How Do You Dispose of Out of Date Canned Food?

Out of date canned food has a limited shelf life and should be disposed of properly to help prevent food-borne illnesses and other health risks. Unfortunately, simply throwing the can away is not the correct way to dispose of it. Here are some tips on how to properly dispose of out of date canned food.

Check the Expiration Date
The first step in disposing of out of date canned food is to check the expiration date. If it has passed, then it should be thrown away. Even if the food looks and smells edible, it may contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick.

Check for Damage
Before you throw away any out of date canned food, make sure to check for any signs of damage. If a can is dented, rusted or otherwise damaged, then throw it away immediately as these types of cans can harbor harmful bacteria and should not be eaten.

Donate Unopened Cans
If the canned food is still within its expiration date but you are not going to use it, consider donating it to a local food bank or shelter. Many organizations will accept unopened cans that are still within their expiration dates.

Recycle Cans
If you are unable to donate your out of date canned foods, consider recycling them instead. Most cans can be recycled at your local recycling center or curbside collection point.

Be sure to check with your local municipality for specific rules about what types of cans (and other materials) they will accept for recycling.

Conclusion:

When disposing of out of date canned food, make sure to check the expiration date and look for any signs of damage before throwing away or donating the cans. If they are still within their expiration dates, consider donating them to a local shelter or organization in need. Otherwise, they can be recycled at your local recycling center or curbside collection point.