How to Get Rid of Old Appliances

There are several reasons why you may need to get rid of old appliances. Maybe you have purchased a newer model or needed an upgrade to suit the needs of your family. Another very common reason to get rid of an old appliance is that it simply does not work any longer. Regardless of your reasoning, you will need to find a proper outlet for disposal! Here a few ways to get rid of old appliances:

• Sell It

Is your appliance still running? Head over to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to sell it. There is a growing market for frugal shoppers, where you can acquire broken items below cost and repair them for sale. These super-savvy customers might also want to strip your appliances for parts to re-sale. If so, they’ll want to know specific information regarding the make and model, even the manufacturing year. This will help potential buyers know if your appliance is what they’re looking for and help streamline the process. Note: fielding offers from bargain-hungry shoppers can make this a more time-consuming option, but with a little effort, you could put a little cold, hard cash back in your pocket.

• Donate

Donating an appliance that still works can make a world of difference to someone in need and save it from the landfill. Contact a local housing charity, homeless shelter or other non-profit organization to see if they can accept your donation.

1. Goodwill
2. Donation Town
3. The Salvation Army
4. Habitat for Humanity
5. Vietnam Veterans of America

• Recycle

Most large appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers are recyclable. Depending on where you live, there may be collection services available, free of charge.

Contact your local municipality or waste management company. They should be able to direct you to a facility that they operate, or one that they refer people to. In addition, there are private sites that accept them for drop-off. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste.

• Rent a Dumpster

If you need to toss multiple appliances as part of a remodel or want to get rid of other junk in addition to these larger items, renting a residential dumpster may be the best disposal option for you. Some cities may not allow certain appliances in the landfill or charge an extra fee. To find out specifics in your area, give us a call.

Some benefits of renting a dumpster include:

1. Straightforward prices.
2. Various container sizes to fit your needs.
3. Delivery at your convenience.
4. Working at your own pace.

• Have a garage or yard sale

If you live in a relatively populated neighborhood, then holding a yard or garage sale could be the way to go.

You may have more or less success depending on the amount of marketing you do and sorts of people who live nearby, but you should hopefully be able to sell the appliance. Someone might buy it for the spare parts, and you might be able to sell it even if it is not working.

• Check out non-traditional ways to remove an appliance

Sometimes you can find unusual promotions by thinking outside the box. A utility company might remove an old appliance if it is not very energy efficient, for example. Or there could be a local organization that refurbishes old appliances and might remove it for you. Hopefully, a little research will reveal the possibilities to you.

• Haul-away programs

Many retailers or manufacturers give consumers the option to have their old appliance picked up, hauled away and recycled for you. So, when you go shopping for your new dishwasher or refrigerator, ask if the store has a deal where they will dispose of your old appliance if you buy a new one. If not, try calling the manufacturer of your old appliance to see if they have a similar program.

• Bring to a junkyard/dump

Any products that contain metal should be recycled. Producing new metals can be expensive and harmful to the environment. When metals are recycled it reduces the environmental impact of using metals. Most small appliances contain substances that decompose when left to sit in a landfill, thus releasing gases into the air and other toxins that contaminate the soil and water supply.

Larger old appliances are usually broken down and used as scrap metal. The metal is then recycled by being separated, melted down, and reused in manufacturing. Smaller appliances however are often containing recyclable materials that can be recycled in local blue bins.

• Hire professionals

Moving a fridge or stove can be a difficult job if you do not have help and the proper equipment. Lifting heavy objects alone can be dangerous, and may cause serious back injuries if done improperly.

Moving heavy appliances by yourself is not only difficult, but disposing of them improperly can also harm the environment. Most old appliances contain chemicals that deplete the ozone and disperse into the air when it is left in a landfill to break down. So, when you take the proper steps to handle responsible appliance disposal, you are not only preserving your back health but the health of the environment as well. When you hire a responsible junk removal company you are helping yourself and the planet!

In the end

Getting rid of an old appliance can be a hassle, especially if you are short on time or don’t have the equipment to remove it yourself. There are several options out there that might work for you and get that old appliance out of your home or storage.