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How do I dispose used, contaminated filters?

April 06, 2022 | yourfilter GmbH

How do I dispose of used, contaminated filters?

    Ask yourself this question conscientious managers and are with their local disposal companies in contact. We give tips and hints on how to deal with contaminated filters in order not to risk fines and to protect employees.

    Correct occupational safety does not end with the use of new filter elements, but with the correct disposal of the old, contaminated filter.

    Filter Entsorgung Container

    Fig.1: Skip container 

    We spoken to the large disposal company REMONDIS , what a correct disposal can look like:  

    Contaminated filters apply according to Waste Catalog Ordinance (AVV) to AVV 15 02 02: "Absorbent and filter materials (including oil filters not otherwise specified), wipes and protective clothing contaminated with hazardous substances" (Federal Office of Justice AVV - non-official table of contents (gesetze-im-internet.de)). There are several ways to dispose of them:

    1. Small filters: Storage and disposal via 120-200 l clamping ring drums
    2. Filter with a maximum dimension of 100 x 100 cm: Storage and disposal via an ASP 800 exchange container (800 l)
    3. Filters larger than 100 x 100 cm and / or larger quantities: Packed as contamination-free as possible in a PE bag + transport box in a BigBag (plastic fabric) on a pallet or disposed of in a skip (separate collection)

    In all three cases the disposal company must be commissioned to collect it. Contaminated filters are considered hazardous substance and must according to Transport law ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) BMDV - Dangerous Goods - Law / Regulations - Road (bmvi.de) registered with the disposal company and transported.

    The disposal company takes the contaminated filters to an interim storage facility, where they are repackaged. The filters are then incinerated.

    Conclusion: Contaminated filters must not get into the normal waste. Anyone who disregards this risks a four-digit fine in case of doubt.