How To Recycle Your Old Cookware

"There are numerous reasons to dispose of old cookware. You may have upgraded to a new model, the cooking surface may have eroded over time, or you may be merging kitchen supplies with a new roommate or partner. Enjoy your next meal knowing you did the right thing with your old cookware. For some items, recycling your old cookware is an option, but there are several important variables to consider first-including growing concerns about PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in nonstick coatings."

"If you need to dispose of pots and pans, the first option to consider is reuse. Sites like Craigslist and are good options for finding your cookware a new home, as are secondhand stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. A few scratches or dings may matter to you, but that doesn't make your pots and pans unusable. Important note on damaged nonstick cookware: If you have nonstick pans with PTFE coating that are scratched, chipped, or flaking, these should not be reused or donated."

"For pots and pans that have seen better days, recycling is an option, but it's unlikely to be through your curbside bin. Unless your curbside recycling program accepts scrap metal (only about 5% of curbside programs in Earth911's recycling directory do), recycling will take a little more effort. Most cookware contains some metal, and for recycling purposes, you'll want to know whether it is ferrous or nonferrous. Your pots and pans are most likely nonferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel."

Old cookware may be discarded because of upgrades, surface erosion, or merging kitchens. Intact pots and pans can be reused, donated, or sold through classifieds and thrift stores. Scratched, chipped, or flaking PTFE nonstick pans should not be reused or donated because damaged nonstick coatings can release chemicals into food and must be recycled or disposed of properly. Recycling is possible but rarely handled by curbside pickup; only a small percentage of curbside programs accept scrap metal. Identify cookware as ferrous or nonferrous because recyclers may accept only one type. Several brands offer take-back or recycling programs to simplify responsible disposal.

Read at Earth911