Pyrex is no longer as durable because the manufacturer switched the base material from heat-resistant borosilicate glass to soda-lime glass. Soda-lime glass is cheaper to produce but is significantly more prone to "thermal shock"—shattering when exposed to sudden temperature changes.
The plant was shut down in April 2025, after 132 years of operation. Production was then shifted to Lancaster, Ohio by new owners Anchor Hocking. Ultimately, production of all U.S. Pyrex since 1998 has been made of soda–lime glass with the lowercase logo.
Pyrex has faced major lawsuits regarding exploding glassware due to a switch in materials and deceptive marketing. The two primary legal issues concern shattered cookware and false "Made in USA" claims.
Best Borosilicate Glass Pyrex Alternatives
Pyrex can last a long time. If you have Pyrex that's still in good condition (i.e., no cracks or chips in the glass), don't throw it away. Give it away or donate it to a thrift shop.
The most sought-after vintage Pyrex features unique colors, promotional motifs, and limited-release production runs. Highly prized sets like the 1958 Lucky in Love Lucky in Love, Atomic Eyes Atomic Eyes, and Golden Sunflower Golden Sunflower Daisy routinely command thousands of dollars among collectors.
Specialised Recycling
Bedsheets & Linen in good condition are often collected in door-to-door collection drives and cash for trash events. Items that don't meet their quality standards may be rejected or sent for incineration.
Soda-lime glass is a practical nontoxic option too. Just beware that soda-lime glass may break more easily but is also less expensive. Again, beware that decorative glass—glass with glazes or enamel, is colored, and lead crystal (or crystal)—may leach toxic chemicals or heavy metals.
Old Pyrex (vintage) is primarily made of borosilicate glass, which is highly resistant to extreme temperature shifts. New Pyrex is made of soda-lime glass. While new soda-lime glass is highly resistant to dropping, it is more likely to shatter from thermal shock than older borosilicate glass.
NO - Do not use Pyrex® glassware on the stovetop (open flame, electric burner), under the broiler, in a toaster oven, or on a barbecue grill.
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Borosilicate glass has become a gold standard for food safety due to its remarkable chemical inertness. Unlike some plastics that release BPA, phthalates, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, borosilicate glass remains chemically stable even when exposed to acidic foods or high temperatures.
Pyrex (glass) cannot be recycled in your local council's kerbside recycling bin, box or bag. Pyrex dishes can be disposed of in your rubbish bin or brought to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.
CorningWare was discontinued in its original form because its manufacturing process—which used a nearly indestructible, heat-shock-resistant ceramic called Pyroceram—became too expensive to produce. Because the cookware was famous for never wearing out, sales eventually slumped, prompting the brand’s owners to pivot to cheaper stoneware.
To determine if your vintage Pyrex contains lead, the most reliable method is to use at-home lead test swabs. Because older colored Pyrex often used lead and cadmium in its exterior painted designs, visual inspection alone isn't enough.
Below, Jolene shares eight of the most valuable Pyrex pieces you can own, as well as what makes each so sought after:
Pyrex manufacturer Corning transitioned away from borosilicate glass in the United States starting in the 1950s—and officially finalized the shift across all consumer lines when the brand was sold in 1998—for three main reasons:
The "good" Pyrex is vintage glassware featuring the uppercase PYREX logo. Made from borosilicate glass, it can handle extreme temperature changes (thermal shock). Modern glassware has a lowercase pyrex logo. Made of tempered soda-lime glass, it is more prone to shattering from sudden temperature shifts.
No, it is not safe or recommended to use 40-year-old Tupperware (from the 1980s) to store food. Older plastics degrade over time, posing significant health risks.
No, the glass body of Pyrex does not contain or leach microplastics. However, the standard storage lids are made of plastic, meaning they can degrade and release microparticles over time.
The healthiest containers for storing food are glass, stainless steel, and ceramic. These materials are inert, meaning they won't leach harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or PFAS into your meals—even when exposed to heat.
Dispose of the Old TV at a Recycling Centre
Recycling centres are equipped to handle electronic waste in an environmentally safe manner. They have trained professionals who know how to dismantle the TV, separating its components for recycling and proper disposal.
You can take your old or unwanted shoes and boots to most Recycling Centres, put them in a bring bank or donate them to a charity shop - find your nearest below.
Here are some ways to get rid of your old TV: Ask your trash collection service about electronics pick up. Take your old TV to a recycling facility. Trade your TV in at an electronics retailer.