Did you know PUR filters can be recycled? One question we get asked so often is: how can I recycle my PUR filters, and can I? The answer is, yes you can.
But should you? Here’s what you need to know about PUR filters and their recyclability.
What PUR Filters Do
If you want to recycle a PUR filter, there’s one thing you need to remember – that cartridges are designed to remove and hold on to imPURities, chemicals, and heavy metals.
When you want to change your filter, should you break it down and dump it in the compost? Do you really want to put chemicals in the veggie patch where your plants will pick up these chemicals? No, although filters are recyclable, it’s not advisable to put them in your compost, because they’re highly toxic.
What Do You Do With Old PUR Filters?
While water filters do an excellent job in cleaning and PURifying water, they’re not much helpful when they get old.
When they can no longer perform their job perfectly, you know it’s time to get a replacement. After getting a replacement, the next step would be to dispose of the old filter.
Now, what do you do with this old one?
Throw it away together with other garbage, please! Most manufacturers recommend that you do that instead of just dumping them in the compost.
The thing is, despite them being eco-friendly, they still add to ecological waste.
Is Reusing a Better Alternative?
If you’re not willing to do away with your old PUR filter, reusing it might be a great alternative.
However, choose this path only if it makes sense. Replacing a filter or its parts is not only expensive, it also adds to environmental waste.
On the other hand, you cannot cling to a dying filter in the name of reusing.
That’s why you must figure out what’s important to you. If reusing is worth your time, why not give it a try? All in all, keep in mind that you will eventually need to replace your old filter with a new one.
How and Where to Recycle PUR Filters
There are numerous ways to recycle PUR filters, including taking them back to the manufacturer or sending them to a water filter recycler.
- Remove from the Faucet
The first step is to remove the filter from the faucet. Next, remove the cartridge and disassemble the entire filter. Place all the plastic components in the garbage bin. Bring the cartridges to your nearest whole foods location, where they will recycle them and save you the hustle of doing it by yourself.
- Check Out Water Filter Recyclers Websites
This might be the best option for you if there’s no recycling center in your hood. Most water filter recyclers have websites, which makes it easier for you to contact them. However, be prepared to pay for shipping and recycling costs.
- Visit Earth 911
Earth 911 is a website that can help you with more ideas to reduce environmental waste. The first button on the website is “how to recycle” and “where to recycle”. Besides, you get tons of ideas about how to make earth-positive decisions.
Things to Keep in Mind When Recycling PUR Filters:
We always recommend that you liaise with PUR to see if they can recycle your filter. That way, things get easier for you.
- Recycling a PUR filter is possible, but don’t always do it yourself. Disassembling the filter makes it easier to dump out plastics, and this makes it easier to recycle. However, the media in the filter traps contaminants that may harm you and your family. If it’s possible, have the recycling done by the manufacturer or a water filter recycler near you.
- Research adequately. Some greedy recyclers may charge you extra fees to recycle for you. Others may scam you, while some are non-existent or have no physical address. To be safe, ensure that you physically visit a recycling center or whole foods location.
The safest option is to sign up for a recycling program. Such a program would help you to properly recycle your water filter. According to PUR’s website, the company is currently working on setting up a recycling program for its customers.
Recycle PUR filters: It’s Easy!
As you can see, recycling used PUR filters is possible and indeed crucial.
Of course, you don’t need to do it yourself as that could expose you and your loved ones to toxic chemicals.
Every filter contains media that traps chemicals and heavy metals.
That’s why it’s essential to contact a professional recycler for all your recycling needs. Recyclers clean and reuse plastic parts to create new products.
When you recycle your PUR filters, you help the environment. Fortunately, the company is soon implementing a recycling program to make things for you!
