Old Pots, New Owners: Where To Sell

If you're looking to sell your old pots and pans, there are several options available to you. Firstly, you could try selling them online. Durable pans, such as cast iron skillets and copper pans, are particularly popular and may be sought after by collectors. You could also try selling to antique stores, especially if your cookware is over twenty years old. Alternatively, you could donate your old pots and pans to local charities, such as Goodwill, or to food shelters if they are still usable. If you're looking to recycle, you could take your pots and pans to metal recycling facilities, or even return them to the company if they have a recycling policy.

Donate to local charities

Donating your old pots and pans to local charities is a great way to give back to your community and support those in need. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Identify Charities in Your Area

Start by searching for local charities, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, that accept donations of kitchenware. You can also look for second-hand stores or thrift stores that support a good cause. If you're specifically interested in supporting a food-related cause, consider contacting local food pantries or shelters to see if they are in need of cookware donations.

Assess the Condition of Your Pots and Pans

Before donating, ensure that your pots and pans are in usable condition. While minor scratches or wear and tear are generally acceptable, it's important to avoid donating items that are heavily damaged, chipped, or rusted. Old cookware with excessive scratches can release harmful chemicals into food, so it's best to avoid donating items in poor condition.

Clean and Sanitize Your Donations

Thoroughly clean and sanitize your pots and pans before donating them. Proper cleaning ensures that your donations are safe and hygienic for those who will receive them. Wash your items with regular dishwashing soap and warm water, and ensure they are free from any dirt or food residue.

Prepare Your Donations

Once your pots and pans are clean and ready for donation, you may want to package them securely, especially if they have removable parts or lids. Consider wrapping them in newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent damage during transport. If you have multiple items, you could bundle them together with twine or place them in a box for easier handling.

Drop Off or Arrange for Pickup

Depending on the charity, you may be able to drop off your donations at their location during specified hours. Some organizations also offer pickup services, especially if you have a large number of items to donate. Contact the charity beforehand to understand their preferred method of receiving donations.

Explore Other Donation Options

If you're unable to find a suitable local charity, there are other ways to donate your old pots and pans. You could consider donating them to antique stores, especially if your cookware is unique or several years old. Additionally, online platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace allow you to offer your items for free to those in need.

Sell to a collector

If your old pots and pans are made of cast iron, copper, or ceramic, you may be able to sell them to a collector. These materials are often sought after by collectors, and some old pieces of kitchenware can have a very high value.

Before selling, it is important to determine the type of material your cookware is made of, as this will influence your selling options. Cast iron, for example, is one of the most durable materials and can be restored and reseasoned with a bit of elbow grease. Even the rustiest and oldest cast iron skillets can be reused after many years.

When selling to a collector, it is essential to provide as much information as possible in your listing. Include details such as the model, accurate size, and any damages or scratches present. You can sell your old pots and pans online through platforms like eBay or directly to antique stores, which sometimes purchase old cookware, especially if it is over twenty years old.

Give to antique stores

If you have old pots and pans that are twenty years old or older, you might consider selling them to an antique store. Antique stores are a great option for selling old cookware, and they will usually pay for it. Before you sell, it's a good idea to check that your pots and pans are still usable. If they are damaged, you may be able to fix them with a bit of elbow grease. Cast iron skillets, for example, are very durable and can be restored and reseasoned. It's also important to clean your old cookware before selling it. You can use regular dishwashing soap and warm water to clean and disinfect it.

When selling to an antique store, compensation can vary, but most of the time, they will pay for old cookware. If you're unsure of where to start, try searching online for antique stores in your area that buy old cookware. You can also try calling local antique stores to inquire about their buying policies.

Selling your old pots and pans to an antique store is a great way to give them a new life and make some money at the same time. So, if you have some vintage cookware that's collecting dust, consider reaching out to antique stores to see if they're interested!

Reuse for camping

If you're an outdoorsy type who enjoys camping, your old pots and pans can still be of use to you. Here are some ways to reuse your old cookware for camping:

Use them for cooking over a campfire

If you're a frequent camper, you'll know that cooking over a campfire can be tricky. Using old pots and pans is a great option as you won't need to buy a separate set for camping. This way, you can save your good kitchenware and still have something functional to use outdoors. Just make sure that there are no holes in your old pots to avoid any spills.

Bring them along for storage

Old pots and pans can be used for storing food or other items during your camping trip. For example, you can use an old stockpot as a container for dry food or a saucepan for liquids. This will help keep your food fresh and safe from any critters that may be lurking around your campsite.

Create a camping-themed decoration

If you're feeling creative, you can turn your old pots and pans into camping-themed decorations. For instance, you can use an old frying pan as a ceiling light or a cute DIY succulent pot. Not only will this give your old cookware a new purpose, but it will also add a unique touch to your camping setup.

Donate to fellow campers

If you're not much of a camper yourself, consider donating your old pots and pans to someone who is. There are likely campers in your community who would appreciate having some sturdy cookware for their outdoor adventures. You can also donate to local charities or food shelters, or give them to friends and family who may find them useful.

Sell them to campers

If your old pots and pans are still in good condition, you might be able to sell them to campers who are looking for affordable cookware for their trips. You can try listing them online or at a local thrift store. This way, you can make a little extra money while also ensuring your old cookware goes to a good home.

Recycle

Recycling old pots and pans can be a tricky process, as it depends on the materials they are made from and the recycling facilities available in your local area. Here are some ways you can recycle your old cookware:

Know Your Materials

First, determine the materials your pots and pans are made of. Most modern cookware has a blend of plastic and metal, with special chemical coatings that can't be recycled. However, pure metals such as cast iron, aluminium, stainless steel, and copper are valuable scrap metals that can be recycled. Some recyclers only accept either ferrous (magnetic) or non-ferrous metals, so it's important to know which type your cookware falls under.

Local Recycling Options

Check with your local municipality or public works department to find out what can be recycled in your area. Although it's unlikely that your weekly recycling bin collection will accept pots and pans, there may be scrap metal facilities or recycling centres nearby that will take them. Call ahead to determine if they accept the type of cookware you're looking to recycle.

Return to the Company

Some companies have return and recycle policies. For example, Calphalon recycles any damaged Calphalon cookware received as part of their warranty program. Check if the brand of your old pots and pans offers a similar program.

Online Selling or Donation

If your old cookware is still in good condition, you can try selling it online to collectors or giving it away for free on sites like Craigslist, Freecycle, or Facebook Marketplace. Durable pans such as cast iron skillets and copper pans are particularly popular. Alternatively, you can donate your old cookware to local charities like Goodwill or food shelters if it's still usable.

Repurpose or Upcycle

If you're feeling creative, you can repurpose your old pots and pans into something new. They can be used as decorations, such as wall hangings or fruit baskets. You can also use them for camping to save your good kitchenware from the emitted carbon of an open fire.

Remember to always clean and sanitise your old cookware before donating or giving it away.

Frequently asked questions