What Do I Do With My Cirkul Cartridge?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Cirkul, one cartridge can replace the equivalent of six 20-ounce plastic bottles, which significantly reduces plastic waste. The question of what to do with my Cirkul cartridge—both finished and partially used—is crucial for maximizing its value and ensuring responsible disposal.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to properly recycle used Cirkul cartridges by separating the components, storing partially used ones safely, and exploring creative refill options to extend their lifespan. It offers practical tips to minimize waste and maximize your investment.

Key Points

Recycling: Separate the plastic top and bottom pieces from the non-recyclable foil pouch before placing the #5 plastic parts in your local recycling bin.
Storage: Partially used cartridges should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated to be used within 7-10 days to prevent bacterial growth.
Refilling Hack: You can separate and clean empty cartridge components to refill them with your own water enhancers, but do so with caution and proper hygiene.
Maximize Value: To make Sips last longer, use a lower flavor dial setting or alternate between flavored and plain water refills.
Check Local Rules: Always verify that your municipality accepts #5 plastic for recycling, as regulations can vary significantly by location.
Avoid Contamination: If refilling, ensure all parts are thoroughly cleaned and completely dried before adding new liquid to prevent mold formation.
Cirkul Accessories: Cirkul offers specific storage containers, known as "Sip Savers," for storing opened cartridges cleanly.

Navigating the disposal and reuse of Cirkul cartridges can be confusing for many users. The cartridges, known as 'Sips,' are designed to be recyclable, but proper preparation is key. Beyond recycling, there are smart strategies for saving half-finished cartridges and even clever hacks for refilling them. This guide will walk you through each option to help you make the most of every sip while being environmentally conscious.

Properly Recycling Your Cirkul Cartridge

Properly recycling your Cirkul Sip involves more than just tossing it into the blue bin. Cirkul's own instructions detail a specific process for disassembly to ensure all recyclable parts make it through the sorting process. The critical step is to separate the different materials.

The Cirkul-recommended recycling process:

Pull apart the components: Firmly pull the top of the cartridge away from the bottom. This separates the plastic housing from the internal flavor pouch. Some users find they need to wiggle it a bit, while others may need a little more force.
Remove the flavor pouch: Inside the plastic body, you will find a small foil-lined pouch that held the flavor concentrate. This pouch is not recyclable and should be disposed of with your regular trash.
Recycle the plastic: The cartridge's top and bottom plastic pieces are made of #5 plastic (polypropylene), which is widely recyclable in many, but not all, municipalities. Always check with your local recycling guidelines to confirm they accept #5 plastic.

Storing Partially Used Cartridges

If you want to switch flavors or simply finish a cartridge later, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and prevent mold growth. The manufacturer recommends finishing a cartridge within 7-10 days of first use.

Best practices for storing an opened cartridge:

Detach and Drain: Once you're done sipping for the moment, detach the Sip from the lid. Shake or gently squeeze any excess water out of the spout.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the cartridge in a small resealable bag or an airtight container to keep it sealed.
Refrigerate: For optimal freshness, store the sealed cartridge in the refrigerator. Some users simply place it in a small cup in the fridge.
Consider a Sip-Saver: Cirkul sells specific storage accessories, often called "Sip Savers," which are designed to keep opened cartridges clean and fresh.

Refilling and Reusing Cartridges (At Your Own Risk)

For those who want to be more resourceful, there are several user-driven hacks for refilling empty Cirkul cartridges with your own water enhancers. This is not an officially sanctioned method and carries risks, including potential leakage and bacteria growth if not cleaned properly.

How to attempt a refill:

Disassemble Carefully: As with recycling, pull the top and bottom pieces of the cartridge apart. This may require some force.
Remove the Pouch: Carefully remove the empty foil pouch from the inside.
Clean Thoroughly: Wash the plastic pieces and the flavor delivery tube with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air-dry completely to prevent mold.
Refill with Care: Using a small funnel or a syringe, carefully pour your desired liquid water enhancer (like Mio or Crystal Light) into the top plastic piece where the pouch used to sit.
Reassemble: Snap the two plastic pieces back together firmly. You may need to use a lower flavor dial setting for concentrated liquid enhancers like Mio.

Comparison of Cirkul Cartridge Options


Feature	Official Recycling	Reusing (Storage)	Refilling (Hack)
Cartridge Condition	Empty	Partially Used	Empty
Manufacturer-Supported?	Yes	Yes (with guidelines)	No (User Hack)
Ease of Process	Moderate (requires disassembly)	Easy (requires storage solution)	Advanced (requires cleaning, tools)
Waste Reduction	Significant (less than bottled drinks)	Maximize each cartridge's life	High (avoids buying new Sips)
Risk of Contamination	Low (single-use flavor pouch discarded)	Moderate (must follow 10-day rule)	High (requires meticulous cleaning)

Conclusion

Knowing what to do with my Cirkul cartridge gives you three distinct options: proper recycling, safe storage, and experimental refilling. The official method for disposal involves separating the plastic components for local recycling after discarding the non-recyclable flavor pouch. For extending the life of a partially used Sip, refrigerating it in an airtight container for up to 10 days is the recommended approach. For the adventurous and resource-conscious, refilling hacks offer a way to reuse the plastic casing, but this must be done with careful cleaning to avoid health risks. By following these methods, you can be both a responsible consumer and a savvy Cirkul user.

What to consider before you what to do with my Cirkul cartridge?

Before you decide what to do with my Cirkul cartridge, ask yourself these questions:

Is the cartridge completely empty, or can I still get more use out of it?
Do I need to store this cartridge for a short time, or is it ready for disposal?
Are the potential risks of mold or leakage from refilling worth the reward for me?

Answering these questions will help you determine the best path forward, whether that's proper recycling, temporary storage, or a DIY refill project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Cirkul cartridges are made of #5 polypropylene plastic and are designed to be recyclable. You must first pull the top and bottom apart to remove the non-recyclable inner flavor pouch.

For short-term storage, detach the cartridge, shake out any excess water, and store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator. It is best to use it within 10 days of opening.

You can make your cartridge last longer by adjusting the flavor dial to a lower setting. You can also alternate between drinking plain water (dial set to X) and flavored water to extend the cartridge's life.

Refilling is a popular user hack, but it is not manufacturer-recommended. It is crucial to thoroughly clean and dry the cartridge to avoid mold and bacteria buildup. Use a lower flavor dial setting as most liquid enhancers are more concentrated than Cirkul's Sips.

The plastic components of a Cirkul cartridge are typically made of #5 polypropylene, which is often accepted by municipal recycling programs. Always check local guidelines.

No, the flavor cartridge itself should not be washed in the dishwasher. Cirkul advises handwashing the bottle and lid components, and never submerging the cartridge in water.

If your local program doesn't accept #5 plastic, you will need to dispose of the cleaned plastic cartridge pieces in your regular trash. Consider reaching out to Cirkul to ask about alternative recycling programs.