and feel free to remove recyclable parts and throw them into the recycling bin.
How do I order more replacement filters?
You can easily order replacement air filters on a variety of e-shops, including Amazon. Check ahead of time to make sure that the replacement filter can integrate with your air purifier.
Why do I need to replace filters?
Air filters become clogged and dirty over time. HEPA filters, as an example, must be disposed of and replaced, as they contain sensitive components that cannot be cleaned.
STAT: A United Nations study reported that 53.6 million tons of e-waste were discarded in 2019, and only 17.4 percent of it was disposed of properly. (source)
