How To Recycle Refrigerator Water Filters

By Steve Schaefer

On January 1st, I finally got around to changing the water filter in my Kenmore fridge. As I ready the old one down on the kitchen counter, I wondered how I could recycle it. After, all, it'due south an 11.5-inch long blue plastic tube, and why should information technology cease up in a landfill?

I looked over the printed materials that came with the replacement filter, and studied every inch of the filter itself and constitute nothing about recycling. Then, I went onto Google. There I was offered information on a recycling program that was started in 2014. A ha! I found a mention of a kit you could use to bag up the filter and ship it in.

But clicking the link to order the kit, I got a message that contained this:

"The Whirlpool Water Filter Recycling Program has concluded and is no longer available."

Nifty.

I saw an email link to everydropwater.com and sent of a request for more data. I received a prompt email reply from Heather, an due east-Solutions Specialist, who thanked me for contacting them (they "appreciated hearing from me").

Notwithstanding, she explained that "the filter recycle program was rarely used, therefore it was shut downward."

She apologized for the inconvenience.

What next? I tried Waste Management, my local garbage and recycling company.

I got a reply from LaKeisha in Customer Service. The gist of her message, other than apologizing for being unable to help me, was that Waste Management doesn't recycle fridge filters. She and so said:

"We truly appreciate your business and allowing us to see your waste service needs."

Sadly, they didn't.

I emailed the sustainability group at my part–volunteers who call back about these issues. I as well checked online some more. I post suggested opening the filter (somehow), and so putting the contents in your garden (is this a good idea?) and then washing the plastic case and placing it in your normal recycling bin, if your company accepts information technology. I'll figured I could effort that, but if it's this difficult to recycle these filters, so information technology's no surprise that few folks bother to do it.

I attempted to open the plastic case using a large wrench from my toolbox but it didn't budge. I decided not to proceed with trying to saw it open. For now, I'm keeping the filter effectually while I plan my side by side step.

I'll explore this outcome further and will written report back any findings. If y'all have whatsoever suggestions, please send them to me at sdsauto53@gmail.com.

How To Recycle Refrigerator Water Filters,

Source: https://stevegoesgreen.com/2019/01/06/refrigerator-water-filters-not-recyclable/

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