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Disposal and Recycling of Water Filter Pitchers and Cartridges

1. Manufacturer Take-Back Programs

Many water filter brands offer recycling programs for both pitchers and cartridges:

  • Brita: Partners with TerraCycle to recycle used filters, pitchers, and dispensers. You can collect your used items and mail them in.

  • PUR: Works with TerraCycle for recycling used cartridges.

  • ZeroWater: Has a mail-in recycling program for their filters.


2. Retail Drop-Off Locations

  • Some Whole Foods, Home Depot, or Best Buy locations may accept water filter pitchers and cartridges for recycling. Always check with the store beforehand.


3. Local Recycling Centers

  • While some municipal recycling programs accept plastic pitchers, most do not take filter cartridges due to their mixed materials.

  • Check with your local waste management service to confirm if they accept these items.


4. Upcycling and Reuse Ideas

  • Pitchers can be repurposed for watering plants, storing dry goods, or as DIY planters.

  • Cartridges may be used in DIY filtration systems for non-drinking purposes like aquariums or gardening.


5. Proper Disposal

  • If no recycling options exist, pitchers made of recyclable plastic (like #5 polypropylene) can be placed in curbside recycling if accepted by your local program.

  • Cartridges should go in the trash if recycling is not available. Do not place them in curbside bins unless explicitly accepted.




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