How to Dispose of Appliances & Reduce Your Environmental Impact
January 5, 2024If you have an old appliance that is no longer functioning or want to upgrade to a newer model, you may be wondering how to dispose of it properly. Throwing it in the trash is not an environmentally friendly option, and in some areas, it may even be illegal. Recycling appliances properly can be expensive in some cases and complicated.
In this article, we will discuss some options for appliance disposal and how to do it in an eco-friendly, responsible manner.
Disposal Options
Donate & Sell
If your old appliance still works well, you can either sell it or gift it to a charity or person in need. This not only helps someone in need, but it also keeps the appliance out of the landfill.
Many organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, accept donations of gently used appliances and will even pick them up from your home. You can also try selling it through online marketplaces or local ads.
Contact the Manufacturer
Some appliance manufacturers have programs in place for recycling or disposing of their products. Check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service to see if they offer any options for disposing of your old appliance.
Local Recycling Programs
Many cities and towns have recycling programs in place for appliances. We suggest calling your local waste management company to see if they have specific guidelines or tips for appliance recycling.
Some areas may also have designated days for large item pick-up. Check your community's schedule.
Hire a Professional
If you are unable to transport your appliance to a recycling center or drop-off location, you can hire a professional to do it for you. There are companies that specialize in appliance disposal and will pick up your old appliance and dispose of it properly.
This may be a more expensive option, but it ensures that your appliance is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Check with Local Retailers
Some retailers may offer a recycling or trade-in program for old appliances. This is especially common for large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Check with your local appliance stores to see if they offer any options for disposing of your old appliance when purchasing a new one.
Howard's Appliance in Southern California offers eco-friendly haul-away services. We comply with all recycling regulations to ensure that your old appliances have as little impact on the environment as possible.
Why It is Important to Properly Dispose of Old Appliances
Properly disposing of old appliances is important for several reasons including their potential negative impact on the environment, conserving limited resources, and reducing landfill waste.
The biggest concern is the overall environmental impact of appliances. Some appliances contain hazardous materials such as refrigerants, mercury, and lead that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. These materials can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to pollution and health risks.
Many appliances also contain valuable resources like metals, plastics, and glass that can be recycled and reused. By properly disposing of old appliances, these resources can be recovered and used to manufacture new products, reducing the need for extracting and processing raw materials.
As large items, appliances take up a ton of space in landfills. Working toward a more sustainable future for our planet is vital. Improper disposal of appliances can lead to overcrowded landfills. Landfills are already burdened with tons of waste, and adding appliances to them takes up valuable space. By recycling or properly disposing of old appliances, we can help reduce the strain on landfills.
Looking for More Eco-Friendly Appliance Tips?
If you are looking for more ways to make your home more eco-friendly, here are some other great resources.
- The Best Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Benefits of Energy-Efficient Refrigerators
- Which Appliances Have the Lowest Environmental Impact?
- Why You Should Use Eco-Friendly Appliances in Your Home
- Top 12 Eco-Friendly Dishwashers on the Market
- Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Laundry Room
Ready to Purchase A New Appliance?
If you are ready to upgrade to a new eco-friendly appliance model, shop at Howard's Appliance in Southern California. With a wide selection of models from all the leading brands, our stores and experts are ready to match you with the right model to last you for years to come and run efficiently.
Browse our selection of refrigerators, ovens, ranges, TVs, washing machines, and more online today, or stop into one of our appliance store locations. We have 13 appliance stores located throughout Southern California. Browse our list of locations in Covina, Torrance, La Habra, and the surrounding area today to find the location nearest you.
