What to do with kitchen utensils made of glass that are broken or worn out?
Dumps are not a good idea for items that can remain in nature for up to four thousand years
Glass utensil are widely used in the kitchen because of their heat resistance. Within the group of most common glass utensils in kitchens are: pans, plates, dishes, cups, bowls, boards and other such items. They are usually made from tempered glass, that is, a common glass that has undergone a thermal chemical process. To learn more, check out the article "What to do with window glass?".
Tempered glass offers some advantages to the user due to the practicality of cleaning and because it has great thermal and mechanical resistance. Despite this resistance, glass is still capable of breaking, and when it does, it is extremely difficult to repair. However, there are alternatives to what to do with broken glass that are environmentally friendly.
How to discard?
Glass takes approximately four thousand years to decompose, so it is recommended not to dispose of this type of material in dumps or landfills. Not to mention that glass is a completely recyclable material, which can be used infinitely, without loss of quality. If you designate it for recycling, the beneficiaries will have reduced their energy consumption and will be able to speed up the production of new glass.
Tempered glass, with which most kitchen items are made, undergoes a heating process that makes it more resistant, but there is no application of film to the material - that is, there are no restrictions to dispose of these items in trash cans. recycling of common glass.
To dispose of it, just pick up the pieces and wrap them in a newspaper. Do not mix it with other materials, in order not to harm the recycling process. Take the glass to a collection point, recycler, glazier or manufacturer to have the item recycled or to be given information about where it can be disposed of.
Another option can also be to use creativity and give a upcycle on your glass utensil, even if it's broken (it's possible to make a mosaic, for example). Remember to be careful when handling broken glass. Try sanding the sharp edges of the glass to minimize its sharp surface. After that, paint, add materials and create new decorative objects. And remember, always opt for conscientious disposal, respecting the environment.
