How to Return Nalgene Bottles

The news about the possible health hazards of Bisphenol A, which is used to make plastic and epoxy resins, has left many people wondering what they are going to do with their Nalgene water bottles or baby bottles that may now be toxic. Nalge Nunc Internationals has decided to pull bottles from the shelves, but has not issued a product recall. They maintain the product is safe, and they are pulling the product only because of consumer concerns. They will now produce only bottles that don't use the chemical. The choice to take back old Nalgene bottles containing Bisphenol A belongs to the retail stores that sold you the product. Some retail stores issue a small refund or store credit for old bottles.

Things You'll Need

• Receipt, if available

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify if your bottle is made of the hard plastic that contains Bisphenol A. You can quickly identify this by turning your bottle over and looking at the bottom. If you see a number 7 recycling code within a triangle, then it may contain the chemical, although some number 7 products such as the Everyday line put out by Nalgene don't contain Bisphenol A.

• 2

  Find the receipt for your bottle. You may be able to return your bottle without the receipt, but it will increase your chance of success if you can find it.

• 3

  Identify the place you originally bought the Nalgene bottle, and go to the store in person. You can call the store if you wish, but talking to the manager may be better. Do the errand on your way to work or home to conserve gas.

• 4

  Print a copy of information about Bisphenol A and its appearance in number 7 Nalgene bottles. You can find some information on the Nalgene Outdoor website. There are plenty of other resources on the Internet about the chemical, as well.

• 5

  Go to the front desk area at the store where you bought the bottle. Explain to the manager that you want to return your Nalgene bottle because of the possible toxicity contained in Bisphenol A, and the pulling of the bottles by Nalgene from shelves. You can use your printed information if they aren't familiar with what you are talking about. Many larger stores have issued refunds even without a receipt. However, a refund isn't guaranteed anywhere.

• 6

  Write Nalge Nunc International directly about your concerns if the store will not take your Nalgene bottle back.