Can we reuse the old insulation from our lofts?
If you want to know if you can recycle your old loft insulation, read this post.
Insulating the loft, attic, or flat roof is a practical and effective approach to limit heat transfer and assure constant and comfortable temperatures all year round. This is because heat loss usually occurs through the roof. Your energy bills and environmental impact can both be diminished with this.
Loft insulation has a long lifespan—decades or more—but eventually, you may have to remove the old insulation and install new one because of damage, rodents, or simply getting older. Being aware of your recycling alternatives is essential for the correct disposal of your existing loft insulation.
Standard materials used for loft insulation
The materials used to make old loft insulation are the most important factor to consider while recycling it. Various materials with unique qualities and properties are commonly used for loft insulation, including mineral wool, cellulose and natural fiber.
With the exception of cellulose and foam, all of the aforementioned loft insulation materials are recyclable. In terms of insulation, cellulose is among the most eco-friendly and long-lasting options because it is primarily composed of recycled paper. Cellulose is 100% recyclable except for the insoluble fire retardants such borax, ammonium sulphate, and boric acid that it contains.
Foam insulation, often called expanded polystyrene (EPS), includes benzene and petroleum, making recycling an impractical alternative. The expense of collecting, storing, and transporting foam to a recycling plant is high because it contains as much as 98% air. The advantages of recycling foam aren’t worth the time and energy it takes.
Insulation materials that are mostly composed of natural materials, such as denim, mineral wool, and natural fiber, are readily recyclable.
Make use of a commercial compactor
The amount of material you wish to recycle is another consideration when recycling old loft insulation. Use an industrial compactor, such as the IC60, to decrease the amount of space that material takes up, which in turn reduces operational expenses by making storage and garbage collection easier, if you need to deal with big amounts of material.
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