I didnt chuck mine, I took it and threw away the credo inside. Mine was one that could be unscrewed. Then I took the 2 parts to the humidifier and threw them in the dishwasher and cleaned them and make sure you use the heat dry. Replaced it with new credo that I got at wal-mart for 2 bucks and never had a re-accurance. Did have a re-accurance before doing what I mentioned by just replacing the credo material and not washing it in the dishwasher. Hope this helps.
Brad