How to Dispose of Fiberglass
by Steve Smith
Fiberglass is a very strong and lightweight material. However, this means it often outlives the object's usefulness and therefore runs to the end of its life cycle. This is the case with boats, tables, chairs and even old car stereo enclosures. Long after the item has run its useful course of existence, the fiberglass still remains. So if you are dismantling a fiberglass object and want to dispose of it properly, there are ways to go about it.
Step 1
Remove the fiberglass from the surface of the material it is covering to salvage parts of the object. This is not necessary, but it is a meaningful step if you want to keep any part of the object. Use a heat gun and a scraper to peel the fiberglass from the object.
Step 2
Cut the fiberglass into small strips and pieces that are anywhere from a few inches to a foot wide. Use a jig saw or knife for this step. The point is to cut long sheets into more manageable pieces.
Step 3
Throw the scraps into a trash bag or a container. Any bag or container that will hold the scraps will suffice.
Step 4
Take the container to a dump site in your town and properly dispose of them. If your town offers recycling of fiberglass, dispose of the fiberglass in its fiberglass recycling bin. If not, you may choose to locate an industrial recycler that accepts scrap fiberglass. You must locate one in the phone book or through the town dump operator in your town.
Things You'll Need
- Trash bag
- Dump container
- Jigsaw
- Heat gun
- Scraper
Warnings
- Fiberglass should never be burned or shredded. Fumes and fibers from fiberglass may be harmful when inhaled and will irritate skin. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling or working with fiberglass.
Writer Bio
Steve Smith has published articles on a wide range of topics including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
