What to Do With Old Growlers: Reuse, Refill, and Replace!

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Do you love craft beer and want to find a sustainable way to enjoy your favorite brews? Have you ever considered what to do with old growlers? Reusing growlers is an eco-friendly way of enjoying delicious beers while reducing waste. Plus, it’s cost-effective! Learn about the benefits of reusing growlers, appropriate refilling, alternatives if you don’t have one, and where to acquire replacement components for older models. Get ready for some fun facts about doing with old growlers that will make your next homebrewing session even better!

Table of Contents:

Reusing Old Growlers

Growlers are large, refillable containers used for storing beer. They come in various sizes and can be reused multiple times if properly cleaned and sanitized. Here’s how you can reuse your old growler:

Cleaning and Sanitizing:

Before refilling an old growler, it must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. It involves washing the container with hot water, soap, or a specialized cleaning solution for beer vessels. After washing, rinse with hot water and fill with Star San or Iodophor. The container should sit for several minutes before emptying and filling with fresh beer.

Repurposing:

Old growlers can also be repurposed into other items, such as planters or vases, by drilling holes in the bottom for drainage purposes. Alternatively, they can make incredible decorations when hung on walls using hooks or nails placed through their handles.

Refilling:

Refilling an old growler is easy, but you need to choose the proper beer (lagers vs. ales) and check for freshness/quality before filling it. Using CO2 regulators to fill your vessel; sealing any gaps after pouring to prevent air from entering; etc.

Benefits of Reusing Growlers

Benefits of Reusing Growlers

Growlers are large, refillable containers transporting beer from breweries or taprooms. They can be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced, making them an economical and environmentally friendly choice for beer drinkers.

Cost Savings:

Reusing growlers saves money in two ways: you don’t have to buy new ones every time you want fresh beer, and you can often get discounted refills at participating breweries or taprooms. It makes it much more affordable than buying individual bottles or cans of beer each time you want a drink.

Environmental Impact:

Reusing growlers helps reduce the amount of packaging material in landfills. These containers are constructed of glass, metal, or plastic, so they last longer than throwaway cans and bottles. By reusing your growler instead of throwing it away after each use, you’re helping keep these materials out of landfills, where they could take centuries to decompose naturally.

Convenience:

Refilling your growler also eliminates the hassle of going back and forth between stores when purchasing individual beers; all you have to do is fill up your container with whatever craft brew you fancy! Plus, many places offer discounts on refills, so it’s even cheaper than buying individual beers from the store anyway!

Reusing growlers can save you money, help the environment, and be more convenient than buying new bottles or cans. Now let’s look at some tips for refilling your growler to ensure a great beer experience every time.

Key Takeaway: Reusing growlers is an economical and environmentally friendly way to transport beer. It can save money by eliminating the need to buy individual bottles or cans and offering discounted refills at participating breweries or taprooms.

Tips for Refilling Growlers

Choosing the Right Beer Type:

When refilling a growler, choosing the right beer type is essential. Sticking with beer for growlers, such as IPAs, stouts, and porters, is best. These types of beer have more complex flavors that can be better preserved in a growler than other lighter beer styles.

Checking for Freshness and Quality of Beer:

Before filling up your growler, check the freshness and quality of the beer you are about to purchase. Look at the expiration date on the bottle or can, and ask questions about how long ago it was brewed or bottled, if possible. It will ensure you get a good-tasting beer when filling up your growler.

Filling Your Growler Properly:

Once you have chosen your desired beer type and checked its freshness and quality, it is time to use the proper equipment for filling and sealing your growler. Utilize an appropriate-sized funnel so no foam spills out during transfer from the bottle or can into your clean, sanitized container (growler). Then seal tightly with either a screw-on cap or rubber stopper, depending on what kind of lid came with your particular model of container (growler). Finally, label accordingly so everything is clear when drinking from this vessel.

Reusing growlers is a great way to save money and reduce waste, but taking the proper precautions when refilling them is essential. You can ensure your growler remains fresh and high-quality with the right equipment and beer type. Now let’s look at some alternatives for reusing growlers.

Alternatives to Reusing Growlers

Alternatives to Reusing Growlers

Buying New Growlers or Jugs:

If you don’t have an old growler to reuse, buying a new one is always an option. Many types of growlers and jugs are available, from stainless steel-insulated ones that keep your beer cold for hours to ceramic ones with unique designs. Depending on your needs and preferences, there is sure to be something that fits what you’re looking for.

However, it should also be noted that these containers are less environmentally friendly than reusable options like growlers since they create more waste than other packaging materials, such as glass jars and aluminum cans, which can be recycled after use.

Reusing growlers is a great way to save money and reduce waste, but there are plenty of other options if you need new containers for your beer. The following heading will cover where to find replacement parts for old growlers.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts for Old Growlers

Online Retailers

When buying replacement parts for old growlers, a few options are available. Online retailers are one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to purchase these items. Many online stores offer a wide selection of parts, including lids, seals, caps, and other accessories that can be used to repair or replace broken pieces on an existing growler. Additionally, many sites provide detailed descriptions and images of each product, so customers can ensure they get exactly what they need before purchasing.

Local Homebrew

Local homebrew stores also carry various replacement parts for old growlers and new ones if you’d prefer not to reuse your current container. These shops typically have knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right part for your needs and answer any questions about proper care or maintenance for your equipment.

Brewery Taprooms:

Brewery taprooms also sell replacement parts since they use them frequently when filling customer orders with fresh beer from their taps. If you don’t see what you need at the brewery itself, ask around – some breweries will even order special items upon request if they don’t already carry them in stock!

No matter where you buy replacement parts for old growlers, always double-check that everything is compatible with your specific model before purchasing anything new or used. Finding the right piece should be straightforward, with careful research and consideration.

Replacing Parts for Old Growlers:

Regarding replacing parts for old growlers, several options are available. Online retailers offer many replacement parts such as lids, caps, and seals. These can be purchased individually or in bulk, depending on the need. Local homebrew stores also carry replacement parts for growlers and often have knowledgeable staff that can help with selecting the correct part. Brewery taprooms may also carry some replacement parts for their branded growlers or jugs, so it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something specific.

Online Retailers:

Shopping online is a great way to find your need without leaving home. Many websites specialize in selling beer-related items, including replacement parts for old growlers like lids, caps, and seals. You can easily compare prices between different sites before deciding on quality and price points.

Local Homebrew Stores:

If you prefer shopping locally instead of online, local homebrew stores are an excellent option for replacement parts for old growlers. Not only do they usually stock various products, but they also have knowledgeable staff who can advise on which part would best suit your needs and tips on installing them once appropriately purchased.

It is always worth inquiring at brewery taprooms, as they may have limited supplies of their own branded growler or jug replacements, such as lids or seals, available in case of wear and tear from use or storage conditions. It could save money by not having to buy new ones elsewhere.

Key Takeaway: When buying replacement parts for old growlers, a few options are available. Online retailers, local homebrew stores, and brewery taprooms all carry various pieces that can be used to repair or replace broken items on an existing container. Before making any purchases, ensure the part is compatible with your specific model and double-check product descriptions and images if purchasing online. With careful research ahead of time, finding the right piece should be relatively straightforward.

FAQs in Relation to What to Do With Old Growlers

How do you get rid of growlers?

Growlers are reusable containers used to transport and store beer. To get rid of them, you can either recycle them or reuse them for other purposes. If recycling, check with your local municipality on what materials they accept, as growlers may be made from different types of plastic or glass. If reusing, ensure the container is thoroughly cleaned before using it for something else, such as a vase or storage container. Additionally, some breweries will take back their growlers if you bring them in empty and clean.

 What do you do with growlers?

They typically come in 64-ounce glass jugs but can also be found in stainless steel and other materials. Growlers help keep beer fresh for longer than cans or bottles and allow customers to enjoy craft beers that may not be available in stores. When you purchase a growler, it is filled with the desired beer at the brewery or taproom, sealed with a lid, and taken home for consumption. To refill your growler, return it to where you purchased it!

Can you reuse growlers?

Yes, growlers can be reused. Growlers are refillable glass jugs that hold beer and other beverages. They have a tight-fitting lid to keep the beverage fresh and carbonated. When properly cleaned and sanitized, they can store craft beers or homebrews multiple times. It’s essential to rinse your growler after each use with hot water before refilling it again to prevent bacteria growth and maintain the quality of your beer.

How long until a growler goes bad?

A growler is a container used to transport beer from breweries and pubs. Generally, consuming the beer within two days of filling the growler is best, as carbonation levels can decrease afterward. If stored properly in a cool, dark place, the beer should last up to three weeks before going bad. However, the beer will spoil much sooner than expected if exposed to sunlight or heat for too long. To ensure the freshness and quality of your brews, it’s best not to keep them in a growler for more than two weeks at most.

Conclusion

Not only do you get to enjoy your favorite beer in the same vessel, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing something good for the environment. With just a few simple tips, anyone can learn how to refill their growler with ease. If reusing an old growler isn’t an option, plenty of alternatives are available such as buying new or used growlers or purchasing replacement parts for your existing one. No matter what route you decide to take, make sure it works best for you and fits within your budget so you can continue enjoying craft beers from home without worrying about what to do with old growlers!

Do you have old growlers that are no longer in use? Instead of throwing them away, why not repurpose them and make the most of your beer-drinking experience? Join our blog to learn about beer reviews, subscription services, and how to craft your brews. We’ll also provide tips on what you can do with those old growlers so they won’t go into a landfill. With our help, we can ensure that every drop of beer is enjoyed responsibly—from bottle to glass!

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