As you know, HEPA filters are used to capture nanoparticles (from 10 to 200 nm) as well as VOCs and odors during the 3D printing process. A common question is: what should you do after 3 to 6 months of use, when the filter surface from white turn to gray or black = time to change.
After use, the filter may contain absorbed (VOCs) and (UFPs), making it unsuitable for general waste disposal. Therefore, it should be treated as non-recyclable chemical waste.
I. How to replace the filter (safely)
- Turn off the printer and unplug any connected filtration system.
- Allow the printer and enclosure to cool completely.
- Wear disposable gloves and a mask (FFP2 recommended) to avoid contact with trapped particles or VOCs.
- Open the filter housing
- Carefully remove the used filter and place it directly into a sealable plastic bag
- Insert the new Alveo3D filter securely, ensuring airflow direction
II. How to dispose of the used filter
- Do not burn or shred the filter.
- If possible, wear gloves and a mask during handling.
- Place the used filter in a sealed plastic bag.
- Dispose of it with general waste if local laws allow (specify this depends on local regulations).
- Avoid touching the filter media directly.
For professional use involving ultrafine particles smaller than 200 nm, whose toxicity is not yet fully documented for all types of particles involved, it has been recommended to anticipate the worst-case scenario and to advise disposing of used filters through an incineration channel. In all cases, we recommend placing the used filter in a hermetically sealed bag.
⚠️ Do Not:
- Do not dismantle it to reuse materials.
- Do not dispose of it in compost or recycling bins unless specifically allowed.
Until now, there’s no unified EU-wide rule on HEPA filter disposal from 3D printers. No single regulation or standard explicitly covers the disposal of used HEPA filters from 3D printers.
