Hey fellow food lovers, and welcome back to the Crock Potz kitchen! It’s a sad day when a trusted kitchen companion, one that’s simmered countless chilis, tenderized pounds of pulled pork, and filled your home with delicious aromas, finally decides to retire. I still remember my first Crockpot—a harvest gold hand-me-down from my mom. When it finally gave up the ghost after a decade of faithful service, I was stumped. What do you do with it? If you’re wondering how to recycle an old crock pot, you’re not alone. It feels wrong to just toss it in the trash, and for good reason!
Before you say your final goodbyes, let’s walk through the proper, responsible, and even creative ways to handle your retired slow cooker. Giving your old appliance a proper send-off isn’t just good for the environment; it opens up a world of surprisingly cool possibilities.
Why You Can’t Just Toss Your Crock Pot in the Bin
I get it. The easiest thing seems to be chucking it in the curbside bin with the rest of the trash. But hold on a second! A Crock Pot, or any slow cooker, is considered electronic waste, or “e-waste.”
Think of it this way: your slow cooker has more in common with an old computer monitor than it does with a glass jar. The base contains a heating element, wiring, and other electronic components that can contain materials like lead and cadmium. When these end up in a landfill, they can leach into the soil and groundwater, which is a big no-no for the planet. The ceramic or stoneware insert is a different beast altogether, and we’ll get to that. But the main takeaway is that responsible disposal is key.
According to sustainability consultant Sarah Carter, “The most common mistake people make is treating small appliances like regular waste. The heating element and cord immediately classify a Crock Pot as e-waste, which requires special handling. Taking a few extra minutes to find a proper recycling facility makes a huge difference.”
Step 1: Assess Your Old Crock Pot’s Condition
First things first, let’s figure out what we’re working with. Is the whole thing kaput, or is just one part broken?
- Completely Broken: If the heating element is dead and the unit won’t turn on, it’s officially reached the end of its cooking life. We’re looking at a full recycling or repurposing mission.
- Cracked Ceramic Insert: This is a common issue! A cracked liner is no longer food-safe, as bacteria can hide in the cracks. But the base might still work perfectly! You can often buy a replacement insert online directly from the manufacturer.
- Just Outdated: Maybe it still works, but you’ve upgraded to a fancy new programmable model. In this case, consider donating it to a local thrift store, a college student, or a community shelter. One person’s old slow cooker is another’s gateway to delicious, easy “dump dinners.”
How to Recycle Your Old Crock Pot: The Official Options
If your slow cooker is truly at the end of its road, here are the best ways to recycle it responsibly. Important: Before you do anything, separate the three main parts: the lid (usually glass), the insert (ceramic/stoneware), and the base (the electronic part).
- Check with Your Local Waste Management or Municipality
This should always be your first stop. Hop on your city or county’s website and search for “e-waste,” “appliance recycling,” or “household hazardous waste.” Most will have designated drop-off days or permanent facilities that accept small appliances. They’ll tell you exactly how they want you to prepare it. - Retailer Take-Back Programs
Many large electronics retailers have robust recycling programs. The most well-known in the U.S. is Best Buy, which accepts most small appliances, regardless of where you bought them. Check their website for current policies, as there might be a small fee depending on the item and your state. - Scrap Metal Recyclers
While they won’t want the ceramic insert or glass lid, some scrap metal facilities will take the electronic base. They can properly strip the wiring and recycle the metal casing. Call ahead to confirm they accept small appliances.
What About the Ceramic Insert and Glass Lid?
This is where it gets tricky. Unfortunately, the ceramic or stoneware insert is rarely recyclable in standard curbside programs. It’s treated differently than glass bottles or jars due to the way it’s made and glazed. The same often goes for the glass lid, which is typically made from tempered glass (like Pyrex) and can’t be recycled with regular glass.
- Ceramic Insert: Unless your local facility specifically says they accept stoneware, this part will likely have to go in the trash. But don’t despair! This is where our upcycling ideas come in.
- Glass Lid: Check with your local recycler. Some advanced facilities can handle tempered glass, but most cannot.
Beyond Recycling: Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Crock Pot
Okay, here’s the fun part! This is where we get to give that old friend a brand new job. This is my favorite approach for dealing with an old slow cooker, especially the insert.
For the Ceramic Insert (The Crock):
- The Perfect Planter: That heavy, sturdy crock makes a fantastic planter for herbs, succulents, or flowers. It’s deep, provides great insulation for roots, and looks beautifully rustic on a patio or windowsill. Pro Tip: Carefully use a diamond-tipped drill bit to drill a few small drainage holes in the bottom.
- A Chic Utensil Holder: Tired of a cluttered drawer? Stand the crock on your counter and fill it with whisks, spatulas, and wooden spoons. It’s heavy enough that it won’t tip over.
- The Ultimate Ice Bucket: Fill it with ice at your next party to keep drinks or a bottle of wine chilled. It holds its temperature surprisingly well.
- A No-Knead Bread Cloche: This is my favorite secret weapon! The heavy ceramic insert with its lid mimics a Dutch oven. Let your no-knead bread dough do its final rise inside, then pop the whole thing (crock and lid) into a hot oven. It traps the steam, giving you a loaf with an incredible, crackly crust. Just be sure your insert is oven-safe (most modern stoneware ones are up to 400°F, but check the bottom).
- Pet Food or Water Bowl: For a large dog, the heavy crock makes a great, untippable water bowl.
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Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings |
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| 2 | bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Cooking Times, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot & Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Plum |
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| 3 | Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts |
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| 4 | Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO- Sous Vide & Proof 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker, with 8.5 Quarts, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More, Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Black, MC1010 |
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| 5 | Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) |
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| 6 | Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel |
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| 7 | Double Slow Cooker, 2 x 1.25 QT Portable Small Dual Crock Cooker, Buffet Servers and Warmers Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Black |
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| 8 | Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 |
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| 9 | Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining |
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| 10 | Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black |
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What if I’m Ready for an Upgrade?
Once you’ve found a new home or recycling center for your old appliance, you might be thinking about what’s next. If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker, technology has come a long way! From programmable timers to integrated temperature probes, finding the perfect model for your “set it and forget it” lifestyle is easier than ever. Check out some of our top-rated slow cookers [here on our favorite gear page].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the questions I get asked all the time about getting rid of old slow cookers.
Can I put my old crock pot in the regular recycling bin?
No, you cannot. The base is e-waste and needs special handling. The ceramic insert and tempered glass lid are also typically not accepted in curbside recycling programs. Always check with your local waste management authority for specific instructions.
Is it safe to keep using a crock pot with a cracked insert?
Absolutely not. Even a small crack can harbor harmful bacteria that can contaminate your food. It also compromises the structural integrity of the insert, which could break completely when heated, creating a huge mess and a safety hazard.
Are old Crock Pots worth any money?
Generally, no. A broken, non-functional Crock Pot has no resale value. A working but outdated model might fetch a few dollars at a garage sale or you could donate it for a small tax write-off. Their real value is in the delicious meals they create!
How do I safely handle a broken ceramic insert?
If the insert shatters, treat it like broken glass. Wear protective gloves to pick up the larger pieces and carefully sweep or vacuum the smaller shards. Dispose of the pieces in a sturdy cardboard box or wrap them in newspaper before putting them in your trash can to prevent injury to sanitation workers.
Can I throw the power cord in the trash?
You shouldn’t. The power cord is part of the e-waste. It contains copper and other materials that are valuable to recyclers and shouldn’t end up in a landfill. Keep the cord attached to the base when you take it for e-waste recycling.
A Fond Farewell
Saying goodbye to an old Crock Pot can feel like ending a chapter. But by taking the time to explore how to recycle your old crock pot correctly, you’re doing a great thing for the environment. And by getting creative with repurposing, you might just find that your trusty old friend isn’t gone—it’s just been promoted to a new, exciting role in your home.
Have you ever found a clever way to repurpose an old slow cooker? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Let’s build a library of great ideas together.