My filters go to the recycling center along with my used oil. I don’t know what they do with them but I know you aren’t supposed to throw them in the garbage anymore so they must recycle it somehow.
A few years ago someone from the city came by to make sure we were operating within regulations as far as storing used oil and antifreeze, disposing of them properly, etc. He saw the barrel of used filters in the corner and said “Oh, you don’t need to pay to have those crushed, you can just drain them overnight and throw them in the dumpster.”
How many people do you think took him up on that?