Dishes and Ceramics Put in Garbage Broken ceramic items such as plates, bowls, and mugs are not recyclable. Place these items in the trash. Useable items in good condition may be donated to a local charitable organization: Thrift Center | 1305 Water St.Monday – Saturday 9am – 8pm, Sunday 9am – 6pm Salvation Army | 812 Pacific Ave.Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm Goodwill | 204 Union St.Monday – Saturday 8am – 7pm, Sunday 9am – 6pm Fabulous Finds | 205 River St.Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm Glassware Goes in the Garbage Your unwanted glass dishes cannot go in the recycling because they melt at a different temperature than other types of glass. Learn what to do with glassware. Ceramic Isn't Recyclable Ceramic can’t be melted down at most waste facilities. Recycling facilities that accept brick and concrete will sometimes accept ceramics. Break Down Broken Dishes Be careful when you dispose of broken dishes, since jagged or sharp edges could injure a sanitation worker. If you can, wrap up the pieces in a cloth and break them down further with a hammer so they won’t hurt anyone. Then, dispose of them as broken glass. Never Recycle Broken Glass Never recycle any broken glass item, even glass bottles or jars. Broken glass can injure trash haulers and sanitation workers. Learn what to do with broken glass. Ways to Reuse Sell Your China If you have a vintage china set, you can try selling to an organization like Replacements, Ltd. Did You Know? Some Dishes Can Kill The FDA only recently (close to 40 years ago) created regulations for leachable lead in dinnerware. Consequently, some vintage dishes contain dangerous levels of lead, and sometimes even more harmful substances, such as uranium. Experts recommend doing an at-home lead test for your vintage dishes, as well as avoiding heating your dishes, and remaining wary of cracks and fades in ceramic glaze.