How to dispose of used refrigerator water filters? Refrigerators with water dispensers are handy appliances, and many people regard them as a luxury. Using a water filter encourages individuals to consume filtered tap water, which helps save land by avoiding the need for plastic water bottles. Cleaning your refrigerator’s ice maker is not difficult; however, it does require a filter.
When it’s time to replace your refrigerator water filter, how do you dispose of the old one? Some people throw it in the trash can, but that’s not a good idea. The used water filter still has contaminants, and if it isn’t disposed of properly, those contaminants can end up in our groundwater. This blog post will discuss properly disposing of your used refrigerator water filter.
How to Dispose of Used Refrigerator Water Filters
There are many ways how to dispose of used refrigerator water filters, such as:
1. Recycling a Water Filter Through the Brand
Some water filter brands have a recycling program in place. For example, GE has a Recycling Program for Air Filters and Water Filters where you can recycle your used water filter through them.
All you need to do is send them your used filter (you pay for shipping), and they will properly dispose of it for you. They also give you the option to donate the $$$ from the recycling to Habitat for Humanity.
2. Drop Off at Local Hazardous Waste Facility
Another way to dispose of used refrigerator filters is by dropping them off at your local hazardous waste facility. This should be easy to do as most cities have a designated place where individuals can drop off their hazardous waste.
Type in “hazardous waste drop-off near me” and your city into Google, and it should pop right up. Please note that not all water filters will be accepted at a hazardous waste facility as some filters are made with activated carbon, which is considered safe to throw away in the trash.
3. Recycling Through Third-Party Programs
Not all refrigerator manufacturers have recycling options for their water filters, and some that do may impose too many hurdles to jump. There are third-party programs through which you can properly dispose of your water filter in these cases.
For example, the G2Rev program gives a water filter recycling kit with step-by instructions. They’ll remove the filter, clean it, and then leave it to dry for three days before sending it off. The unpleasant truth is that they will charge you $8.99 for this; nevertheless, knowing that the filter is recycled as aggregate in concrete may make you happy.
4. Local Recycling Programs
A few disadvantages are associated with each of the above choices, making them less appealing than one might believe. If you live in a region where recycling is available, it is preferable to do so. You’ll still want to open the filter and remove the sand or carbon from inside, but otherwise, it can go in your recycling bin just as it is.
The only time you should consider using alternative approaches if you have a recycling collection is if they might give you a discount on your next water filter purchase. Because manufacturers frequently find it simple to repurpose the casings, they want them returned as soon as possible. To ensure this, provide incentives that must be used right away.
Recyclable Materials from Refrigerator Filters
The materials used to make refrigerator filters are:
- Carbon
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- Sand
All of these materials can be recycled. The best way to recycle your used refrigerator water filter is to take it to a local recycling center that accepts these materials.
The Bottom Line
We hope this blog post has given you some ideas about how to dispose of your used refrigerator water filter. There are many options available, so choose the one that is best for you. And remember, always recycle when possible!
FAQs
What happens if you don’t change your refrigerator water filter?
A refrigerator water filter removes impurities from your drinking water and should be replaced regularly. Not changing an old refrigerator water filter can lead to various problems, including a foul odor or taste, sluggish filtering speed, and low water pressure.
Do you have to turn off the water to change a fridge filter?
If you’re replacing a refrigerator water filter, shut the water off to the appliance first. This will help avoid water from leaking into your fridge (or onto your kitchen floor).
Do refrigerator water filters remove fluoride?
The fluorides in tap water are not removed by refrigerator or ice maker filters. Sediment and carbon are used in refrigerator filters to eliminate pollutants, but inorganic mineral anions like fluoride are beyond their capability.
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