7 Simple Steps to Safely Discard a Broken Mirror (and Avoid Injury)

Life happens, and sometimes things break — even mirrors. While breaking a mirror might evoke thoughts of bad luck, it’s far more important to focus on the dangerous glass shards left behind. Every year, glass-related injuries account for 13% of all emergency room visits, making it crucial to handle the situation with care. Knowing how to dispose of a broken mirror safely can prevent injuries and keep your home safe.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to safely discarding a broken mirror:

Protect Yourself

Before you start cleaning up your broken mirror, the most important thing is to protect yourself. Wear gloves—preferably strong leather gloves, like gardening gloves, to keep your hands safe. Put on long pants and closed-toe shoes to shield your legs and feet from stray shards. You may even want to consider wearing long sleeves for extra protection.

Gather the Right Tools

You’ll need the right tools to handle the broken mirror safely. Some handy household items include:

• Boxes
• Blankets
• Bubble Wrap
• Trash Bags
• Tape (Duck Tape or Packing Tape)
• Newspapers

Wrap the Mirror Carefully

Once you’ve protected yourself, the next step is wrapping up the broken mirror. Start by wrapping the mirror in bubble wrap or an old blanket. Be generous with your wrapping, making sure to cover every edge of the glass. Tape it securely using strong packing tape (avoid using masking tape, which may not hold).

Pack the Mirror Safely

Once the mirror is wrapped up, place it inside a sturdy box. Line the box with bubble wrap for added protection. This extra layer helps ensure that any sharp edges are sealed and that glass doesn’t poke through the container. Once your mirror is in the box, tape the box securely to avoid any accidents during transportation.

Gather the Broken Pieces

Next, carefully gather any smaller pieces of the broken mirror. Wearing gloves, start by picking up the larger shards first, then work your way to the smaller fragments. Place the larger pieces into a puncture-resistant trash bag, being careful not to touch the glass directly. Always avoid reaching into the bag with your hands—use tools or gloves for safety.

Clean Up the Area

After you’ve packed the mirror and collected the shards, it’s time for a thorough clean-up. First, vacuum the entire area, being sure to cover not only the immediate vicinity but also any adjacent areas where tiny glass shards may have flown. Avoid using a brush attachment, as it could trap small pieces.

Once you’ve finished vacuuming, use a blotting material (like a damp cloth) or tape to pick up any remaining tiny glass shards. Carefully inspect the area to ensure you’ve captured every last piece.

Dispose of the Mirror Safely

Now that you’ve packed everything up and cleaned the area, you can dispose of the mirror safely. Be sure to place the sealed box in the trash, not recycling, as mirrors contain chemicals that cannot be recycled. Check with your local disposal regulations if you’re unsure.

That’s it for our guide on disposing of a broken mirror safely! Be sure to take a moment after you’re done to scan the area for anything you may have missed quickly. As well as that, make sure you vacuum your shoes and gloves to remove any harmful residue. Overall, you should dedicate roughly an hour to the entire process to make sure you’re thorough.

Final Thoughts

Safely discarding a broken mirror isn’t just about cleaning up the mess—it’s about ensuring that your family and home stay safe. By following these 7 simple steps, you can effectively manage the cleanup while minimizing the risk of injury from broken glass.

After you're done, don’t forget to vacuum your shoes and gloves to remove any residual shards. We recommend dedicating about an hour to this process for a thorough and safe cleanup.