Recycling is the process of separating, collecting and converting waste or used products into new materials. Through this process, you are extending the life of something that has already served its initial purpose, such as your water filters. Many of us switch to filtered water over concerns about the waste of plastic water bottles, which clog our nations landfills. However, we are often left wondering what recycling options exist for our water filters. While some filter manufacturers do not (as of this writing) offer recycling programs, there are many who do.
Recycle Brita Filter Cartridges:
Did you know the material from each Brita filter cartridge is used to manufacture personal care products such as toothbrushes and razors? To recycle your Brita filter:
1.) Dry your old filter by shaking off the excess water and letting it dry for three days.
2.) Wrap the filters in a plastic grocery bag and drop it off at a participating Preserve Gimme 5 recycling location (many bins may be found at certain Whole Foods Market stores).
3.) If there is not a nearby location available, you can mail the filters to Preserve at:
Preserve Gimme 5
823 State Route 13
Cortland, NY 13045-6574
Recycle GE Water Filter Cartridges:
GE, the supplier of popular refrigerator water filters, is also doing their part in recycling used water filters. When replacing your old GE filter:
1.) Remove the excess water from your old filter (let it drain overnight).
2.) Place the filter in a plastic, re-sealable bag.
3.) Sit the filter inside a sealed mailing envelope.
4.) Address the filter to:
Stericycle Expert Sustainability
Attn: water filter recycling
2770 Fortune Circle Drive East
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Recycle Mavea Water Filters:
Mavea pays the shipping cost for you to recycle your Mavea water filter cartridge. To minimize the carbon footprint of shipping, Mavea recommends saving six filter cartridges for every shipment. To recycle your Mavea water filter:
1.) Obtain their shipping label by filling out the form on their website.
2.) Place your filters in a package weighing 2 pounds or less and drop it off at your nearest UPS location.
For information on the Filtrete Water Station, Everpure and additional recycling options from our vendors, see How to Recycle Water Filters. Be sure to conduct research to see if your water filter manufacturer offers a recycling program. If they do not, contact your local recycling center. If your filter is made with #5 plastic (which is used to make signal lights, brushes, bicycle racks, etc.) then your recycling center may accept the filter cartridge for recycling. In addition, search online for recycling companies to find any that recycle old air and furnace filters.
Katie says
Clemence,
This particular blog post was written in 2013 and we have since written updated blogs about this particular topic. Here’s our most up-to-date post: https://www.filtersfast.com/blog/where-to-recycle-filters-2020/
Some recycling companies will not accept plastics that do not have a recycling triangle symbol, but some companies will accept all plastic. Most filters are not usually marked with the recycling triangle, so we recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm whether they can recycle the filter you have.
Clemence says
Hi, I sent my two GE fridge filters to Stericycle and they were returned to me a month later, with “REFUSED” written on it. Not sure what to do next… Is this post up to date? Is there another location?
Katie says
Eric,
Thanks for sharing this link!
Eric says
Try https://www.recyclewaterfilters.com/ . Their website is a little bit outdated, but they will take used refrigerator water filters.
Katie says
Kelli,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are sorry to hear they refused to recycle your filter.
KELLI Riedmiller says
I sent my used GE fridge filter to Stericycle at the Indianapolis address to recycle and it was refused. Sadly I have to put it in the garbage.
Katie says
Melyssa,
Thank you for letting us know that Stericycle refused your filters for recycling. Most filters are not usually marked with the recycling triangle. Some recycling companies will not accept plastics without it. Others will accept all plastics. We would recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm.
For more updated information about recycling filters, check out our most up-to-date blog post on recycling filters: https://www.filtersfast.com/blog/2019/05/where-to-recycle-filters-2019/
Melyssa F says
The Stericycle place that you list above REFUSED my package of two Mwf filters this week and sent them back to me. Is there another place?
Katie says
Ashleigh,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We offer FREE shipping for select items. For other items, we offer FREE shipping on orders over $85. Please visit our website for the latest pricing and promotions. Most items ship from our warehouse in North Carolina. I am sorry to say we do not have a location closer to you. Thank you for your consideration!
Ashleigh says
Is there a cost to ship filters to Cortland, NY?
Is there anything closer to Syracuse NY?
Jen says
GE no longer does filter recycling. Check with your city or a recycling program like preserve nation to find out how to recycle them
Poonam Bhatia says
Hi,
Mr. Kory nice to read your words on water treatment and filtration
Kory says
Hi Peggy, we are not currently aware of a recycling program from Frigidaire. However, you can contact your local recycling center. If your filter is made with #5 plastic (which is used to make signal lights, brushes, bicycle racks, etc.) then it may accept the filter cartridge for recycling.
Peggy Dixon says
What about Frigadare filters?
Kory says
Hi Bob, when doing research for this blog post the answer to that question was difficult to find. We came to the conclusion that it will be up to the individual to pay the postage for it. However, it is advisable to check with GE for any updates to their recycling program since this was published.
Bob says
Kory, who pays for the the GE recycling?
Kory says
Hi Cindy,
The best information I can provide is to contact your local recycling center. If your filter is made with #5 plastic then your recycling center may accept the filter cartridge for recycling.
Cindy says
Hi – I don’t have any of the water cartridge brands you list above, but was wondering if you knew where I can recycle the ones I do have. Any information you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks.
Anonymous says
Hi, I am new here. I read this blog and its really useful to me. Thank you for posting.
Kory says
I am glad you were able to get it working properly, Ruth!
Ruth says
Got it didnt align the arrows.
Ruth says
Hi i installed a smart water filter and for some stupid reason i took it back out now it dosent want to go in again. am i going to have to get another filter for my ice maker?
Kory says
True! Thank you for adding that valuable piece of information.
mike elmer says
All plastic (PET #1) water bottles are 100% recyclable and are accepted in any plastics or single stream recycling container.
Kory says
Hi Joan,
If the local recycling center will not accept the filters, there (unfortunately) may not be a recycling option for the American Plumber WGDG filter at this time.
Joan Barrymore says
I order American Plumber WGDG filters from you. I asked my local recycling location if they would take them to recycle. They said the filters would be classified as garbage. Any suggestions where these can be recycled?