Main takeaways:
- Recycling filters is not impossible, but the right resources are essential.
- Check locally.
- Follow brand-specific recycling guidelines.
- Don’t tamper with or dismantle filters.
When buying and replacing water filters, the last thing many people think about is where and how to recycle them. How many of us have just thrown our old, used water filter in the trash after replacing it with a new one?
However, we should consider the environmental impact of throwing something in the trash instead of recycling it.
Many invest in an in-home water filtration system rather than buying bottled water. Why?
- It’s cheaper.
- It’s safer.
- It’s better for the environment.
Learn about how ditching bottled water can save you money on our blog.
How do recycling water filters save money and benefit the environment?
The cost savings of recycling water filters and their sustainable impact may be surprising. Here’s how this simple action can make a difference:
Savings
- Cutting Costs: Using water filters is a better economic decision. Water filters last several months and can help reduce monthly expenses; while buying plastic water bottles may have a lower cost upfront, the frequency at which you’ll have to buy them can add up quickly.
- Incentives: Some companies may offer discounts or credits for recycling filters.
Environment
- Plastic waste reduction: Recycling a water filter reduces the plastic waste in landfills and oceans. Using a filter rather than single-use plastic water bottles helps reduce plastic dependency.
- Helps create a Circular Economy: Water filters can be repurposed when appropriately recycled, reducing the need to extract raw materials and minimizing ecological harm.
By using and recycling water filters, you contribute to a healthier planet and save money!
Things to Consider When Recycling Water Filters
Recycling water filters is a great way to help reduce waste. However, it’s not so straightforward. Here are some things you should consider before recycling filters:
- Location: Ensure that your local recycling facility can process water filters before recycling your filter. Earth 911 is an excellent resource for locating recycling centers that accept water filters and other specific items in your area.
- Convenience of Methods: You’ll want to evaluate the convenience of the recycling method. Some methods may involve dismantling the filter or requiring you to mail it in. Ensure you understand the recycling method’s impact on your time and resources.
- Impact on the Environment: Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of your recycling options. Local drop-offs can lower transportation emissions. However, mail-in options may increase those emissions. Still, they help ensure proper recycling.
- Cost: Asses any additional costs involved. Some recycling programs may require shipping fees.
Understanding how recycling filters affect you can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Where can Canadian residents find information on water filter recycling?
If you live in Canada, you can take these practical steps to find information about responsibly disposing of water filters:
- Check with your local recycling or public works facility. Municipalities will have different rules for plastics, so it’s a good idea to call or visit their website for specific guidelines.
- Search for online recycling resources. Earth 911 is a great place to start. You may also be able to find recycling information related to your location.
- Look for special recycling events. Organizations like London Drugs and Green Deal Recycling may host events where you can recycle near you.
These resources will help you better understand where and how to recycle water filters in your area.
How Does Water Filter Recycling Differ in the US and Canada?
When it comes to recycling water filters, it’s not quite the same right across the border. Here are a few differences you should be aware of.
United States: Many recycling facilities do not accept water filters, and searching online may deliver few results, which can be frustrating. Contact your local recycling facility to ask about water filter recycling and check reputable online resources like Earth911. Mail-in recycling programs are out there, but they will depend on the filter brand and type.
Canada: Most communities have different approaches to recycling. Ensure you know your local recycling guidelines by contacting the town or city’s public works department for more information. If you’re a Western Canada resident, you may find local retailers or recycling events that will accept water filters.
No matter where you live, start locally to understand the best way to dispose of your refrigerator filter and other water filtration devices.
Here’s an up-to-date list if you are wondering where to recycle used water and refrigerator filters.
Please note: The recycling landscape is constantly changing. To learn where you can recycle filters, please confirm with your local recycling center or filter manufacturer.
Where can I recycle water filter cartridges?
Terracycle is a great resource. Check to see if they offer the recycling solution you need.
Where to recycle Everpure Filters
The Pentair FAQ page says that Everpure cartridges can be thrown in the trash.
Where to recycle MAVEA Filters
The MAVEA website clearly states that they no longer have a recycling program.
Where to recycle PUR Water Filters
PUR does not currently have a recycling program. However, you can check with your local recycling facility to see if they will accept PUR water filters.
Where to recycle Brita Filters
You can join the Brita filter recycling waitlist on Brita.com.
Where to recycle Reverse Osmosis Filters
According to SSWR.com, RO filters contain significantly less plastic, are non-hazardous, and can be disposed of in the garbage.
Where to recycle other types of water filters
We applaud you for being environmentally conscious and wanting to dispose of the drinking water filter you used correctly; unfortunately, this can be tricky.
We recommend ALWAYS checking with your local recycling facility to ensure you can recycle your water filters with them.
Recycling Water Filter Tips
- Look out for scams. Some recycling websites will charge you extra fees to recycle your cartridges. Do your homework to ensure that the recycling program initiated by the filter manufacturer is the safest and best way to recycle your type of filter properly.
- Please don’t do it yourself. Do not, we repeat, DO NOT open your cartridge and dump out the filter media to make it easier for you to recycle. The media inside is designed to trap contaminants, and cutting into your filter can expose you and your loved ones to the toxins you are trying to eliminate.
- Save money on shipping. Stockpile as many used filters as possible before recycling them.
Can you reuse or donate water filters to help reduce waste?
Reusing or donating working water filters is a way to help reduce waste.
Reusing or donating a still-working filter can help extend the product’s lifespan and prevent it from prematurely ending up in a landfill. Ensure you maintain them properly by drying and storing filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This will help prolong the filter’s usability.
Reusing or donating working water filters also has cost benefits. It reduces the cost of frequent filter replacements, conserves resources, and reduces the overall carbon footprint. Donating a functional filter to a friend or family member helps lessen the demand for new filters and helps reduce waste.
There are also educational benefits to this! By sharing resources, you can help educate others about proper filter maintenance and ensure they can access clean and safe drinking water.
How to Maintain & Store a Filter to Extend Its Lifespan
Following these easy steps will help ensure the longevity of your filter.
- Clean the filter. Give your filter a thorough cleaning. For specific cleaning instructions, check the filter’s manual. This will likely involve rinsing the filter components to remove any buildup or residue.
- Dry Completely. After cleaning the filter, it’s crucial to ensure every component is dry. Any moisture can lead to mold or bacteria growth, affecting water quality and filter efficiency.
- Proper Storage. Store the filter in a dry, clean place. Avoid damp environments or direct sunlight, which will deteriorate the materials faster.
- Replace. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacing the filter cartridge. Overused cartridges will not adequately purify the water.
Can you throw water filters in the trash?
In most cases, throwing water filters in the trash is safe. Pentair, a maker of Everpure filters, states that its cartridges can be thrown in the trash. RO filters usually do not contain as much plastic so they can be thrown away easily.
By learning how to recycle filters correctly, you help us create a better and healthier Earth. Thank you!
Katie says
Ronda,
Thank you so much for your comment! We will add that recommendation to our blog post.
Ronda B says
Check with your local Whole Foods if you have one. Some recycle Brita Filters so might recycle others as well.
Katie says
Pam,
Most carbon filters are intended for use with potable (drinkable) water. Thankfully, that is largely the case. Unfortunately, however, it is possible that toxins can remain in water that is intended to be potable. The water quality issues in Flint, Michigan is one example of what can and does go wrong. We advise against cutting into a filter as a precautionary measure.
Katie says
V.I.,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm whether they can recycle the filter you have. 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.
V.L. Paschal says
Where can I recycle my used “Everydrop” water filters that are used in my Whirlpool frig?
Pam Wilson says
Please post evidence for your statement the filter medium could be dangerous. It filters potable water suitable for human consumption. How can it contain dangerous toxins. Given the difficulty of recycling these filters, disassembling them is the most practical and feasible solution.
Katie says
Hi Dennis,
We recommend reaching out to Aquatru or checking with your local recycling facility to ensure that you can recycle your water filters with them.
Dennis says
How about the aquatru reverse osmosis countertop model filters?
Katie says
Mike,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm whether they can recycle the filter you have. 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.
Mike says
Do you know where I can recycle a
Elkay filters. Thanks
Katie says
Michael,
That is a great question! At this time, we do not have a recycling program for everydrop filters and cannot find any information about it. We recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm whether they can recycle the filter you have. 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.
Michael Shoustal says
Hi Katie, do you recycle everydrop water filters? I’ve checked their website and can’t find any information on recycling. I really wish instead of making their water filters disposable (every six months) the manufacturers would do what’s best for our planet and make reusable water filters. Can it really be so hard?
Katie says
Laura,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm whether they can recycle the filter you have. 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.
Laura says
Trying to recycle my overture filter. Terracycle no longer seems to take them. Where else should I send it?
Thank you
Katie says
Jan,
Thanks for reaching out. 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.
Jan says
I have an Aquasana Water Filter Machine. I’ve checked with them and they don’t have a used filter recycling program. Do you have a suggestion?
Katie says
Andy,
Thank you for reaching out to us. The HiFlow filter we see is largely made of plastic. 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.
Andy says
Hi, I have a HiFlow water filter that I have just changed. I read through their provided literature but could not find any indication of how I dispose of the old one? It is not a small item and I would guess it has the potential to harness Bactria should I decide to break it down.
I believe It should be mandatory for companies like these to direct how we dispose of their used equipment?
Can you help…
Cheers
Katie says
Joseph,
Thank you for reaching out to us. The following is in reference to a carbon water filter. It is our understanding the filter media begins a consumption process when it becomes wet. Additionally, it is possible for a filter in that condition to promote bacteria growth. We would not recommend storing the exposed filter for later use.
Joseph says
Accidentally used two new filters ,thinking they were defective , can new one used only five minutes be saved safely 6 months later for replacement?
Katie says
Andy,
Thank you for your kind words! We are so glad that you benefiting from reading our blog. 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. We hope this helps! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other questions!
andy says
katie, first, thank you for this article. i appreciate a company going out of it’s way on this kinda stuff. my question: is there a simple/current/existent way to recycle ge refrigerator filters? the mwf filter, specifically?
thank you,
andy
Katie says
Katrice,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are sorry to say we do not have any resources in relation to that company. 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.
Katrice McCullough says
I have a water filter from CosanUSA and I have not been able to get the company to respond about where to recycle their filters. Do you have any information about them or where I might be able to take or send their filters?
Katie says
Isabella Macy-Angell,
Thank you for reaching out to us. 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.
Katie says
Cheryl,
Thank you for reaching out to us. 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. This may be a good resource: https://www.lakewood.org/Public-Works/Recycling/Quail-Street-Recycling-Center
cheryl says
where do I dispose of my Zero water filters near 80226?