The old meters are recycled.  Any newer, electronic meters we replace (such as solid state meters and OMR – offsite meter read – meters) are refurbished, tested and recycled back into the meter population until smart meters are installed in the area in which they are recycled.  The older, electromechanical (dial) meters we replace are dismantled and all their components – such as aluminum, copper, glass et cetera – recycled.