Three Ways You May Be Able to Recycle Your Refrigerator’s Water Filter

The first thing to do is check with the manufacturer to see if they offer a way to recycle the water filters. You will find some companies, like Samsung, say that the filter does not harm the environment and recommend that you just throw it away. Other companies, like GE and Whirlpool, do offer you the option to recycle your water filter.

The best way to do so will vary by each brand. Some will not only recycle the water filter for you, but offer incentives if you do so. For example, they may offer a discount on your next water filter. The process of recycling through the manufacturer typically involves putting the filter into a prepaid package and sending it off for recycling.

If the company who built your refrigerator does not offer a recycling program, or requires too many steps to get it done, then you may want to look into other third-party companies that can help. Some will send you a kit to recycle the kit. This will come with detailed instructions on how you can dissemble the filter, clean it out, and dry before you send it.

The main disadvantage of most third-party recycling programs is that there is generally a fee. In most cases it is small and designed only to cover the cost of shipping the unit. However, this may take away the advantage for some.

It may be that there is a local recycling center at which you can simply drop off your water filter. Do not assume that if your curbside recycling does not accept them that no one will. Do a quick search for your area. If you do not find what you need, just call the recycling service. Even if they cannot help you directly, they may know a local resource that can.