Recycling metal cabinet hinges and other hardware can divert waste from landfills and conserve natural resources. However, not all recycling programs accept metal hardware like hinges. This article provides tips on properly recycling metal cabinet hinges and determining if your local program accepts them.

An Introduction to Recycling Metal Cabinet Hinges

Metal cabinet hinges are a common hardware used in homes and businesses. As cabinets, doors, and other fixtures age, the hinges may need replacement. Rather than throwing the old metal hinges in the trash, recycling them recovers valuable metals for reuse.

Recycling programs aim to limit waste sent to landfills and reduce the need for extracting and refining new metals. Diverting metal from the waste stream reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy use from mining and manufacturing processes. It also limits pollution and habitat destruction from mining operations.

However, not all recycling programs can process cabinet hardware like hinges. The metals, shape, size, and attachments may impact if a program accepts them. With proper handling, metal hinges can often be recycled through scrap metal programs.

This guide covers tips and information on recycling metal cabinet hinges, including:

• Benefits of recycling metal hinges
• Preparing hinges for recycling
• Finding local metal recycling programs
• Alternatives if hinges are not accepted
• Safely disposing of hinges when recycling is not possible

Properly recycling hardware keeps metal out of landfills and allows more sustainable use of our natural resources.

Benefits of Recycling Metal Cabinet Hinges

Recycling metal hinges and other hardware provides both environmental and economic benefits:

Environmental Benefits

• Conserves natural resources – Recycling reduces the need to mine and refine new metals like steel, brass, and aluminum. This limits habitat destruction, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions from mining.
• Saves energy – Extracting and manufacturing metals from raw materials requires massive amounts of energy. Recycling significantly reduces the energy inputs needed.
• Reduces landfill waste – Diverting metals from landfills conserves limited landfill space and prevents soil and water contamination from metal components.
• Lowers greenhouse gas emissions – Mining, refining, and disposing of metals produces greenhouse gases. Recycling reduces emissions associated with metal production.

Economic Benefits

• Saves money – Recycling metals is cheaper than extracting and refining new materials. This reduces costs for manufacturers using recycled metals.
• Provides jobs – Recycling metal supports domestic jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries. This includes collections, processing, and re-manufacturing jobs.
• Supplies valuable materials – Scrap metals can be remanufactured into new products or sold to offset recycling program costs.
• Reduces disposal costs – Diverting metals from landfills saves on waste disposal fees and long-term monitoring expenses.

Preparing Metal Cabinet Hinges for Recycling

Proper preparation is key to ensure metal hinges get successfully recycled. Here are some tips for getting your cabinet hinges recycling-ready:

Remove Non-Metal Parts

• Metal hinges often connect to cabinets with screws or non-metal brackets. Remove all non-metal fixtures first.
• Use screwdrivers to detach hinges from any wood, plastic, or other non-metal attachments.
• If needed, use wire cutters to clip off any remaining small attachments. Remove screws, washers, nuts, bolts, brackets, etc.

Separate Different Metal Types

• Hinges made from different metals should be recycled separately. Common hinge metals include steel, aluminum, brass, zinc, and copper.
• Steel hinges are typically silver colored. Aluminum hinges look similar but are lighter weight.
• Brass hinges have a distinct yellow color. Copper hinges also have a reddish hue.
• Separate hinges by visually inspecting colors and with magnets. Magnets stick to steel but not aluminum or copper.

Clean Off Dirt, Grease, and Rust

• Wipe or scrub hinges with soap and water to remove built-up grease, dirt, and grime.
• Use steel wool or scrub pads to clean off any rust or corrosion. Rinse and dry fully after cleaning.
• Clean hinges allow easier identification and processing of the metals.

Once prepped, metal cabinet hinges can be taken to a metal recycling center or set aside for collection programs.

Finding Local Metal Recycling Programs

Check with your municipal recycling service, scrap yards, or hardware stores to find metal recycling options in your area. Here are some potential programs to check with:

Curbside Pickup

• Some curbside recycling programs accept small scrap metal pieces like hinges. This is often limited to steel and tin.
• Check your local recycling guidelines on which metals are allowed in curbside bins. Materials may need to be smaller than a certain size.
• For non-curbside metals like aluminum or brass, you’ll likely need to use a drop-off location.

Scrap Metal Yards

• Scrap yards specifically process metals for recycling. This includes steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and more.
• Scrap yards normally require a minimum weight of material, often 200-500 pounds. For small loads, combine hinges with other scrap.
• Materials will need sorting by metal type. Many scrap yards also purchase metal scraps.

Hardware Stores

• Some hardware stores and home improvement centers accept scrap metal for recycling.
• This is often limited to common metals like steel, aluminum, and copper. Programs may limit sizes.
• Inquire with store customer service about metal recycling programs and any requirements.

Municipal Drop-Offs

• Check with your local recycling department or waste management agency for metal drop-off options.
• Drop-off centers may accept a wider variety of metal types than curbside.
• Call or check the agency website to verify accepted materials and any quantity limits.

Electronics Recycling

• Facilities that recycle electronics may also take small clean metal pieces.
• These programs are designed to handle complex products, so hinges should be acceptable.
• Inquire with e-waste recyclers about specifics on metals and any limits.

With proper sorting and delivery, one of these programs should be able to responsibly recycle metal cabinet hinges in your area.

Alternatives if Hinges are Not Accepted

If local recyclers do not take cabinet hardware, here are a couple alternative options to responsibly handle metal hinges:

• Contact hinge manufacturers – Companies that make hinges may accept old hardware for recycling. This diverts more metal than landfilling. Check their website or call customer service.
• Sell online – List hinges for sale on platforms like Craigslist or eBay for reuse. Ensure buyers understand the condition.
• Donate – Hardware stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStores may take donated hinges for resale or reuse. Call ahead about metal donations.
• Bring to a metalworking shop – Small craft metal businesses may accept hinges for scrap reuse. These have limited recycling so only go if hinges will be reused.

While not conventional recycling, these options keep hinges circulating rather than disposing unnecessarily. As a last resort, metal hinges can be trashed if no alternatives exist in your region.

Safe Disposal of Metal Hinges

If local recycling is not possible, household trash is the next best disposal method. Here are some tips for safe metal hinge disposal:

• Remove all non-metal parts first – this allows the maximum metal components to be recycled if recycling becomes available later.
• Place removed hinge screws, bolts, etc. into a bag and label as scrap metal for future recycling.
• Consult local guidelines, but most waste agencies allow metal pieces smaller than 2 feet to be placed in normal trash bins.
• Bigger parts may need to go to the landfill directly. Broken hinges into smaller pieces if needed.
• Seal hinges in a bag to prevent injuries from loose sharp edges during collection.

While not ideal, throwing un-recyclable metal hinges away captures them in landfills safely. Continuing to advocate for more recycling options can help improve future disposal possibilities.

Key Takeaways on Recycling Metal Cabinet Hinges

• Recycling metal hinges conserves resources, saves energy, and reduces waste. Check locally if programs accept cabinet hardware.
• Detach hinges from other materials and separate metals before recycling. Clean off any grime, rust, or grease as well.
• Scrap yards, municipal recycling, hardware stores, and electronics programs may take clean metal hinges.
• If recycling is not possible, reuse, donate, or sell hinges before considering disposal. Only trash as a last resort.
• Properly disposing of metal hinges in household waste is safer than illegal dumping. Advocate to improve local recycling programs over time.
• With proper handling, recycling metal cabinet hinges can keep valuable resources in use and out of landfills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling Metal Cabinet Hinges

Recycling metal cabinet hinges may seem tricky. Here are answers to some common questions on prepping and recycling household hinges.

Why should I recycle metal hinges instead of trashing them?

Recycling recovers the metals for reuse instead of extracting new materials. This significantly conserves natural resources and energy. Recycling hinges keeps metals circulating in the economy and out of landfills.

What types of metals are cabinet hinges made from?

Hinges can be made from various metals. Common hinge metals include steel, aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, nickel, and bronze. The metal type affects the appearance, weight, strength, and value for recycling.

Do I need to remove the screws and other attachments before recycling?

Yes, recycling facilities require hinges to be separated from non-metal parts like screws, nuts, bolts, brackets, and non-metal connectors. Use basic hand tools to detach hinges and remove hardware.

Can I recycle different metal types together?

No, hinges made from different base metals – like steel, aluminum, brass – need to be recycled separately. Sort hinges first by visual inspection and with magnets. Keeping metals separated allows proper processing.

How do I clean gunk, rust, and paint off old cabinet hinges?

Use soap and water to wipe down hinges and remove dirt, grease, and grime. For scrubbing off rust or paint, utilize steel wool, abrasive sponges, or a wire brush. Rinse fully afterwards.

How much do recycling centers pay for scrap metal hinges?

Payment rates fluctuate with market prices. As a rough estimate, scrap steel hinges may pay 5-10 cents per pound. Aluminum and brass hinges may yield 40-75+ cents per pound depending on purity.

What if my area doesn’t have metal recycling pickup or drop-off programs?

If no municipal recycling options exist in your region, try contacting hardware stores, metalworking shops, hinge manufacturers, or selling the hinges online for reuse. Proper disposal in household trash is the last option.

Can I just put old metal hinges into the garbage if they are small?

If recycling is not possible, sealed bagging and disposal of small hinges in household waste is generally allowable. Limit this to only occasions when no alternatives exist, and work to advocate for more local recycling programs.

4 Tips for Successfully Recycling Your Metal Cabinet Hinges

Trying to recycle metal hardware from cabinet renovations or fixtures? Follow these key tips to ensure metal hinges get properly recycled:

1. Detach Hinges and Separate Metals

Start by fully removing hinges from cabinets, doors, lids, and other attachments. Use screwdrivers, wrenches, and wire cutters to detach completely.

Once removed, sort hinges by metal type. Most are either steel, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, or brass. Never mix metal types for recycling.

2. Clean Off Grime, Rust, and Paint

Dirty and corroded hinges can contaminate other metals. Clean off any built-up gunk, rust, or paint with soap and water, steel wool, or a wire brush.

Make sure hinges are grease, dirt, and grime-free. Rinse fully with water and let dry before recycling.

3. Find Local Metal Recycling Programs

Check with municipal recycling, scrap yards, hardware stores, metal shops, and electronics recyclers.

See which metals each program accepts and any minimum quantity requirements. Avoid facilities not designed to handle metal.

4. Prepare and Transport Hinges Properly

Follow all handling instructions from recycling programs. Keep sorted metals properly separated.

Prevent injuries by securing any loose sharp or protruding edges with tape during transport. Place cleaned hinges in sealed containers.

Proper prep and delivery ensures hinges get successfully recycled and keeps you safe. Follow these tips to easily divert household metal from landfills.

A Quick Checklist for Recycling Metal Cabinet Hinges:

Ready to recycle those old cabinet hinges piling up from your latest renovation? Use this checklist to ensure you prep and handle hinges properly for recycling:

🔹 Remove all non-metal attachments with screwdrivers, wrenches, and wire cutters. Discard non-metal pieces into regular waste bins.

🔹 Inspect hinges and sort by metal – most commonly steel, aluminum, brass, or copper alloys. Never mix metal types.

🔹 Clean off any gunk, rust, paint, or grime with soap and water, steel wool, or a wire brush. Completely remove residues.

🔹 Research local recycling options like scrap yards, municipal centers, or hardware stores. Find places that accept each metal type.

🔹 Follow all metal prep and quantity requirements from the recycling program. Keep types separated but consolidate small loads.

🔹 Transport hinges safely in sturdy containers with no sharp edges exposed. Secure any loose pieces with tape.

🔹 Drop off cleaned and sorted hinges for metal recycling. Do not dispose of recyclable metals in landfills.

Following these steps carefully allows you to successfully recycle all the metal cabinet hinges from your hardware upgrade projects.

How to Find Local Recyclers That Accept Metal Cabinet Hinges

Trying to recycle household metal hinges? With a bit of research, you can likely find recycling programs in your region that take cabinet hardware. Here are some tips for locating metal recycling options:

Check municipal recycling resources – Many city, county, and state recycling agencies list local recycling centers online. Search “[Your City] Recycling” to find program directories. Call to ask about metal hinge policies.

Search online business directories – Online maps and business listings like Google Maps, Yelp, and Yellowpages can locate scrap metal yards and recyclers near you. Search “Scrap Metal Recycling” or “Metal Salvage.”

Contact hardware retailers – Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s may accept scrap steel, copper, and aluminum for recycling. Inquire about policies on metal fixtures and hardware.

Look for electronics recyclers – Businesses and non-profits that handle e-waste often accept small clean scrap metals for recycling. Search “[Your City] Electronics Recycling.”

Check with metalworking shops – Small craft metal businesses, machine shops, and welders may accept metals like hinges for reuse. Call to see if they’ll take cabinet hardware scraps.

Talk to hinge manufacturers – Companies that make metal hinges can sometimes recycle old hardware back into new products. Locate brands via hardware stores.

With a little digging, many areas offer great recycling options for those outdated metal cabinet hinges. Divert them from landfills!

What to Do With Metal Hinges If No Local Recycling Exists

Can’t find any recycling programs in your region that accept metal cabinet hinges? Try these alternative options before resorting to landfill disposal:

Sell Them Online – List cabinet hinges for sale on Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace for reuse by buyers. Ensure listings note condition accurately.

Donate to Charities – Some Habitat for Humanity ReStores and similar charities accept hardware donations for resale or reuse in builds. Call to check policies.

Use at Maker Spaces – Community DIY shops and maker spaces may take hinges for material stock. These have limited recycling but can find creative reuse.

Return to Manufacturer – The company that made the hinges may accept old hardware back for recycling. Contact customer service to inquire.

Repurpose Yourself – Upcycle hinges into jewelry, sculptures, wall art, or other handmade crafts and décor items. Get creative!

Hold for the Future – Bag and label hinges as scrap metal and hold until local recycling becomes available. Advocate for better options.

Exhaust all reuse, resale, donation, and recycling avenues before considering traditional waste disposal methods. Think outside the box to keep hinges circulating!

Creative Ways to Reuse Old Metal Cabinet Hinges

Before tossing non-recyclable metal hinges, explore some DIY ways to creatively repurpose this hardware in your home:

Make Jewelry

With some basic jewelry making supplies, old cabinet hinges can become necklaces, bracelets, rings, keychains, or earrings. Clean and polish hinges first. Use wire, chain, or leather to attach.

Build Miniature Furniture

Small hinges work perfectly as tiny hinges on dollhouse and miniature furniture. Create mini cabinets, chests, boxes, or trunks with working metal hardware.

Create Wind Chimes

Long metal cabinet hinges suspended vertically make interesting wind chimes. Mix with other spare hardware for more depth. Hang outdoors or indoors by a breezy window.

Make Garden Stakes

Decorate flower