Dispose of PU foam


When disposing of PU foam, there are regulations that must be met. It is to distinguish between the cured PU foam and the construction foam container. You can find out here how to dispose of both materials correctly.

Building foam is widespread

PU foam is a versatile material used by do-it-yourselfers and, of course, in the craft industry. Not only that, consumers often wonder if building foam is toxic. Also, in terms of disposal, raise questions.

In these forms mounting foam (polyurethane) is available

First of all, it has to be noted which PU foam products actually exist:

  • PU foam from the cartridge or cartridge (disposable)
  • PU foam processed as local foam with the foam gun or foamed
  • PU foam as rigid foam products such as PUR sheets and insulating materials

Cured PU foam and construction foam container

This leaves two significantly different "residues" behind: the rigid PU foam and the construction foam container, because whether a PUR sheet or hardened PU foam out of the can - both are hardened PU hard foam.

Dispose of PU construction foam

If this hard foam cured, the disposal is not a problem because environmentally neutral. You can dispose of cured building residue as normal as household waste. So there are no further measures necessary. This also applies to laminated panels, ie those coated with aluminum or another material.

Dispose of construction containers and containers

This looks different with PU foam cans and cartridges. Their disposal is more complicated. Due to the residues (isocyanates, MDI), which are still contained in foam cans, these are defined as hazardous waste and must not be disposed of with household waste.

DIY stores, hazardous waste

Instead, for example, DIY stores are required by law to take back empty PU foam cans for free. However, there are always checks on hardware stores. It turns out that a number of DIY stores either want to send customers to the waste disposal yard or do not provide information material for the disposal of PU foams.

However, you can insist on the return by the dealer who has sold you the PU foam. Alternatively, you can give the empty cans of course also at the recycling center for hazardous waste. However, costs could also arise here.

Conclusion: this is how you dispose of containers and foam residues

When you have finished the insulation or assembly work, completely empty the PU foam can on a base. Now let the construction foam harden, in order to dispose of it later on the household waste (residual waste). The now completely emptied can then be returned to the hardware store where you purchased the product for disposal.

Tips & Tricks

You may also be interested in an alternative to mounting foam. However, depending on the application and individual requirements, there will be various alternatives (the universal application possibilities of construction foam do not exist for alternatives). These are definitely environmentally friendly and harmless, as you can read in the linked guide.
Dispose of PU foam

FAQ - 💬

❓ How do you recycle PU?

👉 Conventional polyurethanes can't be simply recycled by heating because the material consists of polymer networks held together by strong chemical bonds that don't flow when heated. Instead, polyurethanes can only be downcycled into less useful materials using either mechanical methods or chemical recycling.

❓ How do you dissolve PU foam?

👉 Acetone is a solvent that dissolves uncured polyurethane foam and can be used to clean up foam before it cures. Acetone-based nail polish remover will also work to remove uncured foam.

❓ Can PU be recycled?

👉 Because polyurethanes are petrochemical-based polymers, it is important that we recycle them whenever possible, so that precious raw materials do not go to waste. There are various recycling options, including mechanical and chemical recycling.

❓ Is PU biodegradable?

👉 Polyurethane is a general term used for a class of polymers derived from the condensation of polyisocyanates and polyalcohols. Despite its xenobiotic origins, polyurethane has been found to be susceptible to biodegradation by naturally occurring microorganisms.

❓ What dissolves Pu?

👉 Digesil 1000 is perfect for cured and uncured Polyurethane dissolving, and can also remove paint and powder coatings. It can also dissolve acrylic solvents, partially cured polysulphide sealants and de-bond hot metal butyl.

❓ How do you remove cured PU foam?

👉 Cured foam.

  1. Cut the protruding layer with a utility knife. Make it as close as possible to the surface. ...
  2. After a thin layer remains, moisten it with a dissolvent and wait 10 minutes.
  3. Rub the soiled area with a sponge or stiff cloth.
  4. After removal, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth.

❓ Is polyurethane foam bad for the environment?

👉 Through ongoing efforts, the flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) industry is elevating the sustainability of its products and manufacturing processes. Today, FPF is one of the most environmentally benign and versatile materials in widespread use.

❓ Is PU foam environmentally friendly?

👉 Yes, polyurethane is inherently more eco-friendly than most other plastics. It also doesn't contain any chemicals that interfere with endocrine and hormone systems, nor does it contribute to PH change in soil or water.

❓ How long does it take for polyurethane to decompose?

👉 If you were curious about how long it takes for polyurethane foam to decompose, it takes as little as 20 to 30 years. Typically, exposure to light, moisture, and heat will cause the substance to crumble, lose its flexibility, and show discoloration.

❓ What can eat through polyurethane?

👉 Among the samples they discovered a fungus, Pestalotiopsis microspora, that will digest the plastic material, polyurethane. Polyurethane is a synthetic polymer developed in the 1940s, that is often used to replaces rubber, paint, wood, or metals.

❓ What dissolves cured foam?

👉 Lacquer thinner, which can be purchased at home improvement stores and online, should do the trick when it comes to removing cured wall foam insulation.

❓ How to dispose of polyurethane foam waste?

👉 Due to its low density and high volume, polyurethane foam waste is difficult to treat and dispose of in landfill. And incineration will produce poisonous gas. There are two ways, physical recycling and chemical recycling, for recycling polyurethane foam wastes [10-14].

❓ What to do with PU foam waste?

👉 One of the most effective methods to manage PU waste involves processing it into products for thermal and acoustic insulation of floors. Waste foam is then the basis of granules combined with cellulose and additives.

❓ Is it legal to dispose of foam?

👉 While there is no specific Foam waste legislation in place, it does fall under the umbrella of other regulations – such as the Environmental Protection Act. At BusinessWaste, we can ensure that your waste disposal is carried out in accordance with all regulations – giving you great peace of mind. What type of foam is recyclable?

❓ How much polyurethane foam waste is produced from refrigerators in China?

👉 The average weight of polyurethane foam per refrigerator containing about 6.36 kg, about 93,200 tons of polyurethane foam wastes was produced each year [3]. In the 21st century, China has entered into the stage of peak of the refrigerator scrap [4]. In the near future, a large number of polyurethane foam wastes will emerge.


Video Board: Recycling line for recycle soft polyurethane foam to new blocks - ROBEX DK, s.r.o.