Your filter is a closed system, so you can’t reach into it and dry it by hand. Even if you wanted to break the filter to hand dry it, there are a ton of contaminants inside the filter that you shouldn’t touch.
If you’re recycling multiple filters, wrap them in separate plastic bags. That way, if one of the filters cracks and the contaminants spill out, you’ll still be able to recycle the other filters.
You can visit Brita’s website and sign up for an account at https://www. brita. com/recycling-filters/. TerraCycle is the only company that Brita has paired with to recycle their filters. This means that you won’t earn any points if you drop the filter off at a standard recycling plant. This is entirely optional. You can still ship your filters to TerraCycle if you aren’t enrolled in the program.
You can also take the plastic bag to a USPS, UPS, or FedEx if you live in the United States and have them package it for you. If you do this, bring your shipping label with you to the store. UPS is the only shipping store that will ship your filter for free.
Visit TerraCycle online at https://www. terracycle. com/en-US/account/sign_in.
Don’t obscure the writing on the label with your tape. If the label can’t be read, the shipping company you’re using will either refuse to take it or lose it in transit. The label must be on the top of the box in a highly visible location. Don’t tape it to the corner of the box or fold it over a side.
You can find a UPS store near you by using their store locator tool at https://www. theupsstore. com/tools/find-a-store. You can take your package to another shipping company if you’d like, but you’ll have to pay a small fee to have it shipped.
Even if a plant accepts your type of plastic, they may not have the ability to process water filters since filters absorb contaminants. The reverse may also be true. A plant may process #1 or #3 water filters, for example, but they may not be able to take your #5 plastic.
