Is a mirror recyclable? How to dispose of it?
Is a mirror recyclable? What should you do when it breaks? See the correct method for disposing of this material.
Have you ever wondered if mirrors are recyclable or how to dispose of this material? Theoretically, mirrors are a product derived from glass and, therefore, many people believe that the material can be disposed of along with other recyclable materials.
However, mirrors are not recyclable and their presence in collection points can make the glass recycling process more difficult . However, disposing of them incorrectly can harm the environment and pose risks to people and animals, as they are sharp materials.
Therefore, understanding a little more about the composition of this material and how it should be disposed of can help you make an informed choice when throwing it away.
Is the mirror recyclable?
Although it is a glass product, the mirror undergoes processes during its manufacture that make it impossible to recycle.
The process of manufacturing a mirror begins with cleaning and polishing a glass surface and involves chemical reactions that form elements such as metallic silver, which are necessary for the glass to become a mirror. Glass cleaning is divided into two stages: the first is done with ordinary water and the second, more thorough, is done with demineralized water, that is, water free of mineral salts.
After the cleaning process, the glass is coated with a layer of metallic silver, which is formed through chemical reactions involving silver nitrate, which adheres completely to the surface. This is one of the most important stages of the process, as it is at this point that the glass becomes reflective. In the last stage, a machine sprays black paint behind the surface of the glass, protecting the mirror from corrosive effects. The drying process then takes place in a gas oven at a temperature of 90°C.
To eliminate the possibility of corrosion, another layer of black paint is applied behind the mirror surface. This time, the glass is subjected to a temperature of 180 °C.
Furthermore, the back of the mirror is usually made of materials such as aluminum, tin and plastic. In other words, the entire manufacturing process of the mirror and its composition make it impossible for the material to be reused in recycling.
Typically, in glass recycling the material is crushed into small pieces and then melted. Because mirror glass and other types of glass have different melting points, recycling centers cannot accommodate mirror glass.
How to throw away a mirror?
Before throwing away your mirror, see if it can be donated or sold, or even reused in crafts. If not, and it really is time to throw it away, follow the steps below:
- Wrap the mirror carefully in newspaper or place it inside a cardboard box.
- Take it to the waste collection center closest to your home.
In case of broken mirrors, carefully pack the pieces in a cardboard box and write the contents on the surface of the cardboard.
Where can I dispose of mirrors?
To dispose of mirrors correctly and safely, check the nearest recycling centers to your home using the free eCycle Portal search engine . Another tip is to consult the manufacturers of your mirror. According to reverse logistics, they are also responsible for providing support for the disposal of products.
