THE LOCAL WATER THAT DOES GOOD FOR ST. LOUIS

OUR STORY

OneSTL Water was created to support a simple goal – show St. Louis area residents that recycling works.

To stand out and make a difference, we needed to do something different. So we decided to create a new way to engage, activate, and connect people to recycling. OneSTL Water helps St. Louis area residents see that recycling matters and it directly connects them to the role they play in the recycling process.

 

RECYCLING WORKS IN ST. LOUIS – YOU MATTER!

Want to see proof positive that Recycling Works in St. Louis? Watch the video below to see the entire lifecycle of an aluminum can. Here’s a chance for you to see how you are critical to the recycling process. From making the initial choice of selecting a product packaged in an infinitely recyclable aluminum can, through your recycling efforts, to the return of new products with recycled content to store shelves, your actions matter to a more sustainable future!

MAKING A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Not only is recycling the right thing to do, it's also smart business. From the choices individuals make to the way a big business thinks and acts, we all make a significant impact on our region. Committing to sustainability and recycling matters. Watch this video to learn more. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The choices you make MATTER. With your help, we can all have a truly positive and lasting impact on the St. Louis region.

RECYCLE!

You can make a lasting impact and drive recycling and waste reduction efforts forward in St. Louis.

By recycling, you help in the following ways:

1. Conservation of Resources – By recycling materials like aluminum, paper, and glass, you help reduce the need to extract and process raw materials from the environment.
2. Reduction of Waste – When you recycle, you help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
3. Energy Savings – Recycling helps manufacturers save energy that is wasted when they have to produce goods from virgin materials. Did you know that recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy that is required to produce new aluminum?
4. Economic Benefits – By recycling, you help municipalities reduce the costs associated with waste disposal AND you create recycling industry jobs.
5. Conservation of Habitat – Extracting new raw materials often involves habitat destruction and ecosystem disruption. By recycling, you help reduce the demand manufacturers have for virgin materials.

STICK WITH THE 6!

When you “Stick with the Six” you are reducing recycling contamination by recycling six specific items:

1. Paper
2. Flattened cardboard
3. Plastic bottles and containers
4. Blass bottles and jars
5. Metal food and beverage cans
6. Food and beverage cartons

Stick with the Six is a way for you to avoid “wishcycling,” where you may mistakenly place nonrecyclable items in your recycling bins, leading to contamination. Learn more at RecycleResponsibly.org.

NEVER PLACE PLASTIC BAGS IN A RECYCLING BIN

Plastic bags are the single most significant source of contamination at recycling centers. Recycling facilities shut down for hours when plastic bags jam machinery. Clearing tangled plastic bags from jammed machinery puts workers at risk for injuries.

Plastic bags require different processing equipment than your regular recycling. To recycle plastic bags, bring them back to your local grocery or retail store. Visit NexTrex.com to learn more about plastic bag and plastic film recycling and to find a drop-off location near you!

THE ONESTL WATER

OneSTL Water is produced and canned locally in St. Louis' Grove District. OneSTL Water is only available in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans - the most recyclable beverage packaging option available! By choosing OneSTL Water, you are saying no to water pacakged in harmful plastic bottles. THANK YOU!

INFINITELY RECYCLABLE ALUMINUM CANS 

OneSTL Water is packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans. You are doing something good by choosing the only truly sustainable alternative to water packaged in plastic bottles.

TURN TO THE TAP

OneSTL Water was created as a way to help you learn about recycling, we think nothing beats St. Louis’ world-class tap water. When you can, always Turn To The Tap First. Really! If tap water is not an option, we’re here to help you make the most sustainable choice you can – water packaged in an infinitely recyclable aluminum can.

LOCAL CLEANUP. LOCAL IMPACT.

OneSTL Water is the local water that does good for St. Louis! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of every can of OneSTL Water goes towards reducing pollution and cleaning up plastic and other contaminants from our region’s precious waterways.

OUR CURRENT PARTNER - MISSISSIPPI RIVER CITIES AND TOWNS INITIATIVE (MRCTI)

MRCTI is a non-profit organization that promotes economic and environmental security and stability along the Mississippi River Corridor. Its members are mayors of more than 100 communities along the Mississippi River, including St. Louis, MO. Learn more about MRCTI

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where did the idea for OneSTL Water come from?

Some people don’t believe that recycling is actually happening in St. Louis, and they feel as if their efforts to recycle might not be worth it. OneSTL is tasked with changing this.

Is OneSTL Water another recycling campaign?

Nope. It’s different. To drive change, we decided it was time for something that could connect with the very people we want to reach in a real way. Something that goes beyond another billboard or another mailing. With OneSTL Water, we’re creating a platform to deliver important messages and connect people to the recycling process.

Shouldn’t people just drink tap water in a reusable cup?

YES! Always turn to the tap first. Sometimes, that is not a realistic option, and that is where OneSTL Water can make a difference. Most of the time, people turn to plastic bottles. Plastic is the absolute worst choice you can make. Choosing a container that is significantly less harmful to the environment provides an opportunity to minimize your ecological impact. We are providing you with an alternative in an infinitely recyclable aluminum can, and we are delivering an important message about recycling.

Why not make a single-use refillable bottle instead of water in aluminum cans?

Numerous refillable bottles are already available. We needed to reach new people in a new way and tell the story of recycling. Our goal is simple, help people be better at recycling. We are putting recyclable items directly in people’s hands, and we’re delivering the message of recycling in a refreshing way.

I see you are supporting local clean-up efforts, what is that about?

Tap water in St. Louis is a prized asset. It is tasty and known for its quality. Part of our mission is to help the people committed to doing good in our region. That’s why a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every can of OneSTL Water goes towards reducing pollution and cleaning up plastic and other contaminants from our region’s precious waterways.

What is one big change I could make?

Break free from the plastic habit. Beyond environmental concerns, plastic bottles also pose risks to your health. When exposed to light, plastic particles can leach into the water, transforming it from clean to potentially toxic. Clear plastic bottles, while allowing you to see the water, also expose it to mold and fungus that the plastic fails to protect against. Choose a safer and more sustainable alternative to ensure environmental and personal well-being.

How do you make OneSTL Water?

We filter the water to less than 1 part per million (ppm), a remarkable standard that far exceeds requirements. Following the filtration process, we package our cans to the highest standards, ensuring both freshness and durability during storage and transportation.

Is water from an aluminum can tasty?

Absolutely. We take pride in crafting a high-quality product, utilizing the most sustainable materials available to ensure your enjoyment of OneSTL Water. Each of our cans features a liner that safeguards the water, guaranteeing it is safe to consume and that it offers a refreshing drinking experience!

What makes aluminum cans better than plastic bottles?

Tons! Cans provide effective protection for water against light, mold, and fungus, unlike plastic. Water stored in cans maintains its quality for decades, whereas water in plastic bottles tends to spoil within 12-24 months. Notably, aluminum cans ensure that no plastic or metal leaches into the water. Additionally, cans cool down more rapidly compared to plastic bottles. Aluminum cans are clearly better - and INFINITELY RECYCLABLE! 

What is the recycling rate for aluminum cans?

Aluminum cans consist of as much as 95% recycled aluminum, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. On the other hand, plastic bottles are crafted from 0% recycled plastic due to restrictions on their reuse for food or beverages. The recycling rate for aluminum cans approaches 80%, while plastic bottles lag significantly behind with less than 9% being recycled. And get this, when you Recycle an aluminum can, it could be back on the shelf in as little as 6 weeks!

What is Recycle Responsibly all about? 

Recycle Responsibly is a collaboration of individuals and organizations from across the St. Louis region working together to create a more sustainable future. The intent is to build the capacity of local and regional leaders to implement sustainable practices by sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources; connecting local, regional, state and federal planning efforts; and making federal and local investments more effective and efficient.

What is Single-stream recycling?

Single-stream recycling refers to a recycling system in which all materials are mixed within the same bin. These materials are collected, and then sorted by like material and sold to manufacturers to make new products, including new aluminum cans!

How can I help?

Recycle! You are part of the recycling process and your part matters. When you recycle #RecycleResponsibly, you make a difference. Recycling is easy to do and we’re here to help you know how.