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How to dispose of crockery correctly
To make space for new dinnerware in your home, you may occasionally need to clear out some of your old crockery. Read on to find out the best approach to crockery disposal and crockery recycling.
Tips on correct crockery disposal
The most appropriate place to dispose of unwanted crockery depends mainly on the quantity of tableware and the materials. If you simply need to dispose of a single broken porcelain cup, wrap it up in old newspaper and put it in the residual waste. Larger quantities of old tableware should always be taken to a recycling centre. Items can be disposed of here free of charge or for a small fee and the process is handled professionally and correctly.
Alternatives to throwing crockery away
Do you still have a few old treasures in the loft that are too good to throw away? Rather than (immediately) disposing of this crockery, you could try selling your fine dinnerware at flea markets or even to antique dealers. If you have some craft skills, you could upcycle the items with creative designs.
Important information on crockery disposal
Correct crockery disposal is important for several reasons. In particular, heat-resistant and durable porcelain needs to be disposed of correctly. Never throw broken porcelain into a bottle bank as this could make the collected glass unusable for recycling. In a worst-case scenario, it could even bring the recycling plant to a standstill and requiring repair as porcelain has a different melting point to glass. It is also worth noting that glasses used for drinking have a different melting point to glass bottles and should not be disposed of in a glass waste container. Proper sorting therefore contributes to correct recycling of reusable materials and can help to reduce greenhouse gases. For certain materials such as glass, you are even required by law, according to Section 13 of the German Packaging Act.
There is another good reason to dispose of broken porcelain correctly: to reduce the risk of injury to people and animals. Never simply throw broken pieces of porcelain into the bin; instead, wrap them either in old newspaper or scraps of cloth to make sure no-one can cut themselves on the jagged edges.
Smaller quantities of old crockery can be thrown away in the residual waste. All materials that cannot be incinerated during disposal remain as construction waste. One exception is metal tableware, small quantities of which should also be disposed of in the scrap metal container. Another exception is non-biodegradable disposable crockery which should be disposed of in the yellow bag.
Do you have a lot of old plates and pots to get rid of? Always take large quantities of old cups, pots and plates to a recycling centre rather than throwing them away with residual or bulky waste. As well as porcelain crockery, sets and individual items made from glass, ceramic, plastic, wood or earthenware should also be disposed of at a recycling centre.
Beautiful porcelain from Villeroy & Boch
Villeroy & Boch provides a varied and delightful selection of elegant porcelain tableware sets. Thanks to their high-quality materials, our porcelain sets feature a high degree of whiteness, stability, and durability, ensuring years of enjoyment without worrying about what to do with old crockery.
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A second life for old crockery
Why throw away high-quality crockery with decorative features such as engravings or exclusive rims when it could still bring pleasure to others? Rather than immediately disposing of old ceramic items, you could consider donating them, selling them or using them in creative DIY projects. Vases, for example, make great plant pots or containers for tea and other essentials. Or you could even "dispose of" unwanted porcelain crockery at the next wedding-eve party.
Why donating can be better than disposal
In many cases, unbroken old crockery is thrown away simply because it no longer appeals to personal taste. However, this unwanted crockery could have a second life and be appreciated by people in need. Many charitable organisations, such as Caritas, the Red Cross or second-hand shops, pass on unwanted crockery in good condition to people in need at a low price or even free of charge.
Why not use old crockery at a wedding-eve party?
In Germany, many bridal couples cherish the tradition of the "Polterabend”, or wedding-eve party. Before the actual wedding ceremony, it is customary to wish the bride and groom good luck with broken crockery. The bride and groom will be just as happy with the broken fragments of your unwanted tableware – there is no need to invest in new crockery. This creates a win-win situation all round. The bride and groom can enjoy the traditional broken crockery while you can easily get rid of your old dinner sets.
Could old tableware and porcelain hold any value for collectors?
Don't underestimate the collector's value of your old crockery. Some old pieces from your grandparents' collections could be of interest to buyers at antique markets or on online platforms, for example. Special crockery can be identified by various distinguishing features, such as serial numbers. This is the case for certain Villeroy & Boch collector's cups from previous decades which were originally designed more for display than as everyday crockery. Special limited editions from well-known brands are also highly sought after by collectors.
How to dispose of large quantities of porcelain & crockery
Do you have a lot of old plates and pots to dispose of? Always dispose of large quantities of old cups, pots and plates at a recycling centre rather than with residual or bulky waste. As well as crockery made of porcelain, you should also dispose of sets and individual pieces in glass, ceramic, plastic, wood and earthenware at a recycling centre.