We all have old and unused appliances taking up space in our homes. While you may be tempted to just throw them away, there are better options that are environmentally friendly and help your community. Donating or recycling your appliances gives them a second life and keeps them out of landfills. This guide covers the pros and cons of different donation and disposal methods.

Evaluate the Condition of the Appliance

The first step is to thoroughly test the appliance to determine if it still functions properly and is in good condition.

Does it turn on and operate without any issues?
Are all the parts and components intact and working?
Is it clean with no odors, stains, or other damage?

Appliances in excellent working order have the most donation and resale value. Defective or broken appliances may still get recycled but likely won’t be refurbished for reuse.

Make any needed repairs if possible. this increases the chances your appliance will get donated.

Donation Options

Donating usable appliances is the best option. It keeps them out of landfills and helps community members in need.

Donate to Charities

Charities like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity accept some household appliance donations.

Call ahead to ask if they want your specific appliance.
Make sure to bring any accessories like remote controls, shelves, racks, etc.
Get a receipt for potential tax deductions.

Kitchen appliances like stoves, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are commonly accepted. Washers, dryers, and other laundry appliances are often wanted as well.

Charities thoroughly test appliances before reselling or giving to families in need. Anything broken gets recycled.

Donate For Reuse and Resale

Some appliance recycling centers refurbish old appliances to resell or reuse.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations often take appliances.
Check for nonprofit resale stores in your area that may want appliances to fix up and resell at discounted prices.
Some trash and recycling services also take donations of usable appliances to refurbish.

Call ahead to see what types of appliances they accept for refurbishing. Mention any defects but still offer to donate repairable appliances.

Sell or Give Away Locally

If you can’t donate to a charity, consider selling or giving away usable appliances locally.

Post on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or apps like Letgo. Clearly state the condition.
Offer to friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues who may need an affordable appliance.
Some Habitat ReStore locations let you directly donate appliances to a family in need.

Taking this local approach takes more effort but keeps appliances circulating in your community.

Recycling and Disposal Options

For appliances that are broken beyond repair or not accepted for donation, recycling and disposal are the final options.

Use Special Appliance Recycling Services

Many areas now have appliance recycling services that safely dismantle and recycle appliances.

They properly remove hazardous components like refrigerants, mercury switches, and PCB-containing capacitors.
Technicians dismantle appliances and salvage working parts for resale.
Metal and plastic components get recycled.

Fees are often $20-$50 per appliance. Curbside pickup may be available.

Use Scrap Metal Recycling Services

Scrap metal yards and recycling centers accept appliances for metal recycling.

Call to ask what types of appliances they take. Many want washers, dryers, stoves, etc.
Remove plastic components if required. Take out shelves, racks, hoses, etc.
Fees vary based on the metal content. Some places may pay a small amount for cast iron or copper components.
You must haul appliances to the facility yourself.

This is an easy metal recycling option but doesn’t capture other materials like coolants or oils.

Use Your Area’s Bulky Waste Disposal

Many municipalities offer a bulky waste pickup service for large household items.

Schedule a pickup and pay any fees. Fees range $10-$40 per appliance depending on location.
Leave the appliance at the curb on the scheduled pickup day.
Make sure to remove doors on refrigerators and freezers.

This option ensures proper disposal even for damaged appliances. But it should be a last resort since appliances won’t get reused or recycled.

Use Appliance Retailer Disposal Programs

When purchasing a new appliance, ask retailers if they offer a disposal program for your old appliance.

Many major chains like Best Buy offer haul-away and recycling services.
Disposal fees typically range $20-$50 per appliance.
Professional haulers bring old appliances to a recycling facility.

This simplifies getting rid of the old appliance. Make sure to ask about their recycling practices.

Special Handling for Some Appliances

Some appliances contain hazardous materials requiring special handling.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Used refrigerators and freezers must have doors removed before disposal or recycling. This is an EPA regulation to prevent accidental entrapment. Use a screwdriver to remove doors.

Also ensure refrigerants get properly captured by a certified technician, not vented into the atmosphere.

Dehumidifiers and Air Conditioners

Dehumidifiers and air conditioners contain refrigerants, oils, and other chemicals requiring special disposal. Contact an appliance recycling service or check with your municipality for disposal options.

Gas Appliances

Stoves, ovens, and some heaters use natural gas or propane. Make sure to turn off the gas before disconnecting the appliance. Cap any open gas lines for safety.

Water Heaters

Let a recycling service handle disposal since water heaters contain hazardous materials and need tanks drained. Some scrap yards may accept water heaters intact.

7 Key Factors When Discarding Old Appliances

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when getting rid of household appliances:

Evaluate Condition – Test thoroughly and repair if possible before donating.
Call Ahead – Contact charities and recycling services to verify they accept the appliance type.
Remove Components – Take out any parts like racks or hoses if required by recyclers.
Be Upfront – Disclose any defects but still offer usable appliances to charity.
Capture Refrigerants – Use a certified technician to recover refrigerants before disposal.
Remove Doors – Take off doors on old freezers and refrigerators before discarding.
Avoid Landfills – Recycle or donate whenever possible to reduce waste.

Following these tips ensures your old appliances get reused or recycled responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about donating and disposing of old appliances.

Can I get a tax deduction for donating appliances?

Yes, you can claim a tax deduction for donating usable appliances to a qualifying charitable organization. Be sure to get a receipt showing the charity’s tax ID number. Claim the fair market value as the deduction amount.

Do appliance recycling services actually recycle?

Legitimate recyclers will dismantle appliances, salvage working components for resale, capture refrigerants and oils, and recycle metal, plastic, and glass. Get documentation confirming appliances were recycled properly. Avoid “recyclers” that simply haul items away without verifying recycling.

How much does it cost to recycle appliances?

Fees range $20-$50 per appliance at most recycling facilities or programs. Larger appliances like stoves may cost slightly more. Some retailers include appliance disposal for free or low cost with a new purchase. Scrapping metal components for cash can offset some of the cost.

Can I just put appliances out with the trash?

Simply putting appliances on the curb is not recommended. They need proper disposal to capture refrigerants, oils, and other hazardous components. Most areas exclude large appliances from regular household trash collection. Use a specialty recycling service instead.

Are there refrigerant disposal regulations?

Yes, the EPA requires proper recovery and disposal of refrigerants from appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. Venting refrigerants to the atmosphere is prohibited under the Clean Air Act. Use certified technicians to capture and recycle refrigerants before appliance disposal.

What should I do with a broken microwave?

If the microwave is broken beyond repair, recycling is the best option. An appliance recycler will safely dismantle it, dispose of any hazardous components, and recycle the metal, wiring, and plastic or glass. Or donate it to a thrift store that accepts broken appliances for recycling.

Conclusion

Responsibly donating or disposing of appliances takes a little extra effort. But keeping reusable appliances circulating and making sure those at end-of-life get properly recycled has real environmental benefits. Follow these guidelines to find the best new home or disposal method when getting rid of an old appliance. Consider donating to charity whenever feasible. And make sure hazardous components get handled appropriately. With some thoughtful planning, you can keep appliances out of the landfill and make sure hazardous materials are disposed of safely.

What to Do With Old Appliances—Donation and Disposal Options

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Introduction

Having an old appliance that no longer works or that you no longer need can be a nuisance. Often, they take up space and it’s not clear what to do with them. Donating or properly disposing of old appliances is important for safety and environmental reasons. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the best practices for donating, recycling, or disposing of old and unusable appliances of all types.

Evaluating Your Old Appliance’s Condition

The first step is to thoroughly evaluate the condition of your old appliance. This will determine the best option for what to do with it next.

Does It Still Function Properly?

Test your appliance to see if it powers on and operates normally. Run through all its functions and features to identify any defects.

Refrigerators/freezers should cool properly and maintain consistent temperatures.
Ovens and ranges should heat up and cook evenly.
Washers and dryers should run through cycles quietly and not leak.
Dishwashers should fill, circulate water, and drain appropriately.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers should power on and blow cold air.

Are there Any Visible Issues or Damage?

Do a visual inspection looking for any concerning signs:

Strange odors coming from the appliance.
Rust, corrosion, or holes forming on the exterior.
Leaking water, oil, or refrigerant.
Loud or grinding noises during operation.
Sparking, smoking, or other electrical issues.
Broken doors, handles, racks, shelves, or other components.

Estimated Repair Costs and Feasibility

If issues are identified, estimate potential repair costs. Are replacement parts still available for an older appliance? Is it worth fixing or cheaper to replace? Could you make minor repairs yourself? Consider all factors to determine if repairing the appliance is worthwhile.

Options If Beyond Repair

For appliances with extensive damage or those too costly to repair, recycling or responsible disposal are likely the best options. Still consider calling local charities to see if they accept broken appliances for refurbishing programs.

Donation Options for Used Appliances

Donating an old but functioning appliance is the most environmentally friendly choice. Here are some options if your appliance works well and is in repairable condition.

Charities and Resale Stores

Many well-known charities accept donated appliances to resell or use in assistance programs.

Salvation Army – Accepts working appliances in good condition. Provides receipts for taxes.
Goodwill – Takes appliances less than 10 years old. Free pickup may be available.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Accepts appliances in excellent condition for resale.
Local thrift stores – Check policies, some take appliance donations.
Churches/community centers – May take appliances to help members in need.

List for Sale on Classified Sites

Rather than donating, consider selling usable appliances yourself:

Craigslist – List appliances for sale by owner in your local area.
Facebook Marketplace – Post appliances for sale in your nearby community.
Nextdoor – Connect with neighbors to see if anyone needs appliance.
eBay/OfferUp – Sell appliances locally or ship smaller items nationally.

Clearly describe condition, make repairs to increase value. Schedule safe meet-ups for any online sales.

Give to Friends, Family or Neighbors

Offer functional appliances that still have life left to people you know needing an appliance. Great option to help others in your community.

Donate For Tax Deduction

Get a tax deduction by donating to qualifying charitable organizations. Ask for proper documentation. Deduct fair market value.

Recycling and Disposal Options

For appliances that are broken, hazardous or not cost-effective to repair, responsible recycling or disposal is recommended.

Hire an Appliance Recycling Service

Specialty services properly disassemble and recycle old appliances.

Removes refrigerants, oils, chemicals safely.
Salvages working parts for resale.
Recycles metals, plastic, glass materials.
Fees range $20-$50 per appliance.
Some offer haul-away services.

Ensure they provide documentation showing appliances were recycled correctly.

Use a Scrap Metal Yard

Scrap metal yards accept certain appliances for metal recycling.

Call ahead to verify which types they take.
May request you remove plastic components.
Small fee to drop off or could get money for valuable metals.
You must transport appliances to facility.

Schedule a Bulky Waste Pickup

Many municipalities offer curbside bulk item disposal:

Schedule pickup and pay any fee.
Leave appliance on curb on scheduled day.
Ensure doors removed on fridges/freezers.
Confirm appliances will get properly recycled.

Use Retailer Disposal Programs

Ask retailers if they offer haul away and recycling:

Major chains like Best Buy often provide this service.
Typically costs $20-$50 per appliance.
Covers pickup and transportation to recycling facility.
Verify program recycles appliances responsibly.

Donate to Thrift Stores Accepting Broken Appliances

Some thrift stores take broken appliances to salvage working parts or recycle. Call to check policies. Make repairs if possible to increase chances of acceptance.

Avoid Landfill Disposal

Putting appliances out with trash should be a last resort. Components containing hazardous chemicals require special disposal.

Special Handling for Certain Appliances

Some appliances contain hazardous materials needing specific precautions when disposing.

Refrigerators and Freezers

EPA requires removal of doors before disposal to prevent entrapment risks.
Use screwdriver to take doors off hinges.
Ensure refrigerants are captured by certified technician, not released into atmosphere.

Dehumidifiers and Air Conditioners

Contain refrigerants like freon requiring professional capture.
Also have oils, chemicals necessitating proper disposal.

Gas Appliances

Includes stoves, ovens, ranges, and some heaters.
Make sure gas line is shut off and capped safely before removing.

Water Heaters

Contain hazardous materials so recycling is recommended.
Requires draining and disconnecting water lines.
Some scrap yards accept intact water heaters.

7 Key Tips for Proper Appliance Disposal

Follow these important guidelines when getting rid of old appliances:

Evaluate condition – Test thoroughly before deciding next steps.
Call ahead – Confirm charities/recyclers accept the appliance type.
Remove components – Take out racks, hoses, etc. if required.
Disclose issues – But still offer usable appliances to charity.
Capture refrigerants – Use certified technician for disposal.
Remove doors – Take off doors on old refrigerators and freezers.
Avoid landfills – Donate or recycle whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about donating and disposing of appliances:

Can I get a tax deduction for donating an appliance?

Yes, you can claim a tax deduction for donating a functional appliance to a qualifying charity. Be sure to get a receipt showing their tax ID number and keep it for your records.

Do appliance recycling services actually recycle?

Legitimate recyclers will properly dismantle appliances, safely dispose of hazardous components, salvage working parts, and recycle metal, plastic, glass, etc. Get documentation from the service showing your appliances were recycled correctly.

How much does it cost to recycle an appliance?

Fees typically range from $20-$50 per appliance at recycling facilities and programs. Larger appliances like stoves may cost slightly more. Some retailers include haul-away recycling for free or low cost when a new appliance is purchased.

Can I put an appliance out with the regular trash?

This is not recommended. Many areas do not allow large appliances to be disposed of as normal household trash. Appliances require proper handling of hazardous components like refrigerants, mercury, and oils. Use a specialty recycling service instead.

Are there regulations for disposing of refrigerants?

Yes, the EPA mandates proper recovery and disposal of refrigerants from appliances under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Venting refrigerants into the atmosphere is prohibited. Use certified technicians to capture refrigerants before disposal.

What should I do with a broken microwave?

For a microwave that stops working and cannot be repaired, recycling is the best option. An appliance recycler will safely dismantle it, dispose of any hazardous components