Trystan Casey
With the ever-growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste), it is important to know how to dispose of small electrical appliances properly. In the US, 28 states require the recycling of some forms of electronics, and 19 of those states have banned electronics from landfills. Many retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, and Walmart, offer buy-back programs in exchange for gift cards. Additionally, some local authorities accept small electrical appliances as part of their home recycling scheme.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal method | Recycling, selling, donating, trading in for gift cards |
| Who accepts small electrical appliances? | Local authorities, retailers (e.g. Best Buy, Staples, Walmart), thrift stores (e.g. Goodwill), specialist recyclers (e.g. scrap metal recyclers), websites (e.g. Gazelle, Black Market) |
| Preparation | Check for local authority instructions, e.g. place small electrical items in a clear plastic bag tied to your recycling bin |
| Items accepted | Items with a plug, items that use batteries, items that need charging, items with a picture of a crossed-out wheelie bin, items containing valuable metals like copper and gold, items with lithium-ion batteries |
| Items not accepted | Appliances containing CFC gas, such as refrigerators, require special handling and may need to be collected separately |
| US states with specific regulations | California, Connecticut, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Wisconsin |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Retailer drop-off
Retailers such as Best Buy, Staples, and Walmart offer buy-back programs in exchange for gift cards. Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program offers a convenient and eco-friendly solution for responsibly disposing of outdated or broken electronics. They accept a wide range of electronics and appliances, including TVs, home theatre equipment, computers, tablets, phones, and appliances. Best Buy offers tips and advice on wiping hard drives and data prior to drop-off to protect your data security. Some items may incur a recycling fee, while others are accepted for free.
In addition to Best Buy, other retailers such as Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba have partnered to create MRM Recycling for recycling their products. Dell has also partnered with Goodwill for the Dell Reconnect program, which allows customers to recycle their Dell products at participating Goodwill locations.
It is important to note that some states in the US have passed laws requiring retailers to collect an advanced recovery fee when consumers purchase new televisions or monitors. For example, California passed the Electronic Waste Recycling Act in 2004, which uses the fee to finance the recycling of unwanted electronics. Similarly, the state of Connecticut passed a law in 2007 requiring manufacturers to finance a program that provides residents with a convenient system for collecting and recycling certain electronic devices.
When recycling small electrical appliances, it is recommended to use a company that specializes in electronics recycling. Curbside recycling programs are not equipped to handle small electronics, and placing them in your curbside bin may contaminate other recyclable materials.
Bonding Your In-Ground Pool: Electrical Safety Essentials
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mail-back programs
When mailing back your small electrical appliances, it is important to note that there are special shipping requirements for lithium batteries. Lithium batteries, commonly found in laptops and cell phones, can burst into flames, as seen in the Samsung Galaxy Note recall of 2016. If it is safe to do so, remove the lithium-ion battery and recycle it through a Call2Recycle drop-off point instead of shipping it with the device.
Several manufacturers have also partnered with retailers to make recycling easier. For example, Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba have created MRM Recycling for their products, while Dell has partnered with Goodwill for the Dell Reconnect program. Best Buy and Staples will accept any brand of electronics for recycling, and you can check with the manufacturer of your product to see if they offer a trade-in program.
Additionally, scrap metal recyclers will accept small electronics, but they pay by weight, and small electronics typically do not weigh much. Overall, mail-back programs provide a convenient and environmentally friendly option for disposing of small electrical appliances, allowing you to recycle, refurbish, or repurpose your items responsibly.
Electric Oven Lights: Quick Start Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Local authority collection
Some local authorities accept small electrical appliances as part of their home recycling scheme. If your local authority offers this service, there may be special instructions on how to put them out for collection. For instance, the London Borough of Hounslow collects small electrical appliances in clearly marked plastic bags that are placed alongside recycling boxes. They also require that cables be contained inside the bag and that all batteries be removed.
To find out if your local authority offers a similar service, it is best to check with them directly. You can usually do this by visiting their website or contacting them by phone or email. If your local authority does not offer small electrical appliance collection, you may be able to recycle your items through a different service. For example, some retailers offer buy-back programs in exchange for gift cards, and most scrap metal recyclers will also accept small electronics.
It is important to note that small electrical appliances should not be placed in your curbside bin. Curbside recycling programs are not equipped to handle small electronics, and putting them in your curbside bin could contaminate other materials in the truck. Instead, look for mail-back programs or specialist electronics recycling companies that can safely dispose of your items.
If you have larger electrical appliances that won't fit into your bins, many communities offer bulky waste collection as a separate service, and appliances of all sizes are often included. You can usually schedule a pick-up by contacting your local solid waste hauler.
Dimmable Feit Electric LED String Lights: Pros and Cons
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scrap metal recyclers
Small electrical appliances can be recycled at some out-of-home recycling points. Some local authorities accept small electrical appliances as part of their home recycling scheme. If your local authority does, there may be special instructions on how to put them out for collection. For example, you may be asked to place small electrical items in a clear plastic bag tied to your recycling bin.
Most scrap metal recyclers will also accept small electrical appliances, but they pay by weight, and small appliances don't weigh much. Before taking your small electrical appliances to a scrap metal recycler, you should drain any liquids and remove any brass plugs and copper wires. The screws and side panels are great sources of scrap steel. Other scrap materials include the electric motor, fan, power supply, and radiators.
You can sell many different household items as scrap metal, but be advised that you will get a better bargain if you sell the items to a reputable company. Some scrap metal recyclers will pay you for your old, outdated, or unused metal. They will purchase all types of scrap metal for recycling, including all ferrous and non-ferrous metals and materials. Their scrap metal prices are updated daily but are subject to change at any time without notice.
- J.R.'s Advanced Recyclers
- Bruce Metal & Salvage
Cleaning Electric Kettles: Removing Oxidation and Maintaining Performance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Donate or sell
If you have small electrical appliances that are still in good working order, you may want to consider donating or selling them instead of throwing them away. Donating is a great way to help those in need and keep usable items out of landfills. Selling is also an option if you're looking to make some extra cash. Here are some options for both:
Donate
Many organizations will gladly accept small electrical appliances that are in good working condition. Here are some options to consider:
- Goodwill: With over 7,000 locations across the U.S., Goodwill is a convenient option for donating gently used small appliances.
- Local thrift stores: Call around to your local thrift stores to see if they accept small appliance donations. Many will even pick up the items from you.
- Churches and non-profit groups: These organizations often take appliance donations to support families in need within the community.
- Habitat ReStore: This organization accepts donations of small appliances and uses the proceeds to support communities around the world.
- The Salvation Army: With thrift stores across North America, they can schedule a pickup for your appliance donation.
- St. Vincent de Paul: This national organization has thrift stores across the country and accepts appliance donations.
Sell
If you're looking to make some money from your small electrical appliances, there are several options for selling them:
- RESA Power: This company specializes in buying all types of used electrical equipment and offers competitive prices and a seamless selling process. They buy from all over the US and internationally.
- Back Market: This website offers deals on used and refurbished small appliances, and you can sell your items through them.
Smart Storage Tips for Your Oral B Electric Toothbrush
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Many retailers, like Best Buy, Staples, and Walmart, have dedicated bins for small electrical appliances and accessories. Some local authorities also accept small electrical appliances as part of their home recycling scheme.
In NYC, throwing old electronics into the trash is against the law. You can dispose of small electrical appliances at Capital Region Electronics Recycling, which provides a free pickup service for electronic waste. You can also drop off your items at the City's Engineering Garage in Buffalo.
You can sell your old tech on websites such as Gazelle or Black Market. Many retailers, including Best Buy, Staples, and Walmart, offer buy-back programs in exchange for gift cards.
You can donate your electronics to thrift stores like Goodwill, or organizations like Computers with Causes.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are common in small electrical appliances, can be recycled through a Call2Recycle drop-off point.
