Can you recycle drinking glasses?

🗑️ LandfillNo — drinking glasses, Pyrex, and ceramics are not container glass.

Only bottles and jars go in the blue cart. Drinking glasses, wine glasses, Pyrex, ceramic mugs and plates, mirrors, and window glass are not recyclable curbside — they're made to melt at a different temperature than container glass and contaminate the whole glass batch. They go in the black landfill cart.

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Why they're different

Bottle and jar glass is formulated to melt at one temperature. Drinking glasses, Pyrex, and ceramics are treated or made differently, so even a few pieces ruin a batch of recycled container glass. Recyclers keep them out on purpose.

Dispose of them safely

Wrap broken glass or ceramics in newspaper or put them in a puncture-proof container/box, label it “broken glass,” and place it in the black trash cart so it doesn't cut anyone.

Still intact? Donate

Unbroken drinking glasses, mugs, and dishware in good shape are easy donations — a thrift store will take them and keep them out of the landfill.

Drinking Glasses — quick FAQ

Can you recycle drinking glasses?
No — drinking glasses, wine glasses, and tumblers aren't container glass. They melt at a different temperature and contaminate the glass stream, so they go in the black trash cart.
Are Pyrex and ceramic mugs recyclable?
No — Pyrex, ceramic mugs, plates, and pottery are not recyclable curbside. Donate them if usable, or wrap and trash them if broken.
What glass can go in the blue cart?
Only glass bottles and jars — empty and rinsed. Caps and lids can be recycled separately by material.
How do I throw away broken glasses safely?
Wrap the pieces in newspaper or seal them in a sturdy box labeled “broken glass,” then put it in the black landfill cart.

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