Hardware That Doesn’t Go to Waste: End of Life Guide at Crofts & Assinder
When it comes to home improvement, we all love a fresh new look. But what happens to the old bits, the handles and knobs, that once had pride of place? These small but essential pieces often get overlooked when it’s time to update or renovate.
We’ve put together this guide to help you recycle your old hardware responsibly and keep it out of landfill. Because sustainable living isn’t just about buying eco-friendly products, it’s also about how we care for them once they’ve served their purpose.
Why Recycling Hardware Matters
They might be small, but hardware pieces still have a part to play when it comes to sustainability. Throwing them out without a second thought can add to landfill waste over time. Choosing to reuse, recycle, or invest in quality options can make a real difference.
The good news? Most of our hardware is made from durable, recyclable metals such as brass, zamak, iron, aluminium, and steel. These materials can be melted down and reused again and again, which conserves natural resources and saves energy. By recycling your hardware, you’re giving it a new lease of life and helping reduce demand for new raw materials.
What Our Hardware Is Made From
Understanding the materials your hardware is made from can help make recycling easier. Here’s what you’ll find in most Crofts & Assinder products:
Brass: A beautiful alloy of copper and zinc that ages gracefully and is fully recyclable.
Iron & Steel: Strong, long-lasting, and widely recycled metals commonly used in hardware products.
Mazak: A zinc alloy praised for its smooth finish and durability, perfect for decorative knobs and handles.
Aluminium: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, often used where a sleek, modern look is desired.
Even the small fixing components like screws and bolts are made from recyclable metals—so don’t forget to recycle those too!
How to Recycle Your Old Hardware
Recycling your hardware is easier than you might think. Here are some straightforward ways to ensure your old fittings don’t go to waste:
1. Check Your Local Recycling Facilities
Most councils offer household recycling services that accept metal items. You can usually place small hardware in your metal recycling bin, or take larger quantities to your local household waste recycling centre. These centres often have designated containers specifically for scrap metal.
2. Prepare Small Items for Recycling
Loose screws, bolts, and tiny parts can be tricky to recycle on their own. A handy tip is to gather them in a metal tin or sturdy container before recycling—this helps keep them together and ensures they’re properly processed.
3. Separate Packaging Materials
At Crofts & Assinder, we’re committed to sustainability by using packaging made from recycled materials. Our cardboard boxes, product bags, and outer banding are all produced using recycled content, helping to reduce waste and minimise environmental impact. We encourage you to continue the cycle by disposing of each material thoughtfully.
Can’t Access Recycling Facilities? You Can Send It Back to Us
We understand that sometimes recycling isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a nearby facility or if the quantities are small. If that’s the case, don’t worry! You can send your old hardware back to us, and we’ll take care of the recycling for you. Just reach out to our customer service team to arrange a return. This way, you can be confident your hardware will be disposed of responsibly, without the hassle.
Our Commitment to a Greener Future
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We regularly review and update our environmental practices through our Environmental Management System to reduce waste, increase recycling, and find new eco-friendly solutions.
We believe great craftsmanship should never come at the expense of the planet. From the materials we use to the advice we share, we want to make it easy for you to enjoy beautiful, lasting hardware and take care of it responsibly when the time comes.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Small actions add up to big change. By recycling your old handles and knobs you’re helping reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment. It’s a simple step that benefits us all.
If you have any questions about recycling or want to arrange a hardware return, get in touch with us today. Together, let’s give your hardware, and the planet, a greener future.