Broken glass — whether it's a smashed tumbler, a cracked Pyrex dish, or a shattered window pane — cannot go in your recycling bin and must be wrapped securely before it goes into your general waste. Here's everything you need to know to do it safely and correctly.
Why broken glass does not go in the recycling bin
It's a common assumption that glass is glass — and therefore all of it can be recycled together. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The glass used to make bottles and jars is a different composition from the glass used in drinking glasses, Pyrex, ceramics, mirrors, and windows. These types melt at a higher temperature than container glass, which means even a single piece of Pyrex or a drinking glass can contaminate and ruin an entire batch of recycled bottles.
There's a safety dimension too. Broken shards are sharp and unpredictable. Bin collection crews and sorting facility workers sort recycling by hand, and loose broken glass presents a serious injury risk. For both reasons — contamination and safety — broken glass has no place in your kerbside recycling box or bin.
To understand which types of glass are accepted in your kerbside recycling, see our guide to recycling glass in your home bin.
Which bin does broken glass go in?
Broken glass goes in your general waste bin (usually black or grey, depending on your council) — not your recycling bin. This applies to:
- Broken drinking glasses and tumblers
- Smashed Pyrex, oven dishes, and casserole lids
- Broken mirrors
- Window glass (e.g. from a broken pane or picture frame)
- Light bulbs (certain types — check your council's guidance)
- Ceramics and crockery (not glass, but the same rule applies)
Note that from 31 March 2026, every council in England is required under the government's Simpler Recycling reforms to offer a kerbside glass collection. However, this applies to intact glass bottles and jars only. Broken glass, drinking glasses, Pyrex, and window glass remain general waste regardless of these changes. For a broader overview of what the reforms mean for householders, take a look at our guide to what can be recycled in the UK.
How to wrap broken glass safely before putting it in the bin
Never drop loose broken glass straight into a bin bag — shards can cut through the bag and injure anyone who handles it. Follow these steps:
- Put on thick gloves before you touch anything. Rubber washing-up gloves or gardening gloves add a useful barrier.
- Collect the pieces carefully. Use a dustpan and brush for small fragments. Dampen an old cloth or a few sheets of damp kitchen roll to pick up the tiny slivers that a brush misses.
- Wrap the glass in several layers of newspaper. For large pieces, fold newspaper around them tightly. Bundle small pieces together in a thick newspaper parcel.
- Place the wrapped bundle in a sturdy cardboard box. A small cereal box or shoe box works well. Fill any gaps with crumpled newspaper so the glass cannot shift.
- Seal the box with tape and write DANGER: BROKEN GLASS clearly on all sides in large letters.
- Place the sealed box inside your bin bag and put it in your general waste bin.
For very large quantities — for example, after a window breakage — you may need to take the material to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). Find your nearest recycling centre via Recycle Now. Some sites have a dedicated skip for flat glass; check before you go.
Quick reference: broken glass disposal at a glance
| Type of glass | Kerbside recycling bin? | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Intact glass bottles and jars | Yes (most councils) | Glass recycling box/bin |
| Broken bottles or jars | No | Wrapped in general waste |
| Drinking glasses and tumblers | No | Wrapped in general waste |
| Pyrex and oven dishes | No | Wrapped in general waste |
| Window glass / mirrors | No | General waste or HWRC |
Council rules do vary, particularly around HWRCs and what they accept in dedicated skips. If you are unsure, check your local council's waste and recycling pages for specific guidance.
What about donating or upcycling glasses instead?
If your glasses are not actually broken — just unwanted — consider donating them to a charity shop before they end up in the bin. Many hospice and British Heart Foundation shops accept glassware in good condition. Some pubs and community venues accept donations too. It is always worth a quick phone call before you throw usable items away.
Never miss a collection day with BinMate
Once your broken glass is wrapped and safely in the bin, the last thing you want is to miss your collection day and have it sitting there for another fortnight. BinMate sends you a reminder the evening before and the morning of your bin day, so you'll never drag the bins out too late again. It also automatically adjusts for bank holidays — no more guessing whether the council has moved your collection during Christmas week.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put broken glass in my recycling bin?
No. Broken glass should never go in your kerbside recycling bin. It can injure sorting workers and contaminate a whole batch of recyclable glass. Wrap it securely and place it in your general waste bin instead.
Why can't drinking glasses and Pyrex be recycled with bottles?
Drinking glasses and Pyrex are made from different types of glass that melt at higher temperatures than standard bottle and jar glass. If they enter the recycling stream, they can ruin an entire batch, making the recycled material unusable. They must go in general waste.
What is the safest way to throw away broken glass?
Wrap the pieces in several layers of newspaper, place the bundle in a sturdy cardboard box, fill gaps with more newspaper, seal the box with tape, and write "DANGER: BROKEN GLASS" on all sides. Then place the sealed box inside your bin bag and put it in your general waste bin.
Can I take broken window glass to a recycling centre?
Many Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) have a dedicated skip for flat glass such as window panes. Availability varies by council, so check your local HWRC's accepted materials list before you travel. Small amounts of wrapped window glass can go in your general waste bin at home.
