Ethan Clarke
Water filters are a great way to improve the taste of water and remove contaminants, but they need to be replaced often. This can lead to a lot of waste, especially plastic waste, which causes clogging and pollution in our oceans and landfills. It is important to recycle your water filters to prevent environmental pollution. The process differs for each water filter type and brand, and manufacturers are expected to include recycling information in the product guide. Some water filters can be recycled without much effort, while others are harder to deal with. Some manufacturers have even discontinued their recycling programs. However, there are still ways to recycle your plastic water filters.
How to recycle plastic water filters
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling locations | Local recycling centers, manufacturer or retailer recycling programs, or online recycling services |
| Preparation | Dry the filter for a few days, then wrap in plastic |
| Shipping | Some manufacturers provide pre-stamped envelopes for no-cost mailing |
| Plastic type | Indicated by a number surrounded by three arrows; confirm that your local recycler accepts this type of plastic |
| Compostable/biodegradable components | TAPP and FIL2R have developed filters with compostable and/or biodegradable components |
| Reusable plastic casings | TAPP and FIL2R offer filters with reusable plastic casings and replaceable filters |
| Incentives | Zero Water offers a $20 coupon for sending back two full-sized filters |
| Free programs | Hydros has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a free mail-back recycling program |
| Charge | Some recycling facilities charge a fee for their services |
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What You'll Learn
Check if your local recycling centre accepts water filters
If you're looking to recycle your water filter, it's worth checking if your local recycling centre accepts them. Many water filter manufacturers have discontinued their recycling programs and now refer customers to their local municipalities.
If you live in the United States, Earth911.com is a great resource for finding out if your local recycling facility accepts water filters. You can also refer to Earth 911's recycling database and type in "water filters" and your ZIP code to find local facilities that take water filters. It's always a good idea to call before you make a trip, as recycling programs frequently make changes to the items they accept.
If you cannot find information about recycling water filters locally, you will likely have to find an alternative. You can contact the manufacturer of your water filter to see if they have a recycling program or any recommendations for recycling their product. Some manufacturers have recycling initiatives that offer discounts on future water filter purchases or credits toward charity.
Some water filters are also 100% recyclable and can be mailed back to the company. For example, Everpure promises its water filters are 100% recyclable and provides a list of drop-off locations or an address where they can be mailed. Filtrete Water Station filters are also 100% recyclable, and the plastic can be recycled in your recycling bin.
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Find out if the manufacturer has a recycling program
If you're looking to recycle a plastic water filter, it's a good idea to first check if the manufacturer has a recycling program. Many companies are now offering these programs, so your first step should be to contact the customer support team of your filter's manufacturer and ask if they have one in place.
If they do, they will likely provide you with instructions on how to recycle your filter. Some companies, like Everpure, Filtrete, and Zero Water, provide a list of drop-off locations or the option to mail in your filters. Others, like Mavea, direct customers to their local municipalities for recycling. Some manufacturers will even send you a pre-stamped envelope so that you can mail your filters for free.
It's important to follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, Brita recommends letting the filters dry for a few days before recycling, and some manufacturers may have specific requirements for packaging the filters before drop-off or mailing.
If the manufacturer does not have a recycling program, you can still take steps to recycle your filter responsibly. Ask the manufacturer what type of plastic was used for the filter shell, and then contact your local recycler to find out if they accept that type of plastic. If so, you can recycle the filter; if not, you may need to throw it in the trash.
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Let the filter dry before wrapping in plastic and shipping
It is important to recycle your plastic water filter correctly to prevent environmental pollution. The process of recycling differs for each water filter type and brand, and manufacturers are expected to include this information in the product guide. If you have a water filter that is 100% recyclable, ensure that it is completely dry before wrapping it in plastic and shipping it to the specified container. This is because water filters can be damp when they are discarded, and drying them out first will prevent the growth of mould or bacteria during shipping and recycling.
Brita recommends that before you place your filters in a recycling bin, you let them dry out for a couple of days, then wrap each one in a plastic grocery bag. You can then mail them to the company's address or drop them off at a store that offers a Gimme 5 bin. Whole Foods also collects them in #5 plastic collection bins. If you have a Mavea water filter, you can return it to the company or deposit it in a plastic recycling bin. Preserve used to have a Gimme 5 recycling program, but it is now closed.
If your manufacturer does not have a recycling program, you can inquire about the plastic type used in the filter shell. This is indicated by a number surrounded by three arrows printed on it. With this information, you can reach out to your local recycler to inquire about the type(s) of plastic they accept. If your filter is made of a recyclable plastic, many local recycling centers will accept it.
If your filter is not recyclable, there may be other ways to dispose of it responsibly. For example, the activated carbon could be removed and used in the garden, and the plastic case recycled separately. Some filters come apart for easy recycling, such as the Filtrete system, where the casing gets recycled and the filter gets tossed.
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Return to the manufacturer for recharging or recycling
Returning your plastic water filter to the manufacturer for recharging or recycling is a great way to ensure proper disposal and reduce waste. Here are some steps and tips to guide you through the process:
Contact the Manufacturer
Firstly, identify the manufacturer of your water filter. Most manufacturers provide contact information on their website or the product packaging. Reach out to them via email, phone, or their website to inquire about their specific recycling or recharging programs. Some companies, like Everpure, provide a list of drop-off locations or accept mail-in returns. Others, like Mavea, may refer you to local municipalities or provide instructions for proper disposal.
Prepare the Filter for Return
Before sending back your water filter, it's important to prepare it properly. Most manufacturers recommend drying the filter for a few days before wrapping it in plastic or placing it in a plastic bag. This helps prevent the growth of mould or bacteria during transportation. Some companies, like Brita, suggest wrapping each dried filter in a plastic grocery bag before recycling or returning it.
Understand the Recycling Process
When you return your water filter to the manufacturer, they will either recharge or recycle it. Ion exchange filters, for example, can be recharged by the manufacturer, who can replenish the ions, making the filter ready for reuse. Other water filters are designed to be recycled. For instance, Filtrete filters can be easily separated, allowing the plastic casing to be recycled, while the filter itself is tossed.
Explore Incentive Programs
Some manufacturers offer incentive programs to encourage the return of water filters for recycling. For example, Zero Water provides a coupon worth $20 off a new four-pack of filters when you send back two full-sized used filters. Similarly, TerraCycle offers a free recycling program for Brita, PUR, and Everpure filters, providing a shipping label and awarding points redeemable for charities or products for each filter returned.
Consider Compostable Filters
If you're looking for a more sustainable option, consider switching to compostable or biodegradable water filters. Companies like TAPP and FIL2R offer filters that are claimed to be biodegradable and compostable, providing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastic water filters.
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Check the plastic type and reach out to local recyclers
To recycle a plastic water filter, it is important to first check the plastic type. Most plastic materials have a number imprinted inside the recycling symbol, which indicates the type of plastic the material is made from. Plastics with the numbers 1 (PETE) or 2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics. HDPE, for example, is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted by most recycling companies.
Other types of plastic, such as LDPE, are not as commonly recycled, but this is changing in many communities as more plastic recycling programs are able to handle this material. LDPE is often found in shrink wraps, plastic bags, and squeezable bottles.
Once you have identified the type of plastic your water filter is made from, you can reach out to local recyclers to see if they accept that particular type of plastic for recycling. Some recyclers may have specific requirements or restrictions on the types of plastic they can process, so it is always best to check with them directly.
Additionally, some water filter manufacturers offer recycling programs or provide information on how to properly recycle their products. For example, Brita has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a free recycling program for its filters, and Filtrete Water Station filters are 100% recyclable as they use #2 plastic, which is commonly recycled.
By checking the plastic type and reaching out to local recyclers or manufacturers, you can ensure that your plastic water filter is recycled properly and does not end up in a landfill.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check if your filter is 100% recyclable and find out if there is a place you can send it to. If so, make sure it is completely dry before sending it off. If your filter is not 100% recyclable, you can separate the parts and recycle the plastic casing.
Some companies that offer recycling programs for plastic water filters include Filtrete, Brita, PUR, Everpure, Mavea, GE, and Hydros.
If your plastic water filter is not recyclable, you can contact your local recycling center for guidelines on how to safely dispose of it.
