How to Recycle Plumbing Fixtures
Toilets, sinks, bathtubs, faucets, and bathroom/kitchen fixtures containing porcelain, ceramic, and valuable metal components from residential and commercial buildings. TOTO's recycling program has diverted 20 million pounds of porcelain from landfills since 2011, demonstrating significant recycling potential while metal components offer substantial scrap value.
Find Plumbing Fixtures Recyclers Near You
Search local recycling centers that accept plumbing fixtures in your area.
- 1Disconnect from plumbing systems properly using appropriate tools and safety precautions
- 2Drain all water completely and remove any standing water to prevent mold growth
- 3Clean fixtures thoroughly removing soap scum, mineral deposits, and contaminants
- 4Remove and separate metal components - faucets, handles, mounting hardware
- 5Separate by material type - porcelain toilets/sinks, metal fixtures, plastic components
- 6Check condition for reuse potential - functional fixtures have higher value
- 7Remove caulk, sealants, and adhesive materials that contaminate recycling
- 8Document fixture types, brands, and conditions for recycling facility requirements
- 9Package carefully to prevent breakage during transport - broken porcelain loses value
- 10Sort copper, brass, and stainless steel components separately for maximum scrap value
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepting functional fixtures for resale
- Architectural salvage operations specializing in vintage and high-end fixtures
- Porcelain recycling facilities processing ceramic materials into aggregate
- Scrap metal dealers accepting copper, brass, and stainless steel components
- Plumbing supply companies with take-back programs for trade-ins
- Construction and demolition waste facilities with material separation capabilities
- Municipal recycling programs accepting clean porcelain fixtures
IMPORTANT: Copper components (pipes, fittings, valves) have highest scrap value ($3.50-4.50/lb) and should be completely separated. Porcelain fixtures must be clean and intact for optimal recycling value. Check for lead content in older fixtures - pre-1986 brass faucets may contain lead requiring special handling. Some facilities require fixtures to be completely drained and sanitized.
Porcelain recycling creates valuable construction aggregate and has enabled zero-waste achievement for major manufacturers like TOTO. Crushed porcelain becomes aggregate for roads, construction backfill, and even environmental projects like NYC's oyster bed restoration. Metal recycling provides substantial environmental benefits - copper recycling uses only 15% of virgin production energy. However, porcelain is inert and non-toxic when landfilled, unlike other building materials.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore donation for working fixtures
- Architectural salvage for vintage or high-quality fixtures
- Creative reuse as planters, garden features, or artistic installations
- Building material exchanges for contractors seeking used fixtures
- Donation to community theater groups for set construction
- Repurposing toilets as unique planters or outdoor water features
Accepted
- Porcelain toilets, sinks, and pedestal basins in clean condition
- Cast iron, steel, and fiberglass bathtubs and shower units
- Copper, brass, and stainless steel faucets and plumbing hardware
- Kitchen sinks including stainless steel, porcelain, and composite materials
- Bathroom vanities with removable sinks and separable materials
- Bidets, urinals, and specialty plumbing fixtures
- Clean plumbing pipes and fittings separated by metal type
Not Accepted
- Severely damaged or broken porcelain fixtures
- Fixtures contaminated with mold, sewage, or hazardous chemicals
- Fixtures with lead content exceeding safe handling limits
- Mixed demolition debris containing fixture fragments
- Fixtures with electronic components or complex integrated systems
- Old fixtures with asbestos-containing gaskets or seals
- Fixtures too contaminated for cleaning or safe handling
Estimated value: Copper components $3.50-4.50 per pound, brass fixtures $2.50-3.50 per pound, stainless steel $0.50-0.90 per pound, porcelain processing fees vary by facility
- Lead content in pre-1986 brass faucets and plumbing components
- Asbestos gaskets and seals in older fixtures and pipe connections
- Mercury content in some older pressure-balancing valves
- Chemical residues from cleaning products and water treatment systems
What makes plumbing fixtures valuable for recycling?
Metal components (copper, brass, stainless steel) have high scrap value, while clean porcelain can be processed into construction aggregate. Functional fixtures have reuse value through architectural salvage and donation programs, maximizing environmental benefit.
How successful are porcelain recycling programs?
Very successful - TOTO has recycled 20 million pounds of porcelain since 2011, achieving zero-waste operations. The porcelain becomes tile, construction aggregate, and even environmental restoration materials like oyster reef substrates.
Can I recycle old cast iron bathtubs?
Yes, cast iron bathtubs are highly valuable for scrap metal recycling. Remove porcelain coating when possible to improve value. The iron content makes them worth $0.08-0.15 per pound, and their substantial weight creates significant scrap value.
What should I do with faucets that might contain lead?
Pre-1986 brass faucets likely contain lead and require careful handling. Test for lead content, use protective equipment during removal, and inform recyclers about potential lead content. Some facilities have special protocols for lead-containing materials.
Are there donation options for old but functional fixtures?
Habitat ReStore is the primary option for functional fixtures, accepting toilets, sinks, and faucets in working condition. Local building material exchanges, community organizations, and renovation nonprofits may also accept quality fixtures.
How should I prepare fixtures for maximum recycling value?
Clean thoroughly, separate metal components completely, remove all non-fixture materials (caulk, pipes, mounting hardware), sort by material type, and ensure porcelain pieces remain intact. Clean, separated materials command higher prices.
What happens to recycled porcelain fixtures?
Porcelain is crushed into aggregate for road construction, backfill material, and specialty applications like environmental restoration. Some facilities reprocess it into new ceramic products or use it as raw material in tile manufacturing.
Can I recycle fixtures from bathroom renovation myself?
Yes, for simple renovations. Remove fixtures carefully, separate materials appropriately, and transport to suitable facilities. Complex renovations with multiple fixtures may benefit from professional services to maximize recycling value and ensure proper disposal.
What's the environmental impact of fixture manufacturing vs. recycling?
New fixture manufacturing is energy-intensive, especially for porcelain firing and metal processing. Recycling metals saves 60-95% energy depending on type, while porcelain recycling eliminates mining of raw materials and provides useful construction materials.
Are there special considerations for commercial plumbing fixtures?
Commercial fixtures may have higher metal content and better recycling value. However, they may also have more complex components, electronic systems, or accessibility features requiring specialized handling. Check with facilities about commercial fixture acceptance.