Why Are Wind Turbine Blades Not Recyclable?

Unfortunately, thermoset plastics are almost impossible to recycle, so the blades do not have much scrap value and are not very appealing to recyclers. Therefore, many spent turbine blades are piling up in landfills, although some reinforced plastic blades are downcycled into cement products.

Can wind turbine blades be recycled?

Wind turbine blades in the existing US fleet average around 50 meters in length, or about 164 feet (approximately the width of a U.S. football field). ... About 85 percent of turbine component materials—such as steel, copper wire, electronics, and gearing—can be recycled or reused.

Are wind turbine blades bad for the environment?

As with all energy supply options, wind energy can have adverse environmental impacts, including the potential to reduce, fragment, or degrade habitat for wildlife, fish, and plants. Furthermore, spinning turbine blades can pose a threat to flying wildlife like birds and bats.