How to Recycle Fiberglass

Recycled fiberglass can be used to make fiberglass canoes and boats.

Recycling materials instead of letting them sit in a landfill has led to the development of new technologies to deal with almost any type of material. According to Seawolf Design, fiberglass insulation and pressed panels used to be difficult to reuse but now can be used in many ways. Most homeowners encounter fiberglass material when removing and replacing old insulation, or in the form of corrugated panels. Both of these materials can be remade into boats, spray insulation, and many other items.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic garbage bags
• Heavy work gloves
• Respirator
• Safety goggles

Instructions

1. Call your city or county waste management office. Ask if any of the recycling centers in your area accept fiberglass insulation.

2. Contact the state environmental protection department and ask about hazardous waste recycling. The United States Environmental Protection Agency website explains that each state has at least one office that can help you find a proper recycling outlet for your fiberglass.

3. Find a company or association that specializes in recycling fiberglass. The experts at Fiberglass World maintain a list of such organizations from all around the world.

4. Wrap the fiberglass insulation or paneling in heavy plastic garbage bags and seal them with duct tape. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a respirator while handling insulation to avoid eye or skin irritation.

5. Salvage and reuse the fiberglass panels or insulation. If the batts of fiberglass insulation are still intact, they may be able to be used again as they are. Broken pieces of fiberglass paneling can be reused for smaller projects, such as a miniature greenhouse.

Tips & Warnings

• Many waste management offices hold monthly or yearly hazardous waste clean-up days, where homeowners can bring their hazardous waste in for processing by professionals.

• Do not work with fiberglass insulation without the proper safety gear. Inhaled fiberglass particles can lead to permanent lung irritation.

References

• Fiberglass World: Fiberglass Recycling Exchange
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency: Where You Live

Resources

• Earth911