SOUTH MIAMI Blog

Can insulation be reused or recycled?

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely reuse or recycle insulation! Just because your insulation is old, doesn’t mean it can’t be reused. In fact, many types of insulation, like fiberglass batts, can be recycled and reused if they still have a useful R-value. This means that they can still effectively regulate temperature, making them a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners. However, it’s important to note that just because batts can be peeled apart and replaced, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t need any new insulation additionally.

Many types of insulation, such as cellulose insulation, are produced with environmentally friendly products that cannot only help prolong their lifespan but also contribute to reduced waste after they’re no longer useful to your household. However, it's important to consult with a skilled industry professional before doing so, as any leftover deteriorated or damaged material can leave you with an unsolved problem rather than an efficient fix.

As we all strive to be more eco-friendly, many of us are looking for ways to recycle old materials instead of simply throwing them away. This is especially true when it comes to insulation, as this is a product that can last for many years if properly cared for.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is a great sustainable product for those homeowners that want an environmentally conscious product and installation. This type of insulation is made up of 80% recycled material, with a majority coming from recycled newspapers. That makes it an already very environmentally-friendly product. Cellulose insulation is also treated with a flame retardant chemical, boric acid, making it a safe product to use in your home despite being produced with recycled paper. Not only is cellulose insulation good for the environment, but it is also an effective way to insulate your home. Cellulose insulation has a high R-value, meaning it will resist heat flow and keep your home well insulated. If you are looking for a sustainable and effective insulation product, cellulose insulation is a great option!

Cellulose insulation cannot be recycled. That’s because of the fire-retardant materials used in cellulose. So while cellulose is environmentally friendly in almost every other respect, there is this one downside: you can’t recycle it.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is another sustainable insulation product and it can be reused and recycled. While fiberglass isn’t made primarily of recycled material like cellulose is, it still has the ability to be reused as long as it hasn’t been previously damaged. If your fiberglass insulation has water damage it can lead to mold and bacteria growth if not handled properly. A common mistake unprofessional installers make is to pack down blown-in fiberglass – this can not only reduce the R-value (a material’s resistance to heat transfer), but it also hides damage and deterioration. If you suspect that your fiberglass insulation has water damage, it’s important to have it professionally inspected so that the proper steps can be taken to recycle or replace it. This will ensure that your home is well insulated and safe from any potential health hazards. Despite these potential problems, reusing fiberglass insulation is a great way to reduce waste and keep this product out of landfills. 

Can fiberglass insulation be recycled? The answer is technically “yes,” but relatively few U.S. counties currently accept fiberglass insulation for recycling. Those that do will have special rules for accepting the material — most will not allow you to simply leave it at the curb.

If you want to recycle your insulation, your best bet is to check with your local waste management company or recycling center to see if they have any suggestions. In some cases, you may be able to recycle your insulation through a company that specializes in recycling building materials.

At Koala Insulation, we're committed to sustainable practices so we’ll gladly do a free insulation evaluation of your attic to check the state of your old insulation and help you with the installation of additional or new insulation.