WOw .. green beans from years ago ?? Whoa .. we always tossed out something after a year,but then most times it never lasted the winter around our house !LOL We use new lids, we will reuse the rings if there is no rust etc.. but usually when you get new jars, new rings & lids go with them . What I never had luck with was reusing mayo jars, for some reason they burst in the water bath. The pint dressing & mayo glass jars, DH's Grandmother would use for jelly and that is a practice I have followed.