Hopefully you are here because you bought a brand-new fridge (or other appliance) for fun and need to get rid of the old one. If you are here because your fridge/appliance broke; my deepest condolences. Either way, you are probably wondering how to dispose of your old appliance responsibly. Luckily there are a few different options when it comes to properly getting rid of your old stuff.
Before we dive into the possibilities of appliance removal, let’s talk about why it is so important to dispose of them correctly. According to Recycle Nation “All [refrigerators] contain refrigerants that are potent greenhouse gases. The refrigerants in older machines can cause serious damage to the ozone layer. Because of this, refrigerators (as well as freezers and air conditioners) are considered hazardous waste and cannot be thrown away.” This is important to remember when throwing away anything potentially harmful. Even if you decide on hiring someone else to remove the appliance for you, make sure to double check what they plan to do with it. Appliances include but are not limited to dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposal, washing machines, dryers, dehumidifiers and microwaves. Now, here are the best ways to get rid of your old appliances.
• Sell them
Appliances can be very expensive, especially refrigerators. If your appliance is still working, then you can easily sell it on craigslist or some other portal to make a little of your money back (and help someone looking for a good deal). If the appliance is no longer working, you can try looking for a scrap yard in your area that may buy it from you for parts. If something little is wrong with it then they might buy it from you so they can fix it up and sell it.
• Give it away
If you aren’t interested in making any money off your appliance, then you can always donate to a local charity. Some possibilities are Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or any other local thrift stores. Ask around, some of these organizations might be willing to pick it up for you as well. You can also reach out to family members or neighbors to see if anyone needs your appliance.
• Hire a Junk Removal Service
A professional junk removal service can save you the time and effort of hauling your unwanted appliances. This is highly recommended, as attempting to lift heavy appliances could cause serious injury. Also, most companies have connections with recycling plants, donation centers and landfills so you can simply tell them what you want done with your appliance and they can take it wherever it needs to go. This is a great option if you are at all unsure about where to send it, and how to get it there. These organizations follow disposal guidelines and are environmentally aware so you can trust your appliances will be disposed of correctly.
• Trade it In
Most appliance retailers will take the old appliance off your hands upon purchase of a new one. It might cost you a minimal fee to have the delivery guy take the old one with him after dropping off the new appliance.
Any one of these options would be a great way to get rid of your old appliances safely. Whither you decide to sell, give away or trade in your appliance always keep the environment and your safety top priorities. Thank you for reading, I hope these tips help you have a clutter free house.