What to do with an old Brita pitcher?

Author: Orlo Volkman  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Even old Brita® pitchers and filters can be transformed once they've been retired. Our partner TerraCycle® can turn your old Brita products into 100% recycled goods like outdoor chairs, bike racks, even park benches! Visit the Brita Recycling page to see how.

How to dispose of an old Brita pitcher?

Simply download a free shipping label to ship your Brita products and packaging to TerraCycle, and we'll recycle them. Enrollment limits apply. If the program is full, you will be added to a waitlist.

What is the lifespan of a Brita pitcher?

This is the most common Brita filter, usually identified as the “white ones.” They're used in pitchers, faucets, and dispensers, having the capacity to remove foul odor and bad taste. Regarding its efficacy period, you should change this filter every two months or after using 40 gallons of water.

Can you return a Brita pitcher?

We stand by our products and offer both a 30-day, unconditional, 100% money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty in case your Brita gets damaged. Your satisfaction is important to us, whether or not you are within the warranty period.

Why is Brita in a lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleges that by writing on their labels that their filters “Reduce 3X contaminants,” Brita has falsely given consumers the impression that the filter removes “arsenic, chromium-6, nitrate and nitrites” and other chemicals, including PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” It does not mention misleading ...

How To Take Apart Brita Pitcher? [3 Genius Ways 😎]

Is it safe to drink water from Brita pitcher?

Yes. All Brita® pitchers, dispensers, Premium Filtering Water Bottles, Water Filter Faucet Systems and replacement filters are made without BPA.

Why does Brita water taste so much better?

Get cleaner, better-tasting water right from your tap.

Curious about what different Brita® filters remove or reduce from tap water? This table lists all the contaminants our filters are certified to reduce including chlorine, lead and copper for great-tasting water.

How long should you keep a Brita pitcher?

The manufacturer can tell you what the maintenance recommendations are for the product you have. For example, Brita filter replacement recommendations range from every two to six months, or about every 40 to 120 gallons of water, depending on the product.

Can water sitting in a Brita go bad?

If you do not change your water filter after 40 gallons of Brita or every 2 months, bacteria will grow in your filter or get mixed into your water.

Do Brita pitchers remove fluoride?

Do BRITA water filters remove fluoride? No. BRITA water filters are not designed to remove fluoride.

What are the black specks in my Brita filter?

What are the black specks in the reservoir of my Brita® pitcher or dispenser? Seeing carbon particles in the pitcher or dispenser after several weeks of use is normal with our older filters. Our new filters are designed to eliminate black flecks in your water.

Is carbon dust from Brita filter harmful?

Is Carbon Dust Safe to Drink? Although the black dust floating in your water might look unappealing, it's not considered harmful. In fact, some believe consuming activated carbon (charcoal) is beneficial for the following: Cleansing blood.

Should a Brita filter always be wet?

The inside of my filter cartridge is damp. What should I do? Don't worry, it's completely normal. Whether it's damp or dry has no effect on the water filter's performance.

Can you leave a Brita pitcher out?

"We recommend that you store your Brita system in the refrigerator to get cold, great-tasting water," reads the manual for the Brita Smart Pitcher OB39/42632, a top performer in our latest water filter review.

How do you clean an old Brita?

How to Clean a Brita Pitcher
  1. Disassemble Pitcher. Take the unit apart, separating the pitcher from the lid and reservoir. ...
  2. Wash Pitcher, Lid, and Reservoir. Use a nonabrasive sponge or dishcloth to wash the pitcher, lid and reservoir with hot, soapy water. ...
  3. Rinse. Rinse all the parts with hot water.
  4. Dry and Reassemble.

Do you throw away old water filters?

Refer to the local recycling facility for specific information on items accepted for recycling. While not recommended, it is safe to throw water filters in the trash.

Can mold grow in Brita?

Yes, mold can grow in a Brita filter or in the water reservoir if not properly cleaned and maintained.

Is it bad to drink from an old Brita filter?

Health Risks: Drinking from an old filter can expose individuals to harmful chemicals and heavy metals that the filter was initially designed to remove. This can lead to health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

How to get rid of algae in Brita pitcher?

Get Rid of Limescale and Mildew

Get rid of the built-up limescale and any mildew with a white vinegar and water solution. Mix about ⅓ cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water in a small bowl. Wet your sponge or cloth in the solution and then scrub the inside of the reservoir and lid.

How do you dispose of Brita filters?

Do not put in the mixed recycling bins. Put in the Garbage or check out the TERRACYCLE mail-in recycling program. Brita® has teamed up with TerraCycle® to bring you a national recycling solution for Brita® filters, pitchers, dispensers, bottles, faucet systems, and packaging.

How often should I replace my entire Brita?

The Brita Standard Filter (white) should be replaced every 40 gallons or about every two months. The Brita Longlast Filter (blue) should be replaced every 120 gallons or about every six months. The Brita Stream Filter (gray) should be replaced every 40 gallons or about every two months.

Is Brita filter healthier than bottled water?

Although both filtered water and bottled water can provide healthier, better-tasting water, the cost-effectiveness and smaller environmental impact of filtered water beats out bottled water at every turn.

Does putting alcohol in a Brita make it taste better?

Some examples include esters, aldehydes, methanol, acetates, and acetic acid, all of which alter the final flavor slightly. Some have claimed that the Brita filter works by removing these congeners from less-pure vodka, improving the taste, and preventing the next-day hangover. This isn't entirely true.

Is boiling water better than Brita?

Brita can't remove microorganisms from water. Boiling tap water involves heating it until it reaches a rolling boil, then waiting the allotted time for microorganisms to be killed. Boiling water also speeds up the chlorine dissipation process, helping to reduce the chlorine in your water.

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