Are Refrigerator Water Filters Recyclable

By Steve Schaefer

water filter-3

On January 1st, I finally got around to changing the h2o filter in my Kenmore refrigerator. As I set the old one downwardly on the kitchen counter, I wondered how I could recycle it. Later, all, information technology's an xi.5-inch long blue plastic tube, and why should it 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 establish zippo about recycling. So, I went onto Google. In that location I was offered information on a recycling program that was started in 2014. A ha! I found a mention of a kit you could utilize to bag upwards the filter and send it in.

Simply clicking the link to gild the kit, I got a message that independent this:

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

Great.

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

All the same, she explained that "the filter recycle program was rarely used, therefore information technology was close downward."

She apologized for the inconvenience.

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

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

"We truly appreciate your business and assuasive u.s.a. to meet your waste service needs."

Sadly, they didn't.

I emailed the sustainability group at my function–volunteers who recall about these issues. I also checked online some more. One post suggested opening the filter (somehow), then putting the contents in your garden (is this a skillful idea?) then washing the plastic case and placing it in your normal recycling bin, if your company accepts it. I'll figured I could endeavor that, merely if it'southward this hard to recycle these filters, and then information technology's no surprise that few folks carp to do it.

I attempted to open the plastic instance using a big wrench from my toolbox but it didn't budge. I decided not to proceed with trying to saw it open. For at present, I'm keeping the filter effectually while I plan my next pace.

I'll explore this issue further and will written report dorsum any findings. If you have any suggestions, please send them to me at sdsauto53@gmail.com.