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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.