How to Dispose of a Mirror (Whole or Broken)

Why mirrors aren't recyclable curbside

Curbside glass recycling is for bottles and jars. San Jose Recycles says to recycle only broken bottles and jars. Mirror glass, window glass, picture frame glass, Pyrex, ceramics and drinking glasses go in the garbage because they're made differently and contaminate the bottle glass. Check your own program's guide, but this rule is nearly universal.

Broken mirrors

• Wear gloves and closed shoes, and sweep up every sliver.
• San Jose's guidance: put small pieces in a small plastic bag or wrap them in newspaper, and put large pieces inside two layers of plastic bags.
• A rigid box marked "broken glass" protects collectors even better. See boxing broken glass for a dump run.

Large intact mirrors

San Jose says large intact pieces should go to the landfill rather than the cart. Many cities also take mirrors through bulky-item pickup. If you're hauling one yourself:

• Tape an X across the face so it holds together if it cracks.
• Wrap it in a blanket or cardboard and carry it upright on edge.
• A large mirror or a framed dresser mirror usually counts as general trash. Some sites charge by item length. Orange County, CA, for example, adds $15 for items over 6 feet.

Find a site on the Dumpmapper map and estimate the fee with the dump fee calculator.

Checked October 2026. Hours, fees, residency rules and accepted items change, sometimes with little notice. Call the site or check its official page before you load up.

Reuse first

An undamaged mirror is easy to donate to a thrift store, a building-materials reuse store or a neighbor. Desilvering or a chipped edge usually makes it unsellable. See hauling window units on edge for transport tips that also work for mirrors.

How to Dispose of a Mirror (Whole or Broken) FAQ

Can mirrors be recycled?

Not in curbside glass recycling. Mirror glass contaminates the bottle-and-jar stream, so it goes in the trash or to the landfill.

How do I throw away a broken mirror?

Wrap small pieces in newspaper or a bag, and double-bag or box large pieces. Label them so collectors know.

Where do I take a large mirror?

To a transfer station or landfill, or use your city's bulky-item pickup. Wrap it and tape across the face.

Can I donate an old mirror?

Yes, if it's undamaged. Thrift stores and reuse stores often take mirrors.

Do I need gloves?

Yes. Wear work gloves and closed shoes when handling broken mirror glass.

The bottom line

Keep mirrors out of the glass bin, wrap the pieces, and donate the good ones. See boxing broken glass.

Gear for your dump run

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• Wells Lamont 3300 leather-palm work gloves: Most drop-off sites are self-unload, so protect your hands from splinters, nails and sharp edges.