What to do with old water purifiers
With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the popularity of household water purifiers, many families are facing a question: What to do with old water purifiers? Direct discarding may cause pollution to the environment, while random disposal may waste resources. This article will provide you with structured solutions based on hot topics and hot content from the entire network in the past 10 days.
1. How to dispose of old water purifiers

Based on recent online discussions and environmental policies, the following are common ways to dispose of old water purifiers:
| Processing method | Applicable situations | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| trade-in | Water purifier brands offer recycling services | Some brands need to meet conditions (such as purchasing a new phone) |
| Professional recycling agency | No trade-in or brand no recycling service | Institutional qualifications need to be confirmed to avoid illegal dismantling |
| Second-hand platform resale | The water purifier is fully functional | It needs to be cleaned and disinfected and the age of use must be clearly marked. |
| Community recycling point | Your city has a separate recycling policy | The filter element needs to be disassembled and placed separately from the main unit. |
2. Treatment method of water purifier filter element
The filter element is the core component of the water purifier and is also the part with a higher risk of contamination. The following are suggestions for classification:
| Filter element type | Processing method | environmental risks |
|---|---|---|
| PP cotton filter element | Disposed as dry waste | Low (can be incinerated) |
| Activated carbon filter element | Seal and dispose of hazardous waste | Medium (may release heavy metals) |
| RO membrane filter element | Contact the manufacturer for recycling | High (including plastic and chemical coatings) |
3. Recent hot topics
1.“Old for new” policy upgrade: Many local governments have joined forces with home appliance companies to launch subsidies, with the recycling price of water purifiers reaching up to 15% of the new machine price.
2.Breakthrough in filter recycling technology: An environmental protection company has developed filter element material separation technology that can completely decompose plastic and metal in RO membranes.
3.Second-hand water purifier transactions surge: Data from a certain platform show that the transaction volume of second-hand water purifiers increased by 32% month-on-month in the past week, and the average price was 20%-40% of the original price.
4. Operational step guide
1.Assess water purifier status: Check whether it can be repaired or upgraded to avoid immediate scrapping.
2.Clear personal information: The smart water purifier needs to be restored to factory settings and delete the APP binding data.
3.Choose processing channel: Refer to the table below to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different channels:
| channel | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Brand after-sales | Professional testing and thorough data removal | Dismantling fees may apply |
| scrap recycling bin | Instant cash | Low price (about 5-10 yuan/kg) |
| Environmental NGO | Free door-to-door recycling | Limited city coverage |
5. Special reminder
1. Do not disassemble the RO membrane module by yourself, as high-pressure gas may remain inside.
2. Starting from 2023, some cities will include water purifiers in the "Catalogue for Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Products", with a maximum fine of 2,000 yuan for illegal disposal.
3. Keep the disposal certificate. Some brands require a recycling certificate to enjoy the extended warranty service of the new machine.
Through the above structured plan, you can not only dispose of your old water purifier in compliance with regulations, but also contribute to environmental protection. It is recommended to give priority to manufacturer recycling or formal second-hand transactions to maximize the use of resources.
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