I have read on many decluttering websites where people care using China etc that was passed down generations to eat off of or use for pet dishes. Don't do that. Many contain lead and are toxic. If you dont want them for decorative purposes donate it, sell it or toss in the land fill. Just a heads up.
If it's dangerous for us why would donating it be a good idea?
It should be destroyed to protect anyone from using it.
Maybe donate with a note not to use it to eat off of? I guess lead toxicity for china wasn't as much of an issue in the old days because it was only used for special ocassions a few times a year if that because people didnt want pieces getting broken. I agree though it should all be trashed.
My Mom was a Pyrex and Corning Corelle type of gal. Mom had some fancy dishes that had gold trim but I noticed those dishes were getting hairline cracks in the finishes. I tossed those out.
The cats use Corelle bowls.
Also gave away my Mom's silver flatware set that came in a beautiful box. I could always taste the "silver". Plus all the silver-plated items Mom got for her 25th anniversary, and items I got when I married.