A Guide to Recycling Your Cookware
How to get rid of your cookware responsibly.
We've all been there. A frying pan on its last leg, a pot that ended up in the "no" pile during a move, and a cake tin that no longer makes anything resembling cake. But what do you do with them? Below, we've outlined three ways to get rid of your cookware the right way.
1. Reuse
When it’s time to say goodbye to your cookware, the first option to think about is reuse. Why? Upcycling your items is much more energy- and resource-efficient than recycling them. Plus, it’s a guaranteed way to ensure that your cookware doesn’t end up in landfills.
If you're crafty, consider DIY ways to repurpose your old kitchenware. Turn your pots and pans into planters for the garden or transform your worn-out tools into decor for the living room. It’s a win-win for your home and for the planet.
2. Donate
Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen but your old cookware is still in decent shape. If your kitchenware is still usable, give those pieces a new home by passing them on to a friend or donating them to your local thrift store, mutual aid group or an organization like Habitat for Humanity.
P.S. If you're looking to donate in NYC, Housing Works is also a great option.
3. Recycle
Finally, if that pot or pan is completely unusable (AKA warped, cracked or scratched up), recycling is an option. Most curbside recycling programs will not accept cookware, so you’ll want to drop it off at a local scrap metal facility. Different facilities accept different materials, so be sure to call ahead to confirm that they’ll accept your specific cookware.
