Thermos flasks are very handy. In fact, you will find one in almost every home in the US. You can use a thermos flask to carry both hot and cold liquids, and this functionality appeals to a vast number of people yearly. A solid thermos flask will keep your coffee, tea or water hot for about 24 hours.
If you use your thermos every day, then it will eventually give in to wear and tear. Of course, this may not happen within the first few years of use, but the time will eventually come. As such, no matter how much you maintain your thermos flask, you will have to replace it with a newer or better model someday.
Well, when that day comes, you also have to consider how to dispose of the old one. Do you simply toss it in the trash can? Are there ways to repurpose it? But, most importantly, can you recycle thermos flasks? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more. So please, sit back and enjoy!
Are Thermos Flasks Recyclable?
Thermos flasks are high-end utility items that everyone needs. Whether you prefer hot or cold fluids, a thermos flask will satisfy your needs. It is also great that they come in various sizes and colors. As such, it does not come as much of a surprise when you find them in large numbers in the US.
However, despite their high utility feature, you cannot use them forever. You will have to dispose of them someday. It could be because of wear and tear, or you simply want a better model.
If you are looking to dispose of your thermos flask, you may be wondering if you can recycle it. This is a question a lot of people ask, and we will provide answers shortly.
But first, you have to determine the type of thermos flask you have. Here, you will need a magnet. Ferrous metals will attract the magnet, while non-ferrous metals will not.
If your thermos flask is made from steel or iron, it will attract the magnet. This means that you can just as easily tote it down to a scrapyard and sell it for good money.
On the other hand, you may decide to recycle it. However, most curbside recycling centers will not accept your thermos flask. Do not fret, as you can just as easily use a recycling locator to find the nearest metal recycling company. You can choose to take your flask there yourself or simply use the pick-up option if they have one.
Alternatively, if your thermos flask does not attract the magnet, it is likely made from copper, aluminum, bronze or brass. Materials like this may not make you a lot of money at a scrapyard. However, if you gather them and get enough to meet the minimum weight your scrapyard requires, then you may make some money off them.
Just as you can recycle iron and steel thermos flasks, you can also recycle non-ferrous ones. Unfortunately, as with ferrous metals, your local curbside may not recycle your non-ferrous thermos flask. Thankfully though, you can use a recycling locator to find one who does or alternatively look up a metal recycling company.
Are Thermos Flasks Microwaveable?
If you use your thermos flask to carry around your semi-liquid foods, coffee or tea, then the need may arise for you to heat it. Microwaves are such handy appliances that allow you to heat food swiftly.
It sure defeats having to transfer your tea, coffee or semi-liquid food into a pot or pan and heating it with a stove or hot plate. Instead, with a microwave, simply place the food or drink you want to heat up in a microwave-worthy container and set your timer to a suitable time.
Now, back to heating with a thermos flask. You can place a thermos flask in the microwave. However, it may not be as effective as using a plastic container to heat your food or drink.
However, you do not have to fear anything catching on fire or spoiling your microwave. All you may have to do differently is open your thermos flask to allow more heat to penetrate.
You see, whatever you are heating with a thermos flask may not receive even heat as it would with a plastic container. However, it gets the job done, albeit slower. Hence, you can heat food or drinks by putting your thermos flask in the microwave without endangering your health, injuring yourself or damaging your microwave.
Can You Put Boiling Water in a Thermos?
One of the most common uses for a thermos is to keep water or beverages heated. Of course, this means that you will have to pour the water or drink in the thermos flask when it is still hot.
With thermos flasks, you do not have to worry about the container shattering because of the extremely high temperature of your fluid. Instead, you can safely pour boiling water into it.
However, with thermos flasks that have an outer layer of glass, you will need to take the process slowly. If too much heat comes in contact with the glass part, it can cause it to crack. As such, it will be best to slowly pour the hot water into the flask and wait for it to adapt to the potential temperature gradually.
The best part is that your thermos flask can keep the water or fluid heated for as much as six to twelve hours. Afterwards, it may retain its warmth, but only a solid one will keep it hot for the whole day.
Can You Put Thermos Flask in the Dishwasher?
A dishwasher is such an efficient and time-saving appliance that makes doing the dishes much more effortless. People typically tend to ask if you can use a dishwasher to wash your thermos flask.
Well, you can. The top rack of your dishwasher can house and clean your thermos flask. However, if you intend to prolong its lifespan, it is best to hand wash it.
Dishwashers work with extreme heat and plenty of detergent. Unfortunately, these two factors can weaken the insulin component of your thermos flask, thereby rendering it useless.
Instead, you can use a soft sponge with just enough detergent to wash the thermos flask. It is a more effective way to clean your flask. It is also best to avoid using chlorine or other solvents that can damage the thermos flask. Also, ensure you dry it properly to prevent rusting.
5+ Simple Ways to Dispose of Thermos Flasks
As we have mentioned earlier, you simply cannot use your thermos flask forever. Of course, regular maintenance and care can make it exceed its twelve-year lifespan, but you will still have to change it someday.
Here, we will show you exciting ways to repurpose your thermos flask before you finally decide to recycle it. Repurposing and recycling are excellent ways to dispose of your unwanted materials, the latter being the ultimate or final resort.
1. Measuring Cup
If you enjoy cooking or baking, you will know that the tastiest meals or pastries are the ones with the correct measurements. This is because every ingredient has to be proportionate if you intend to have the best-desired outcome.
Well, to save yourself some money, you can turn your old thermos flask into a measuring cup. Simply get your desired measurement units and mark them onto the body of your thermos flask. The best part is that you can mark multiple units of measurement on it, thereby making room for versatility. You can also use it to measure both dry and wet foods.
2. Flower Vase
Whether you purchase the occasional bouquet or are an avid gardener, you can temporarily use your old thermos flask to hold your flowers. For an avid planter, simply put a suitable amount of soil in the flask, plant your seeds and place it somewhere it will receive adequate sunlight and oxygen. You may choose to transplant later on or simply leave the flowers to grow in the thermos flask.
On the other hand, if you receive or buy a bouquet, you can pour some water into your thermos flask and place the flowers in it. You can subsequently place the thermos flask on your dinner table or by your bedside.
3. Rolling Pin
A thermos flask will make a great rolling pin! It has just the right shape and weight, and rubbing some butter or oil on the body will give it a non-stick feature.
This is an excellent hack, particularly if you are trying to cut back on expenses or suddenly need a rolling pin for a recipe.
Since it is made from metal, it is easier to clean than wooden rolling pins. Simply place it in warm soapy water and run a soft sponge over it several times, and it will be as good as new.
4. Desk Organizer
Now, we are about to get a bit more creative. Did you know that your old thermos flask will make a fantastic desk organizer? Well, now you do.
Simply gather your art supplies – a paintbrush, some paint and glitter if you have some. Then, work on the outer part of your thermos flask by painting it your favorite color and sticking some glitters on it.
Next, you can place your pens and pencils in it. Alternatively, you may also place pins and small items that go missing when we need them the most. A couple of repurposed thermos flasks around your house or office will undoubtedly leave things better organized.
5. Food Packaging
If you enjoy camping or are in a rush to get to your school or workplace, then you can place your dry foodstuff or cereals in your old thermos flask. It is suitable in that it has just the right size for storing food. It also has a cover that makes it easy to move your food from one place to another.
6. Drink Mixer
For the occasional cocktail lover, you can repurpose your old thermos flask into a drink mixer. Simply throw in your favorite drink combinations and some ice and get to mixing. Thermos flasks have covers that stay in place, thereby making room for you to mix and shake to your heart’s content.
Conclusion
Thermos flasks are metal bottles in high demand. They are certainly more environmentally friendly than plastic ones and tend to last even longer. They keep your food or drink very warm or cold; they maintain the meal temperature you desire.
However, thermos flasks cannot last forever. We have to change them someday. This article shows you numerous ways to properly dispose of your old thermos bottles, with recycling being the ultimate step. Please, read up and make informed decisions.
References:
https://www.elementalbottles.com/blogs/news/what-to-do-with-old-stainless-steel-water-bottles