Utensils

Recycling Cart

Metal utensils can go in the recycling. Plastic cutlery is not recyclable and goes in the landfill cart.

Are your utensils still in usable condition? Donate them! Visit our Donation Locations page for more information.

scrap-metal

Stainless Steel Utensils Are Scrap Metal

Dispose of stainless steel and silver utensils as scrap metal. Find out how to dispose of scrap metal.

NO-knife

Wrap Knives Before Disposing

Blades can be wrapped in newspaper or bubble wrap and then taped. Metal knives can be disposed of with other scrap metal or donated.

wooden-utensil

Compost Wooden Utensils

Wooden utensils should be composted with other compostable cups, plates and utensils.

Mixed-Material Utensils Go in the Garbage

Utensil made of mixed materials, such as a combination of metal and plastic, or wood and plastic, should be disposed in our garbage.

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Plastic Utensils Go in the Garbage

Plastic utensils (including teflon or silicone) should be disposed in the garbage.

Ways to Reuse

Donate Utensils

If your utensils are in good condition, consider dropping them off at a thrift store.

Did You Know?

Most Stainless Steel Is Recycled

Many recyclable items have abysmally low rates of being recycled except for steel. According to the International Stainless Steel Forum, 80-90% of stainless steel is recycled. It can be recycled without degradation. On average, about 60% of any stainless steel item you purchase is made up of recycled materials.

Compostable Utensils: Not the Most Eco-Friendly of Them All?

Out of all types of utensils — compostable, plastic and reusable — compostables are advertised as being the most eco-friendly. However, reusable utensils are still the front-runner because they last for so long and are easily recycled at the end of their life.