We’re so glad you landed on our blog! We’ve updated this blog post for more current information, so be sure to check it out! Click this link: http://www.filtersfast.com/blog/index.php/2019/05/where-to-recycle-filters-2019/
When you swap expensive bottled water for water filters you are reducing your footprint on the environment and also saving money, but did you know you can also recycle water filters? Now what if we put on our best game show host voice and said: “But wait! There’s more!” Many companies have recycling initiatives that also offer discounts on future water filter purchases or credits toward charity.
Below we will detail a few of these initiatives so you too can get involved. When shipping used filters always remember to dry them out for 3 days, wrap them in a plastic bag, and ship them in the appropriate container. Some programs have rules about how many filters must be sent back at a time.
Remember, your local recycling service may not accept plastics. Don’t put used filters or other #5 plastics in bins if they can not be processed locally. If possible save filters and other plastics for as long as possible and use one of the below programs or take a short trip to the closest recycling center that accepts #5 plastics. The more you take a once means fewer trips and less pollution from your car.
Brita has partnered with TerraCycle to process and reuse 97% of pitchers, dispensers, bottles, faucet systems, filters, and filter packaging and material.
Go signup at Terracycle and print a free shipping label, box up your used filters, and send out the box. For every 2 pounds of Brita products you collect you receive 50 points that can be redeemed towards a charitable gift to the non-profit organization of your choice.
Whirlpool Recycling Program
Whirlpool and g2 revolution are working to give consumers the option of not having to throw out their used refrigerator water filters. Their recycle program is determined to see that as little material possible ends up in landfills. Like the Brita program above, Whirlpool and g2 revolution make it easy to recycle your old water filter, but there are a few difference. First, you will notice that the recycling kit is not free. Before returning your used filter you will need to purchase a Water Filter Recycling Kit for $8.99.
In exchange for the upfront cost of the used filter, you will receive a promo code for 20% plus free shipping on your next participating refrigerator water filter purchase. Try it for yourself over at their website.
Zero Water Recycling Program
Zero Water encourages customers to reduce their carbon footprint by filling out their recycling form and returning at least 2 Zero Water filters. In exchange for paying UPS shipping you will receive a coupon code worth $10 on ZeroWater.com.
Katie says
Lynn,
That is a great question! We recommend reaching out ZeroWater to confirm if the program is available for Canadians. Here is a link to their contact page: https://www.zerowater.com/contactus
Lynn Penner says
Is the Zerowater filter recycling program Available for Canadians?
Katie says
Mary,
Thank you so much for sharing this information that you came across! It is such a great opportunity in a modern world.
Mary says
I’ve also read in Zerowater reviews that they provide a recycling program for their customers. It’s a great opportunity in modern world.
Katie says
Hi Gloria,
We are so happy to hear that you are pleased with your ZeroWater pitcher and that you are drinking more water because of it. On our homepage you can scroll to the bottom of the screen and type your email in to join our mailing list. If you would like us to add you to our email list, please give us your approval by commenting back with your email address and we will add you.
Thanks!
Gloria Cole says
I am very pleased with the ZeroWater pitcher.. I have the one with handle and spigot. So handy for me to fill and now drinking more water. Purchased at Bed Bath And Beyond.. Want to be on your mailing list and tried to join, please help me do this. Thank you..
Katie says
Joyce,
Thank you for reaching out to us. New and unused refrigerator filters do not have an expiration date. We recommend keeping the filters dry during storage.
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.
Joyce Cesario says
I received a replacement water filter for my LG refrigerator. The date on the plastic container is Jan., 2019. Please let me know if this is still effective? Also, I would like to recycle the old filter. Please advise with instructions. Going forward I hope your replacement filters are up to date or I will use another supplier. I have signed up for Auto Replacement. Thank you.
Katie says
Dan,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We found that the WHED20 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.
Dan Koenemann says
We have a WHED20 UnderaEase Undersink Filtration system for drinking water installed in our house. What is the most environmentally sound way of disposing of the old filter canisters?
Katie says
A.D.,
Thanks for your comment. In the case that Meg does not see your comment, we recommend reaching out to Zerowater to confirm the intention regarding the program.
A.D. says
Am I misunderstanding, or does Meg’s comment on 9-19-2019 not make any sense?? She seems to say that participating in ZeroWater’s recycling program gives her enough money via coupons to buy more filters than she sent back. But then she says she’ll never break even? Could Meg please clarify? Thanks.
Katie says
Hailey,
Thank you for your feedback!
Hailey R. Boland says
Zero water recycling program is not economical, it costs more to send them back than what your going to get from it. It’s cheaper to toss them and buy new. They are not cost effective but they are good.
Katie says
Meg,
Thank you for sharing. If you find the shipping costs to be prohibitive, but would still like to recycle the filters, please seek a local recycling center. 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.
Meg Baldwin says
I have 17 Zero Water filters and can’t afford to send them all back. I budget my money very carefully so I can afford the water at all. So if I pay all that postage to send them back I’ll get enough coupons to get way more than 17 filters. The first time I used their recycling program I got 2 coupons for sending 4 used filters. I bought 2 of the 6 packs. So the used filters are piling up and there’s no way I’ll ever come close to breaking even. Back to drinking the city water. Yuck!
Katie says
SYBL yankey,
Thanks for reading and commenting on our post. We updated this information recently in a new blog post. You should be able to find the link at the top of this blog, but I will also post it here: http://www.filtersfast.com/blog/index.php/2019/05/where-to-recycle-filters-2019/
SYBL yankey says
You can no longer recycle water filters at the whirlpool site! Check it out. your information is no longer correct.
Katie says
Allie,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are sorry to say that we do not see another Brita affiliated program in Canada. 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.
Allie says
I’ve tried to sign up for Terra Cycle’s Brita Filter recycling program but it’s been saying the program is full and there is a waiting list. I’ve been checking back every few months for the past year. The filters are starting to pile up. Does anyone know an alternative in Ontario?
Katie says
Beth,
Thank you for reaching out to us. That filter is encapsulated meaning it is not intended to be taken apart. Normally this is not a prerequisite 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.
Beth Conkin says
How do you open a Frigidaire PureSource Ultra water filter to get the filter material out before sending in the plastic shell?
Katie says
Theresa,
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.
Theresa Peck says
where can I recycle Aqua fresh water filter?
Katie says
J. Will,
Yes. We hope that there will be more recycling initiatives in the future.
J. Will. says
I was sad to discover today that Whirlpool’s initiative has ended.
Katie says
Simon,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Carbon is biodegradable. Some people have used that in composting. The plastic portion would require additional consideration. Most filters are not usually marked with the recycling triangle. Some recycling companies will not accept plastics without it. Others will accept all plastics. I would recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm.
Simon Mason says
We use a water filter that is essentially a lump of charcoal (wrapped in plastic mesh). Do you have a suggestion of how to deal with this lump of charcoal?
Katie says
Rick,
Thank you for reaching out to us. The only reference we see to Whole Foods filter recycling is a blog from 2009 referring to the Gimme 5 program. That is specific to #5 plastics.
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.
Rick says
Can I drop off my refrigerator water filter at Whole Foods for recycling?
Katie says
Phil,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are sorry to say that we do not reference for any filter recycling programs in Israel. We would recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm whether your filter is accepted. Most filters are not usually marked with the recycling triangle. Some recycling companies will not accept plastics without the triangle. Others will accept all plastics.
Phil margolis says
Is it possible to recycle Tami4 water filters in Israel
Katie says
Hi Jaye,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately, that is correct.
See the information below for a possible alternative:
Most filters are not usually marked with the recycling triangle. Some recycling companies will not accept plastics without it. Others will accept all plastics. I would recommend checking with your local recycling center to confirm.
Katie says
Will,
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.
Jaye says
Whirlpool and g2 no longer have a recycling program
Will says
Anyone knows if iSpring water filter can be recycled? It s a big whole house filtration system and I don t think my normal recycle bin will accept it…
Katie says
Shai,
Thank you for letting us know! We will update this blog post ASAP.
Katie says
Peggy,
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.
Peggy says
Where can I recycle water filters from room humidifiers
Katie says
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are sorry to say that we do not have an alternative program to refer to. 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
Hi Joellen,
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.
Joellen King says
Where can I recycle RPWFE Water Filter?
Julie says
Just spoke with GE. They don’t recycle their water filter (although looks like they used to based on the internet posts). I was told to take to local recycling.
Kory says
Hello Robert,
The manufacturer of your fridge should be able to assist you in local recycle program information.
Kory says
Hello Karen,
The manufacturer of your refrigerator should be able to tell you local recycling places that accept your filter.
Karen says
Where can I recycle my water fridge filter. I live in Yardville,. N J
Robert says
What about frigidare filters?
Elisha Choice says
Hey Eric, thank you for this information… Still having trouble here in the Sacramento CA area… The one Whole Foods Market that shows as being part of the Preserve Gimme 5 Recycling Program no longer accepts them because the Gimme 5 Program would never pick up the items…
What a shame!!
Any other news, ideas, or contacts about recycling programs would be more than fantastic!
Joe Prior says
Thank you for sharing this info
Hank Rapp says
Why not engage Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart to act as recycling agents for filters? Afterall, they sell them.