Broken glass, whether it is a wine glass, an overturned vase or a window, is very difficult to remove. In addition to large pieces, fragments can fly a long distance, creating not only a big mess, but also a serious safety issue. The question also arises, how to properly dispose of broken glass?
ContentProtections and precautionsHow to properly dispose of broken glass?How to collect and dispose of broken glass: a step-by-step guide
WomanEL has put together a step-by-step guide for you to prevent injury and further damage to your home or property.
Protections and Precautions
Cleaning up broken glass requires taking precautions to avoid injury, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and disposing of broken glass properly after it has been collected.
- Wear protective equipment. To minimize the chance of getting cut, wear heavy-duty protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when cleaning up broken glass, says cleaning expert Jessica Eck.
- If you don't have cut-resistant gloves, a thick pair of winter gloves will do the trick because you need something to protect your hands, says Jessica Ehrlichman, vice president of Andersen Windows & Doors. It's also a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure.
- There are other precautions you should take. First, ask anyone not involved in the cleanup to safely leave the room. Have them check their shoes to make sure glass hasn't been thrown into other rooms. Keep pets away while you clean.
- Once you have put on the appropriate protective equipment and cleared the area, have all your tools ready, including a glass container, a vacuum cleaner or duct tape, and a flashlight.
- IMPORTANT: If possible, avoid using a regular vacuum cleaner to pick up broken glass. If you have a handheld or shop vacuum, you can pick up any remaining shards, but do not use a regular vacuum cleaner as it may damage the glass.
How to properly dispose of broken glass?
Even after it’s been picked up, broken glass can still be a safety hazard. Collect the glass in a sturdy, soft container, such as a thick, padded envelope or a plastic bag lined with newspaper. Once you’ve collected the glass, seal the container and immediately throw it in the trash.
Ehrlichmann stresses the importance of not throwing broken glass in the regular trash can. “Don’t throw the glass in the trash can; it needs to be sealed in the container so it doesn’t cut the bag and hurt someone.”
She recommends placing the broken glass in a glass jar or food container that the broken glass won’t puncture. Label the container “broken glass” and recycle the glass if possible, she says.
How to collect and throw away broken glass: a step-by-step guide
- First, assess the extent of the damage. Keep in mind that broken glass can fly far, so the area of damage may be larger than you initially think. Ask children, pets, and other adults to leave the area and wear appropriate protective gear, such as cut-resistant gloves, closed-toe shoes, and long sleeves.
- Carefully pick up large pieces of glass by hand and place them in a safe container.
- Then collect the small pieces of glass. Large pieces of glass can obscure smaller pieces. Therefore, it is best to work in stages, starting with the largest pieces, then surveying the area and collecting smaller pieces, and finally collecting the broken glass.
- To collect the broken glass, use adhesive tape, such as Scotch tape, or a damp paper towel. Do not use sponges or towels, as the shards can stick to them, creating a safety hazard.
- Check your shoes and floor for shards. The soles of shoes, especially those with intricate treads, can collect glass shards. Shine a flashlight in all directions, including the soles of your shoes, to catch any remaining glass that needs to be collected.
- Safely dispose of glass. Collect broken glass in a secure, puncture-resistant container and dispose of it immediately. Label the container “broken glass” and recycle the glass if possible.
You will probably find it useful to know what things should not be thrown into the trash at all.