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?
Many people choose to 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.
More people know the environmental impact of throwing something in the trash instead of recycling it.
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 for recycling. 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.
- 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.
- You can save money on shipping. Saving as many water filters as you can before sending them off to be recycled will help you save on the cost of shipping.
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?