“What is the best way to recycle a stainless steel pot or pan.  I am asking about a pan that has a little bit of rust on the bottom, on the inside where you would place your food to cook.” – Stainless Recycling Record

What a good question for Where Can I Wednesday, Stainless Recycling Record!

Where to Recycle Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

There are a few reasons to get rid of old pots and pans. Maybe you moved. Maybe you got a roommate. Maybe you got rid of a roommate. Or just have shiny new pans. (I’m loving my new cast iron skillet…)

If your stainless steel pots and pans are in decent shape, it’s a good idea to donate or reuse. Between Craigslist, Freecycle, Facebook Buy Nothing Project and thrift stores, there are people who will take old cooking ware with a few scratches off your hands.

If your pans are rusty or in poor condition, you’ll want to consider recycling next.

Stainless steel pots and pans can’t be put in single-stream recycling bins.

Instead, you can drop it off at a metal recycler. Not sure where there’s a metal recycler? Good news, we did a previous recycling post on that!

As a last resort, (sadly) throw it in the trash.

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher