View this as a webpage

Kitsap County to host cookware swap and lead testing event December 5

The Kitsap County Solid Waste Division is partnering with Zero Waste Washington, an environmental nonprofit, to host a cookware swap event on December 5, 2026!

Some cookware and kitchen products may contain harmful chemicals like PFAS, lead, or microplastics, which can affect your health and the environment. This event offers an opportunity to exchange eligible items for free safer alternatives.

The Washington State Department of Health will also be on-site offering optional lead testing for pots, pans, spices, and ceramic dishware.

When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are required.

Where: Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Once you schedule an appointment, you'll receive a confirmation email with the event address and additional event details.

How it works

Bring us a scratched or worn non-stick pan, plastic cooking utensil, and/or a plastic cutting board.

In exchange, you'll receive a free safer alternative for each item you bring. Available replacements include:

• One PFAS-free pan
• Two wood cooking utensils
• One wood or bamboo cutting board

How to participate

1. Sign up for an appointment using the Cookware Swap Event Appointment Form. Appointments are required. Participation is limited to one appointment per household. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once capacity is reached.

2. Gather and clean your items before bringing them to the event.

What chemicals can be found in cookware?

Traditional non-stick pots and pans often contain per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of harmful chemicals. PFAS are added to materials to make them waterproof, non-stick, grease-resistant, or stain-resistant. As non-stick coatings wear down, become scratched, or are exposed to high temperatures, PFAS can migrate into food. Learn more about the health impacts of PFAS on Department of Health's PFAS webpage.

Other pots, pans, and pressure cookers made from materials such as aluminum or brass may contain lead. Lead can leach into food during cooking, particularly when preparing acidic foods. Learn more about the health impacts of lead on Department of Health's Lead webpage.

Plastic cutting boards and kitchen utensils can release microplastics over time through regular use. Chopping, washing, heating, and everyday wear can cause tiny plastic particles to break off and potentially enter food.

What happens to collected kitchen items

Our goal is to help reduce exposure to chemicals of concern in household products. To prevent potential chemical exposure from being passed on to another household, we do not donate any items collected through this event.

Instead, we responsibly manage the items after collection:

• Metal pans are recycled as scrap metal.
• Plastic cooking utensils and plastic cutting boards are disposed of in the landfill because recycling options for these materials are not currently available.

By recycling or disposing of these worn items, we help keep potentially harmful chemicals from continuing to circulate in the community.

Make the switch

Whether you're looking to replace worn cookware, learn more about chemicals in kitchen products, or take advantage of free lead testing, this event is an easy way to make your kitchen a little safer!

Funding for this project is provided by Zero Waste Washington.

Contact information

Kitsap County Public Works, Solid Waste Division, 360.337.5777 or SolidWaste@Kitsap.Gov