Insulation Board Sustainability: Recycling and Disposal Best Practices

Insulation is a key component of energy-efficient, comfortable homes. Materials like rigid foam insulation boards help reduce heating and cooling costs while providing moisture protection. But what happens when it’s time to remove or replace old insulation boards?

With some forethought, these materials can be recycled or disposed of responsibly. This article provides tips for sustainable insulation board practices.

Why Recycle Insulation?

Around 70% of rigid foam insulation is estimated to end up in landfills. Recycling helps divert these materials and conserves resources. Other advantages include:

• Prevents emissions from manufacturing new foam. Recycling uses up to 90% less energy.
• Reduces landfill waste. Millions of pounds of insulation get landfilled each year.
• Allows materials to be remade into new products. Recycled foam can be remanufactured.
• Creates local jobs and supports the circular economy. Recycling keeps materials in use.
• Provides cost savings on waste disposal. Recycling is often cheaper than landfilling.
• Helps meet green building standards. Proper disposal can contribute to LEED credits.

Best Practices for Recycling Foam Boards

The first step is verifying if your insulation boards can be recycled. Here are some best practices:

• Check for recycling symbols on the insulation facer. Look for the EPS, XPS, or polyiso marks.
• Contact the manufacturer about take-back programs. Some companies recycle their old products.
• Search for local recyclers. While not common yet, more places are starting to recycle foam.
• Ask your demolition crew about recycling services. Some contractors partner with recyclers.
• Consider recycling on future projects. Design for deconstruction and recyclability.
• Keep materials clean and dry for recycling. Remove tape, nails, and debris from boards.
• Break down insulation into manageable pieces. Transportation is easier with smaller sections.
• Bag or contain materials properly. Prevent loose pieces from contaminating other recyclables.
• Label insulation loads for the recycling center. Identify the type of foam if possible.

If recycling is not an option, disposal at a construction and demolition (C&D) landfill is the next best approach.

Responsible Disposal Methods

For insulation that cannot be recycled, follow these guidelines for proper disposal:

• Avoid illegal dumping. Don’t leave old insulation on abandoned properties or vacant lots.
• Call your local waste authority about foam disposal. Some landfills may not accept foam.
• Take boards to a C&D landfill if allowed. Foam takes up a lot of space in regular landfills.
• Verify the landfill has a permit for foam waste. Unlined landfills can contaminate groundwater.
• Contain loose pieces in bags for transport and disposal. Prevent fragments from blowing away.
• Cover boards during transport. Netting or tarps keep insulation contained.
• Consider hazmat disposal if needed. Asbestos or other hazardous materials may require special disposal.
• Talk to an environmental disposal company. They can properly handle and document regulated waste.
• Ask about certification programs. Some landfills meet standards for environmental practices.
• Inquire about incineration. High-temperature incineration may be an option in some areas.

Planning Ahead for the Future

Here are some ways to plan ahead for insulation board sustainability:

• Use recyclable or reusable forms whenever possible. Avoid foam with paper facers that can’t be recycled.
• Design structures for flexible use and eventual deconstruction. This facilitates insulation recovery.
• Keep records of insulation installation. Note materials, locations, and quantities for future reference.
• Discuss insulation recycling options with contractors or suppliers. Get their advice early in the design process.
• Lease rather than purchase materials when feasible. Manufacturers then handle take-back and recycling.
• Evaluate eco-friendly insulation like recycled cotton or fiberglass. These may offer sustainability benefits over foam.
• Support policies that encourage recycling infrastructure and mandates. This helps increase recycling opportunities.

Reusing Old Insulation Boards

In some cases, insulation boards may still be in good condition when removed or replaced. Reusing this insulation can be a sustainable option, provided a few guidelines are followed:

• Inspect boards closely and reject any with damage or deterioration. Look for cracking, compression, water staining, or insect infestation.
• Verify the R-value meets current code requirements. Testing at a lab may be needed for older materials without ratings.
• Check that fire retardant treatments are still effective. Materials must meet safety standards before reinstallation.
• Clean boards thoroughly and re-cut to size as needed. Remove any old adhesives, nails, or tape residues.
• Use only in non-critical areas. Reused insulation may be prone to faster degradation. Don’t install in roof or below-grade applications.
• Supplement with new insulation as required. Add layers of new boards or batts to achieve desired R-values if reused insulation is not sufficient.
• Detail reused insulation on plans. Inform contractors or future owners.
• Consider reuse for non-insulation purposes. Old foam boards may serve other uses on the construction site or for crafts and hobbies if not suitable for insulating.

With caution, reusing intact insulation boards can divert waste and reduce environmental impacts. But extensive testing and replacement may negate the sustainability benefits in some cases.

Improving Recycling Accessibility

While interest in insulation recycling is growing, significant hurdles remain. Here are some ways to improve recycling options:

• Support local and state policies to require recycling of construction/demolition waste. This compels recycling infrastructure development.
• Advocate for advanced disposal fees on insulation to fund recycling programs. Fees help cover collection and processing costs.
• Increase consumer education on insulation recycling. Many homeowners don’t know if or how to recycle foam boards.
• Encourage companies to offer recycling services or take-back programs. Work with major manufacturers and retailers to make this convenient for customers.
• Invest in facilities and research for insulation recycling. Funding can help optimize processes and expand capacity.
• Develop broad-based public-private partnerships. Collaboration between governments, businesses, organizations, and communities is key to growing recycling opportunities over the long-term.
• Implement standards for labelling and identification. Consistent labelling aids sorting at recycling facilities.
• Promote designing for deconstruction principles. This allows easier recovery of salvageable insulation for reuse or remanufacturing.

With a systemic approach, insulation recycling can become mainstream. Closing the loop starts with each player in the supply chain contributing to shared solutions.

Final words

With proper planning and disposal practices, insulation boards can play a valuable role in energy efficiency without sacrificing sustainability. Taking steps to recycle or responsibly dispose of these common building materials makes environmental and economic sense now and in the future.