Renovation projects often leave you with piles of leftover or broken tile, and figuring out how to dispose of tile can feel overwhelming. Tile is heavy, messy, and rarely accepted in regular curbside trash pickup. Whether it’s ceramic, porcelain, or stone, getting rid of tile responsibly can take a little extra effort—but it’s worth it for the environment and your peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to dispose of old tiles, from recycling and donating to hassle-free junk removal.
What to do with old tiles
Here are some safe and responsible ways to handle tile disposal:
Donate usable tile
- How it works: If you have full, intact tiles, consider donating them to local reuse organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
- Where: Community reuse centers, local charities, or online platforms for donations.
- Best for: DIYers, homeowners, or contractors with extra boxes of tile.
Drop off at a construction & demolition (C&D) recycling facility
- How it works: Many C&D facilities accept tile scraps and debris for proper recycling.
- Where: Search your city or county website for local C&D recycling drop-off locations.
- Best for: Homeowners or contractors with large amounts of broken tile.
Repurpose for DIY projects
- How it works: Old tiles can become mosaic art, tabletops, coasters, or garden paths.
- Where: Home projects or community art initiatives.
- Best for: Creative DIYers with small batches of leftover tile.
Offer free tile for pickup online
- How it works: Post usable tile or scraps on local Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Best for: Anyone with leftover materials looking to avoid landfill waste.
Dispose of small amounts in household trash (as a last resort)
- How it works: For very small quantities, you can double-bag tiles and place them in household trash. Check local regulations first.
- Best for: Homeowners with only a few broken tiles.
Schedule a junk removal pickup
- How it works: Let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? handle the heavy lifting and proper disposal of your tiles. We recycle the recyclables and donate the donatables whenever possible.
- Where: Schedule a pickup online or call 1-800-468-5865.
- Best for: Busy homeowners, landlords, or contractors with mixed construction debris. We can take your other construction debris in one go.
Why proper tile recycling and disposal is important
Tile is durable and non-biodegradable. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, contributing to unnecessary waste. According to Norcal Compactors, ceramic materials may take over 1,000 years to fully decompose. Improper disposal can also lead to fines in many areas, as construction debris isn’t always permitted in curbside trash.
By responsibly recycling or donating tiles, you:
- Reduce strain on local waste systems
- Help reusable materials find a second life
- Support community projects and sustainability efforts
