Whether it’s an outdated cooking range or an ancient washer and dryer that no longer does the job, at some point, obsolete appliances will need to go.
But how do we dispose of them? Well, worry no more! Here’s a definitive guide on how to properly dispose of appliances. In this article, we’ll cover the following:
What Can You Do with Old Kitchen Appliances?
Try to Recycle Them
If you can’t or don’t want to get rid of an old appliance, recycle it. Many municipalities in Canada have recycling programs for old appliances as they manage the collection, disposal, and recycling of household waste. Check out your municipal government website or look at the Government of Canada’s inventory of recycling programs in Canada and search by product category to find independent recycling programs in your area.
PS: You might have to spend money on disposal fees, which vary per item depending on where you live.
Give It to Charity
If you have an outdated model and need an upgrade, i.e., maybe your oven isn’t working as well as it used to and needs a new element installed, then donating is probably the best option. Does the appliance turn on, and does it function properly? If yes, then somebody else might find a use for it. Contact organizations like the Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, churches, or the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for more information on donating home appliances.
Sell It for Parts
Dead appliances are not just junk that clutters your space. Most of them still have valuable parts that can be stripped and reused to make other products. Scrap dealers are modern-day alchemists, turning our old appliances into new products. The most valuable parts are the ferrous metals, plastics, and glass contained in most home appliances. This method reduces the amount of nonbiodegradable waste that ends up in landfills.
Alternatively, determine if your appliance has any value in the secondhand market. Many do! Check websites like eBay and Craigslist to see what they might be worth. You can then host a garage sale, list the appliance on a secondhand marketplace, or take it to your local resale shop.
Purchase Haul-Away Services
Coast Appliances’ delivery teams can help you dispose of older items. Once you have uninstalled it, they’ll remove it and take it to our team to recycle it properly. Our sales team in-store can help you with this, or you can add it to your cart while purchasing appliances online.
How to Dispose of Appliances – A Guide
How to Dispose of an Old Dishwasher
If you are upgrading to a new dishwasher, the old one will be useless to you. The best option is donating your used dishwasher to a charity or community organization that needs appliances but cannot afford them.
You can also look for local recycling centers that accept appliances. They will come to take the dishwasher from your house and recycle all its components, so nothing goes to waste. If that is not an option, contact your municipality and ask if they offer curbside pickup.
How to Dispose of a Dryer
- It’s not hard to find someone who will take a dryer off your hands for free or for a small fee if it still has some life left. If you have had a really good run with your dryer and want to pass it on as a gift or donation, contact a charity or animal shelter near you, as they are usually more than grateful to take donations in good condition.
- Call a removal company to pick up the dryer and haul it away for eco-friendly disposal. Ensure you understand their disposal processes to confirm they don’t irresponsibly throw unsalvageable parts into landfills.
How to Dispose of an Old Refrigerator
- Offer it as a free giveaway. Often, this includes a charity or religious organization. Consult them to confirm if they take large appliances and the process to follow. You can also give it away to someone in need within your community.
- Call a scrap metal company. Fridges contain large amounts of ferrous metals valuable for making other products. Most scrap metal dealers will take the appliance for free and even offer some compensation.
- Put it in storage until someone buys it. This is an excellent option if you have storage space to spare. It gives you time to find a serious buyer willing to match or exceed your intended price.
- As always, and if you are prepared to pay a fee, contact a removal service that will dispose of the appliance responsibly and not just send it to the landfill.
How to Dispose of a Range Cooker
Range cookers are typically large, heavy appliances. This makes it difficult for a homeowner to find an affordable choice to dispose of their range cooker that doesn’t require specialized equipment. The best option is professional help, as they will take care of everything, and all you have to do is point them in the right direction.
Most charities do not accept range cookers because of the hassle involved in moving them. However, some might if they can earn some money by recycling certain parts through a scrapyard.
How to Dispose of a Microwave
- Sell your old microwave and make money from an otherwise useless appliance. You can list it on different online platforms or sell it at a yard sale in your community.
- Go to your local recycling center, and they’ll recycle your microwave for free. Luckily, microwaves are smaller and easier to transport than other bulkier appliances, so you don’t have to incur additional expenses by hiring someone.
- If it is in good working condition, you can give your microwave away to someone who needs it, or you could call around to find a charity that is in need of one.
- If none of the above is an option, hire a professional waste removal company to dispose of your microwave ethically.
How to Dispose of an Old Washer
- Find a scrap metal dealer in your area and have them pick it up for recycling. This is especially good because most washers contain steel parts that can be recycled.
- Sell the appliance via a classified ad online or locally. Make sure your buyer knows what they are getting into if repair work is needed before it can be used.
- Some manufacturers like LG, Bosch, and Whirlpool have washer recycling programs. Contact them for further details.
Looking for a new home appliance? Coast Appliances has the perfect selection to fit your needs. We offer different brands and models so you can find an appliance just right for you. We carry refrigerators, dishwashers, cooktops, ovens, washers, dryers, and microwaves from top manufacturers.
FAQs About Appliance Disposal
Who takes appliances for free near me?
Most charitable organizations will take your appliances off your hands for free. The Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore are some organizations that offer free appliance removal.
Do scrap metal collectors take washing machines?
Scrap metal collectors will take your washing machine for recycling. Washing machines are in the large appliances category, containing large quantities of valuable metals that can be reused to make other products.
What appliances are good for scrap?
Big, bulky appliances with metal parts are good for scrap. Think ovens, toasters, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. These appliances have recyclable metals that can be stripped and reused to make other products.
Appliances with particular types of glass and plastic are also good candidates for the scrapyard.
How can I make money with old appliances?
- List them for sale on eBay or Craigslist.
- Host a garage sale in your backyard and invite buyers in your area.
- Consider selling it as scrap metal if it’s completely dead.
- Auctions are an excellent way to make money from old appliances if you have a rare and valuable item. (The drawback is that you will have no control over where your item goes and how much it sells for.)
- Upcycle the appliance at home. For example, you can use an appliance that no longer works as a planter or a potting table. If you have space in your backyard, consider turning your dead appliances into art with some imaginative upcycling projects.
Conclusion
If you’re still holding onto that old, worn-out refrigerator, dishwasher, or stove, it’s time to change. Consider donating it to someone who needs it if your old appliance is still working. Seek professional services if it’s beyond repair or not worth repairing. And if you need new appliances to upgrade your home, visit Coast Appliances and our team of experts can assist with the perfect option for your home!
