- 1Remove glass components from metal or wood frames carefully
- 2Wrap glass pieces in blankets or bubble wrap for safe transport
- 3Separate tempered glass from regular glass when possible
- 4Remove any adhesive or mounting hardware from glass surfaces
- 5Check for chips, cracks, or structural damage
- 6Clean glass surfaces to remove fingerprints and residue
- 7Keep different glass types separated for recycling
- Glass recycling centers that accept furniture glass
- Specialty glass shops and glaziers
- Construction material recyclers (for aggregate use)
- Some municipal recycling programs (call ahead)
- Glass manufacturers with take-back programs
Tempered glass cannot be recycled with regular glass and may shatter into small pieces when broken. Safety glass requires specialized recycling. Always wear safety equipment when handling glass furniture.
Glass recycling saves 30% of energy compared to manufacturing new glass from raw materials. However, tempered glass used in furniture often cannot be recycled into new glass products and may be processed into aggregate materials instead.
- Repurpose as custom shelving or display surfaces
- Use for DIY picture frames or art projects
- Convert into garden stepping stones or decorative elements
- Donate to art schools or maker spaces for projects
Accepted
- Regular glass table tops and shelves
- Glass cabinet doors and display panels
- Mirror glass from furniture pieces
- Decorative glass elements from furniture
Not Accepted
- Tempered glass (safety glass) from most facilities
- Glass severely cracked or shattered
- Glass with metal wire reinforcement
- Automotive glass mixed with furniture
- Glass contaminated with adhesives or coatings
Estimated value: $0.02-0.10 per pound for regular glass, minimal value for tempered glass
- Lead content in older decorative glass
- Sharp edges and breakage risks
- Potential for cuts during handling
How can I tell if glass furniture contains tempered glass?
Look for small stamp marks in corners indicating 'Tempered' or manufacturer details. Tempered glass is stronger and breaks into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than sharp shards. Most modern glass furniture uses tempered glass for safety.
Can I recycle broken glass from furniture?
Small pieces and shards are generally not accepted by recyclers due to safety concerns. Large intact pieces have better recycling prospects. Always clean up glass safely and check with local facilities about their requirements.
What should I do with antique furniture containing leaded glass?
Leaded glass may require special handling due to lead content. Contact antique dealers first, as leaded glass has collector value. For disposal, check with hazardous waste facilities about lead glass requirements.