Dishes and Ceramics Landfill (Trash) Cart Recycling Cart Confused about where to place your broken, chipped, or un-useable dishes? If it is a glass jar or regular glass, it can go into the blue recycling cart. If it is crystal, pyrex, ceramics, or high heat capable dishes, then it needs to be disposed of in the black landfill cart. Glassware Goes in the Garbage Your unwanted glass dishes cannot go in the recycling because they melt at a different temperature than other types of glass. Learn what to do with glassware. Ceramic Isn't Recyclable Ceramic can’t be melted down at most waste facilities. Recycling facilities that accept brick and concrete will sometimes accept ceramics. Ways to Reuse Sell Your China If you have a vintage china set, you can try selling to an organization like Replacements, Ltd. Did You Know? Some Dishes Can Kill The FDA only recently (close to 40 years ago) created regulations for leachable lead in dinnerware. Consequently, some vintage dishes contain dangerous levels of lead, and sometimes even more harmful substances, such as uranium. Experts recommend doing an at-home lead test for your vintage dishes, as well as avoiding heating your dishes, and remaining wary of cracks and fades in ceramic glaze.
