How do I dispose of my used filters?Updated a month ago
At Coway, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy home. When it’s time to replace your filters, it is important to dispose of the old ones correctly.
Because our high-performance filters are made of a composite of materials (including synthetic HEPA fibers and activated carbon), they cannot be placed in your household recycling bin.
Step-by-Step Disposal Guide
1. Prepare for RemovalBefore opening your unit, we recommend wearing a mask and gloves if you suffer from severe allergies or asthma, as the used filter will have captured a high concentration of dust and allergens.
2. Bag the Old FilterPlace the used HEPA and Carbon filters into a plastic bag (a bin liner works perfectly) and seal it tightly. This prevents the trapped dust, pollen, and pollutants from escaping back into your home.
3. Disposal (General Waste)In the UK, used air filters are classified as General Household Waste. You should place the sealed bag into your black/grey household wheelie bin.
Can any part be recycled?
The Pre-Filter (The Mesh Frame): If your model has a permanent plastic pre-filter, do not throw this away! This part is designed to be washed/vacuumed and reused for the life of the machine.
The Packaging: The cardboard box and paper inserts from your new replacement filter are fully recyclable and can go into your standard paper/card recycling bin.
Why can’t HEPA filters be recycled?
HEPA filters are made from very fine glass or synthetic fibers that are densely matted together. Once they have "trapped" pollutants, chemicals, and particles, they cannot be safely cleaned or separated for recycling. Currently, there are no widespread UK facilities that process used HEPA material into new products.
Pro-Tip for a Fresher Home
To keep your new filters working efficiently for longer, we recommend vacuuming your Pre-Filter once every 2–4 weeks. This prevents large dust bunnies from clogging the expensive HEPA filter inside!