Environmental awareness is important to us! This is why we have run our own recycling programme for used filters since 1992. However, we can only recycle filters we receive from you. Therefore, we encourage you to return your BRITA filters to us. 

Unfortunately, we cannot offer recycling options in all countries. For further information regarding your local recycling options please check our website www.brita.net/recycling 

For BRITA household water filters the same recycling process applies: The filters are collected locally and transported to our recycling facility in Germany. On our website www.brita.net/recycling you can find information on how the recycling process works in detail.

Drinking water can contain substances that may affect its taste, odour or overall quality – such as chlorine, limescale or trace metals. By filtering tap water, these elements can be reduced, resulting in a better taste and an improved drinking experience. At the same time, essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are retained.

Our BRITA filtration solutions are designed to provide reliable filtration performance, while being easy to use, install and integrate into everyday life.

Depending on your needs and lifestyle, different BRITA filtration technologies offer tailored benefits:

• Some filter types are designed to reduce limescale and metals such as copper and lead, helping to protect appliances and improve water taste
• Others focus on reducing taste- and odour-impacting substances, such as chlorine, while preserving beneficial minerals
• Filter lifespan and capacity can vary, with options designed for daily use over several weeks or for higher water volumes on the go
  

BRITA offers a variety of filtration solutions across different product categories, including:

• Water filter jugs with replaceable filter cartridges
• Bottles and systems using compact filter discs or filter cartridges
• Other integrated filtration solutions tailored to different use cases
  

This allows you to choose the solution that best fits your individual preferences, usage habits and filtration needs.

Please check what kind of water filter cartridges you are using at home. BRITA can only guarantee "PerfectFit" for original BRITA water filter cartridges.

Both the BRITA MAXTRA and BRITA MicroDisc have been designed for quick, easy installation.

BRITA MAXTRA water filter:

Simply fill a jug or bowl with water. Immerse the BRITA MAXTRA water filter in cold water and shake gently to remove any air bubbles. Insert the water filter into the jug’s funnel and run water through the filter twice. After discarding the first two litres, your BRITA water filter is ready for use.

BRITA MicroDisc:

Before using the MicroDisc for the first time, place it under running water and lightly rub both sides with your fingers for approx. 30 seconds. This effectively removes any loose carbon dust that may be present.

Yes. The contents of all BRITA water filter are food-grade quality and completely harmless, even if accidentally ingested.

Once the BRITA water filter is full it simply stops filtering. It does not leak impurities back into the filtered water. 

No. BRITA water filters are not designed to remove fluoride. Some fluoride is naturally present in tap water, whilst some water companies add fluoride to the water. If you are concerned about the presence of fluoride in your tap water, check with your local water supplier.

If properly stored, all original BRITA cartridges can be kept for several years. Proper storage means at temperatures between 1 °C and 50 °C, without exposure to direct sunlight or heat. The cartridge should also remain sealed in its original packaging.

Store your BRITA filtered water in a cool place, such as the fridge. Also, protect your BRITA product from direct sunlight to avoid algae and consume the filtered water within one day.

Depending on which BRITA water filter system you have, BRITA METER, BRITA MEMO or BRITA Smart Light monitors your filter's performance. Please refer to the product manual for more information.

The filtering process can cause a small increase in water's potassium level. However, one litre of BRITA filtered water contains less potassium than an apple. If you have kidney disease or watch your potassium intake for other reasons, consult your doctor before using a water filter.

No. BRITA water filters which contain ion exchange resin and activated carbon reduce substances from tap water that can affect its taste and appearance. The process only partially de-mineralises water. Distilled water, in contrast, is fully de-mineralised. That’s why filtered water is not suitable for use when distilled water is required, such as car batteries.

Water hardness falls into two categories: permanent hardness and temporary hardness. Permanent hardness does not influence water’s taste or how household appliances work. Temporary hardness affects the taste of food and beverages prepared with hot water. Further, it causes limescale deposits in home appliances that heat water, such as kettles, steam irons, coffee makers and washers.

By reducing water’s temporary hardness, BRITA water filter cartridges reduce taste and aroma impairing substances and limescale build-up. The result is great tasting water for hot drinks and dishes prepared with water, and less lime scale build-up in home appliances. How hard is your water? Order a free water hardness test strip to find out.

Your water hardness can be influenced by various factors. Information on water hardness is usually provided by the respective utility company. So you may ask there.

To get an indication by yourself:

A value > 5°dH indicates medium to hard water. Additionally, the following factors typically indicate medium/hard water:

• Heavy occurrence of limescale deposits in household appliances and around kitchen taps and bathroom fittings.
• Appearance of limescale spots on glasses.
• Oily streaks or scum appearing on surface of hot drinks, especially tea.

A value < 5°dH is considered soft water. In addition to this value, the following factors can also help you to indicate soft water:

• Your home has a plumbed in water softener.
• Low occurrence of limescale deposits in your household appliances and around kitchen taps and bathroom fittings.

In general, you shouldn’t leave water sitting for too long, as bacteria can grow. This also applies to BRITA-filtered water—like any beverage, it is a food product. The exact duration depends on various factors, such as temperature. However, you shouldn’t leave water sitting outside the refrigerator for more than a day.

That depends on the type of filter or cartridge and how often you use it. You can find information on the recommended usage period in the product description for the specific filter or filter cartridge.