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Minimalist bathroom with a freestanding bath, a wooden stool, a wall-mounted washbasin with a black tap, a round mirror and framed art.

Ceramic disposal made easy!

Reading Time: 5 minutes | Article from 12.10.2026

At some point, washbasins, baths and toilets will inevitably reach the end of their useful life. We explain the correct procedure for disposing of your old sanitary ceramic.

Preparing to dispose of ceramic

A few preparations are needed before you can dispose of a washbasin, bath or toilet seat.

The first thing you need to do is dismantle the old sanitary ceramic. If you do not feel equipped to do the job yourself, you can call in a plumber.
Bear in mind that as well as disposing of your old ceramics, you can also ask a plumber to install your new bathroom fittings. Make sure you have purchased all the items you need before the installation date.
Next, see whether you will be able to transport the old ceramics to the recycling centre yourself or whether you will need to call on a waste management company. If you choose the latter option, we recommend you compare different quotes before booking a company.

Disposing of ceramic washbasins

Would you like to buy a new ceramic washbasin, but aren’t sure how to dispose of your old one? Washbasins are not categorised as either general waste or bulky waste and a charge applies for their disposal at a local recycling centre.

How to dispose of a toilet seat and lid

Different methods of disposal are available for the various components of a toilet, depending on what they are made of. A toilet lid and seat made from industrial plastic can be disposed of with general waste. But what about a ceramic toilet seat and lid? These should also be taken to your nearest recycling centre.

Ceramic disposal: collection points & pick-up

You can dispose of your old ceramic at a local recycling centre in return for a fee. Recycling centres are municipal waste management facilities where you can take waste that cannot be disposed of in your bin, including washbasins, baths and old toilet seats. If you have transport difficulties, you can hire a skip from a waste management company. The company will then collect the skip and dispose of the ceramic waste.

Modern bathroom countertop with a white Loop & Friends surface-mounted washbasin and tap next to decorative plants in orange and black vases

Modern white Memento 2.0 toilet and bidet in a minimalist design in a natural-coloured bathroom

A person attaching a white toilet seat to a toilet bowl using two metal screws and hinges.

A modern bathroom with dark wood accents and an Antao bathtub and beige sinks.

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Bathroom design with Villeroy & Boch

A green washbasin from the Villeroy & Boch Antao collection with a running tap.

Find your perfect washbasin!

Are you looking for a new washbasin after disposing of your old one? Villeroy & Boch offers a variety of washbasins to suit all tastes.

Villeroy & Boch washbasins

A modern bathroom with a Villeroy & Boch white wall-mounted toilet, a dark shelf with decorations and a small side table with a plant. The room has grey walls and a floor with a herringbone pattern.

Your new toilet awaits!

Now that you have successfully disposed of your old ceramic, you can look forward to choosing a new toilet. Villeroy & Boch offers a wide range of stylish and functional models.

Villeroy & Boch toilets

A white Loop&Friends surface-mounted washbasin in a bathroom with a landscape in the background

Why it is important to dispose of ceramic properly

Ceramic can be given a new purpose after appropriate processing. Before disposing of used ceramic products such as washbasins, bathtubs or toilets, please contact your local recycling or waste collection centre to find out whether they accept them.

Good to know

Upcycling is all the rage! This means reusing unwanted products in a creative way. For example, turning an old washbasin into a quirky flower pot.