Molly Ayala
Throwing away an electric appliance can be a tricky task, especially if it's a large item like a dishwasher, oven, or dryer. Many household appliances are too big to fit in a bin or bag, and some require special handling before they can be collected. For large items, you may need to wait for a designated bulk collection day and set them out on your trash-only day, not your recycling day. Smaller appliances, such as blenders, coffee makers, and vacuum cleaners, can often be recycled with your regular recycling, but it's important to check with your local recycling program first. Some items, like batteries and coolants, require special disposal methods. If your appliance is still in working condition, you may consider donating it, reselling it, or trading it in for a gift card at stores like Best Buy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items that can be recycled | Blenders, toasters, grinders, food processors, water softeners, electric kettles, coffee makers, microwaves, TVs, computers, refrigerators, freezers, water and wine coolers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, washers and dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and ranges |
| Items that cannot be recycled | Appliances with batteries or coolants |
| How to recycle | Contact your local government, a junk removal company, or a retailer like Best Buy, Staples, or Walmart |
| Recycling fees | Junk removal companies charge by the amount of space used in their truck; Best Buy charges $59.99 for haul-away services; Stores in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan accept TVs (50" and smaller) with a $29.99 drop-off fee and provide a $30 gift card as reimbursement |
| Other options | Sell, donate, or trade in working electronics |
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What You'll Learn
Check if your appliance is eligible for a trade-in or buy-back program
When looking to throw away an electric appliance, it is worth checking if your appliance is eligible for a trade-in or buy-back program. Many retailers offer such programs, allowing you to trade in your old appliance for a gift card, credit, or even a discount on a new appliance.
Best Buy, for example, has a Trade-In Program where you can bring in your used electronics and receive a Best Buy gift card or credit. They accept a wide range of items, including modems, routers, smart thermostats, and Windows PCs. They also offer a standalone haul-away service for a fee, where they will pick up and recycle your old appliances, even if you are not purchasing a new product.
To get the best trade-in value, ensure that your appliance is in good working condition and include any necessary accessories. It is also important to note that you may need to reset your device to factory settings and remove all personal data and accounts before trading it in.
Additionally, some manufacturers may offer their own trade-in or buy-back programs. For example, Apple has a trade-in program where you can receive credit towards a new device or an Apple Store gift card. It is worth checking with the manufacturer of your appliance to see if they offer similar programs.
By participating in these programs, you can not only get rid of your old appliance responsibly but also potentially receive some value in return.
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Find a scrap metal recycler
If you're looking to recycle scrap metal, the first step is to identify the metal or metals you're dealing with. Common household metals include copper, brass, aluminium, iron, and steel. Copper is reddish in colour when in good condition, but will appear darker brown when worn. You can find copper in electrical wires, plumbing pipes, roofing materials, and power cords. Brass, which is composed of copper and zinc, is yellowish with a hint of red and is often found in hardware like keys, door handles, and light fixtures. Aluminium is usually painted, but when unpainted, it is a whitish, silver colour. It is also easily bendable when thin. You can find aluminium in window frames, doors, gutters, siding, and cans. Iron is magnetic, and you can find it in items like bathtubs, boilers, and washing machines. Steel is also magnetic and is found in many places, from your car to chairs and cabinets.
Once you've identified the metals you want to recycle, separate them into different piles. This is important because some scrap yards will pay you more for certain metals than others.
Next, you'll want to find a scrap metal recycler. You can start by searching for local scrap yards in your area. Check your state government website, as they often have a directory of recycling locations and scrap buyers. You can also use online tools like the iScrap App, which lists current metal prices, scrap yards, and metal recyclers in the US and Canada. Earth911 is another online directory that can help you find a scrap metal recycling facility near you.
Before you head to the scrap yard, call ahead to find out what metals they accept and ask about their procedures and requirements. Some scrap yards will require you to unload your metal onto their scale, while others may have someone to assist you.
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Donate to a charitable organisation
If you are looking to throw away an electric appliance, consider donating it to a charitable organisation instead. Donating your appliances is an environmentally friendly option that can help those in need. Many charities accept working appliances, and some will even pick them up from your home for free.
Before you donate, be sure to clean your appliance thoroughly. Clear the insides of dust and lint and check for any items that may have gotten lost inside over time, such as buttons or coins. Finally, wipe down the appliance with a disinfectant wipe or cloth to ensure a complete clean.
There are many charitable organisations that accept appliance donations. The Salvation Army, for example, has thrift stores located throughout North America and offers free pickup services in most areas. St. Vincent de Paul is another national organisation with chapters throughout the United States that offers both pick-up and drop-off options for your used appliances.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore is another great option for donating your appliances. ReStore is a nonprofit thrift store and donation centre that helps local families build affordable housing. They accept donations of unwanted home goods and building materials, including appliances, and offer free donation pickup.
Local churches may also accept appliance donations to gift to families in the area. Contact your local church to inquire about their donation policies. Additionally, many local thrift stores accept large and small appliances and will pick them up for free if you cannot drop them off.
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Sell to a local buyer or collector
If your appliance is in good working condition, you can sell it locally. Garage sales are a great way to sell appliances as they give the seller an opportunity to demonstrate the item, and buyers the confirmation that it works before they purchase it. You can also try consigning your used appliances. Consignment appliance stores can help you reach a lot of buyers. Local online marketplaces are another way to sell your appliance, allowing you to give potential buyers all the information they need.
When selling your appliance, make sure to take quality photos and competitively price your item. In your listing, be sure to include the service history and repairs made, as well as a detailed list of any dents or other issues. Also, provide specific details like the age, make and model. If your appliance is no longer working, it may still be worth selling to a local scrap metal recycler, as they may pay well for the parts.
If you're purchasing a new appliance, it's worth checking if the company offers to remove your old one as part of the package. You can also check if a local property management company will take it off your hands.
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Contact your local government or junk hauling service
If you need to dispose of an electric appliance, it is important to do so responsibly. Many appliances contain harmful materials, including lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and other heavy metals, which can cause serious environmental damage if they end up in landfills.
Contacting your local government or junk hauling service is a good option for disposing of electric appliances. They will be able to provide you with information on the correct procedures for disposing of such items. For example, in Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources provides information on preparing your electronics for reuse or recycling, finding an electronics collection site, or arranging for a recycler to pick up larger volumes of e-waste. They also provide specific guidance for businesses, schools, institutions, and governments.
Additionally, some local governments may offer special collection days for large items or hazardous waste. For example, in New York City, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) provides free curbside removal of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)/Freon from appliances that cool or chill, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers. After the CFC/Freon is removed by trained personnel and a sticker is placed on the appliance, it can be left at the curb for collection on your recycling day.
You can also contact a private junk hauling service to dispose of your electric appliances. Some retailers, such as Best Buy, offer haul-away services for a small fee, and will ensure that your appliances are properly and safely recycled by licensed third-party partners. This option may be especially useful if you are unable to transport the appliance yourself or if you have a large or bulky item.
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Frequently asked questions
Large electric appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, washers, and dryers are often too large to fit in a bin or bag. Check with your local government to see if they offer curbside removal for these items. You may need to wait for a designated bulk collection day. Alternatively, you can rent a roll-off dumpster or hire a junk removal company, but these options may come with additional fees.
Small electric appliances such as blenders, toasters, grinders, and coffee makers are often accepted by charitable organizations such as Value Village, Salvation Army, and Goodwill, especially if they are in working condition. You can also recycle these items at a local recycling center or retailer such as Best Buy, Staples, or Walmart, which offer buy-back programs in exchange for gift cards.
Yes, appliances that cool or chill, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers, contain Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Gas, also known as Freon. Before disposing of these appliances, the CFC/Freon must be removed by trained personnel to avoid hefty fines for sending hazardous materials to landfills. Some appliances with rechargeable batteries, such as handheld vacuums, may also require proper disposal of the batteries before throwing away the appliance.
