Dispose Of Old Cookware The Right Way

If you're looking to throw away your old pots and pans in NYC, you have a few options. You could try to donate them to a second-hand store like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or give them away for free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. If they're in really bad shape, you might want to look into recycling them – most pots and pans are made from nonferrous metals like aluminium, copper, or stainless steel, and can be recycled at scrap metal facilities. NYC also has an incredibly comprehensive recycling program, so you could check if your pots and pans can be recycled with your other glass, plastic, and metal items.

Donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army

If you're looking to get rid of old pots and pans in NYC, you have several options. You can recycle them, as NYC has a comprehensive recycling program that includes metal items. Alternatively, you can donate them to a second-hand store, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, as long as they are in usable condition.

Goodwill and the Salvation Army are great options for donating your old pots and pans. Both organizations accept donations of gently used household items, including cookware, and use the proceeds to fund their rehabilitation and community service programs.

• Goodwill: According to Savanna Mickens, a public relations specialist for Goodwill Industries, Goodwill stores in the Greater New York and Northern New Jersey area generally accept cookware donations as long as they are clean, in good usable condition, not broken, and not recalled items. If cookware cannot be sold in stores, local employees will make efforts to recycle metals.
• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Thrift Stores accept a range of gently used items, including household goods such as plates, bowls, and dishes. They also accept small appliances that are in working condition and not built-in. However, it's important to note that specific donation policies may vary by location, so be sure to contact your local Salvation Army Donation Center before donating.

When donating to either organization, ensure that your pots and pans are clean and in good condition. If they are heavily scratched or chipped, they may release harmful chemicals and should not be donated.

Donating to Goodwill or the Salvation Army is a great way to give back to your community while also finding a new home for your old pots and pans.

Recycle via scrap metal facilities

If your old pots and pans are made of cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, or copper, they can be recycled as scrap metal. In New York City, you can take your old cookware to scrap metal facilities such as Arrow Scrap in West Babylon or TNT Scrap in Brooklyn. These facilities purchase scrap metal for recycling and offer convenient drop-off services.

Before bringing your old pots and pans to a scrap metal facility, it is important to properly clean and sanitize them. Additionally, it is worth noting that some facilities may have specific rules regarding the types of metal they accept. For example, TNT Scrap does not buy catalytic converters. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the facility beforehand to inquire about any restrictions they may have.

By recycling your old pots and pans through scrap metal facilities, you can help divert recyclable waste from landfills and support the reuse of valuable materials. This is a more sustainable alternative to simply throwing away your old cookware, which may contribute to environmental harm.

Upcycle into garden tools or planters

Upcycling old pots and pans is a fun and creative way to give them a new lease of life and avoid sending them to landfill. If your pots and pans are still safe to use, with no safety issues, you can upcycle them into garden tools or planters. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Garden Tools

• A frying pan bird feeder: Use the pan and its lid to create a feeder for your feathered friends. The lid acts as a roof to keep birds dry.
• Garden decor: With a bit of imagination, old pots and pans can be transformed into adorable garden decorations, such as a crab or ladybugs.
• A bird bath: Shallow pans or skillets can be used to create a simple bird bath for your garden. You can even build a tiered bird bath by stacking multiple pans with wood or other supplies.

Planters

• Hanging planters: Fluted pans, such as Bundt pans, can be turned into hanging planters for your porch or kitchen. Just drill holes in the sides to attach chains or ropes.
• Tiered cake pan planters: Attach old cake pans together with metal dowels or legs from old furniture to create tiered planters for your flower beds.
• Succulent planters: Old skillets or pans, such as cupcake tins, can be repurposed into planters for succulents or other small plants.

Sell or give away on Craigslist

If you're looking to sell or give away your old pots and pans on Craigslist in NYC, here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Go to Craigslist.org

Visit the Craigslist website at www.craigslist.org. This will direct you to the homepage of Craigslist, where you can begin the process of creating your listing.

Step 2: Select your location

Choose the state where you live, which in this case is New York. If Craigslist doesn't automatically determine your region, you can select your city or state on the right side of the page. For NYC, you can enter newyorkcity.craigslist.org to go directly to the Craigslist page for your area.

Step 3: Click "Post to Classifieds"

On the top left corner of the page, you'll find the option to "Post to Classifieds." Click on that, and it will take you to a page with different post options.

Step 4: Select the appropriate category

Craigslist offers various categories for posting. If you're giving away your old pots and pans for free, you can select the "Free" category under "For Sale." If you intend to sell them, choose the "For Sale by Owner" option.

Step 5: Create your post

Now, it's time to craft your post. Include a catchy title, a clear description of the pots and pans you're giving away or selling, and any relevant details such as their condition, brand, or any flaws they may have. Remember to be truthful in your description to build trust with potential takers or buyers. Include clear and high-resolution pictures of the actual items to give people a better idea of what they're signing up for.

Step 6: Provide contact information

When creating your post, Craigslist will ask for your email address. You can choose to create an anonymous email address specifically for this ad to avoid spam and protect your privacy. If you're comfortable, you can also include your phone number as an additional contact option.

Step 7: Wait for responses

Once your post is live, people interested in your offer will start reaching out. They might contact you via email or phone, depending on the information you provided. Remember to communicate all the necessary details, such as the pickup location and any arrangements for the exchange.

Step 8: Arrange the exchange

When arranging the exchange, it's generally a good idea to meet in a public place, especially if you're selling the items. You can suggest a coffee shop, a shopping center, or even the parking lot of the local police station. If you're giving away the pots and pans for free, you can also offer the option of a curbside pickup, where people can come and collect them from outside your home.

Step 9: Complete the transaction

If you're selling the pots and pans, it's best to accept cash as a secure form of payment. Personal checks can bounce, and there's a risk of scammers using fake cashier's checks or money orders. If you're giving the items away, simply hand them over to the taker once they arrive at the agreed-upon location, and your old pots and pans will have found a new home!

Place on the curb for someone else to take

If you're looking to get rid of your old pots and pans in NYC, one option is to place them on the curb for someone else to take. This is a common practice in the city, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you're doing it right and staying within the rules.

Firstly, it's important to only put items on the curb the evening before normal garbage collection. This is because, in New York City, it's illegal for passersby to take items left on the curb for the Sanitation Department, and leaving items out too early could result in a fine. The Sanitation Department allows up to six bulk items to be placed on the curb, so if you have a lot of pots and pans to get rid of, it's best to check the bulk pick-up days for your address.

To make sure your items are taken, it's a good idea to label them as free. This will also help to avoid any confusion with people thinking they are destined for the trash. If no one takes your pots and pans, it's your responsibility to bring them back inside and not leave them on the curb for an extended period.

Another option to let people know about your free items is to post a "curb alert" on Craigslist or Facebook groups such as "Gypsy Furniture". You can also try posting on your local neighborhood forum or Facebook Marketplace.

It's worth noting that if you have any electronics to get rid of, it's best not to leave them on the curb. Electronics should be donated, recycled, or taken to a designated drop-off site to avoid fines.

Frequently asked questions