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When it comes time to buy new appliances, figuring out what to do with old appliances can be a stressor that you don’t anticipate. Appliances break, they wear out, and sometimes you just want to replace them with something more aesthetically pleasing.
However, they’re big, bulky, and they can’t simply be tossed into the trash and wheeled out to the curb. So, to help you make way for your new appliances, we’ve thought up 11 different ways to get rid of old appliances.
Repurpose Them
If your appliances still work well, repurpose them. A spare refrigerator in a garage or utility room is very helpful and can help you keep your main refrigerator more organized, saving you money by preventing food waste.
Even if you don’t immediately put it to use, if you have the storage space, keeping a gently used washer and dryer can be a major help if your new appliance breaks.
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Sell Them
If your appliances are still in working condition or in need of a simple repair, there’s a good chance you can sell them quickly online. Potential buyers are always looking for affordable appliance replacements and your worn-out appliance might just be an upgrade for someone else.
Where to sell appliances:
- Online (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, etc.)
- Garage sale/yard sale
- Apps (OfferUp, Letgo, etc.)
Give Them Away
If you have a friend or family member in need, consider giving your old appliances away. Selling to a stranger can be a hassle, so giving your used appliances to someone you know may sacrifice a small amount of money, but save considerable time and energy.
Donate Them
Even if you don’t personally know someone who can use your old appliances, there are plenty of people and charities out there that would be grateful for a donation.
Consider the following donation options:
- Homeless shelters
- Churches
- Charitable organizations
- Nonprofits
- Outreach programs
- Thrift stores
- Food banks
Here are some appliances that make great donations:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Washers
- Dryers
Recycle Them
Recycling your old appliances is a great option if they are broken beyond reasonable repair. In fact, some metal recycling centers will even pay for appliances by the pound, allowing you to make a small amount of money.
Here are some places you can typically recycle appliances:
- Scrap metal recycling centers
- Appliance stores
- Utility company
Here are some of the best appliances to recycle:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Stoves
- Washers
- Dryers
- Microwaves
- Dehumidifiers
- Air conditioners and furnaces
- Water heaters
- Dishwashers
- Toaster ovens
- Air fryers
- Grills
- Griddles
Some appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, may need to have the refrigerant removed or reclaimed before they can be recycled. Contact your recycling center beforehand to learn their requirements.
In some cases, it is best to dispose of refrigerated appliances at a Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) facility.
Trade Them In
Many appliance dealers offer programs to trade in your old appliances if you purchase a new appliance from them. Some of these programs include free pickup of old appliances at the time of delivery, while others may require you to bring the appliance to them.
Contact Your Utility Company
Many utility companies offer appliance recycling programs and will arrange pickup of things like fridges and freezers. Some will even pay you or offer you a credit on your utility bill.
Rent a Dumpster
If you don’t have the physical means to dispose of your old appliances, consider renting a roll-off dumpster or dump trailer. You can dispose of your appliance and any other bulky items while you’re at it, just be sure to check with the rental company about what can and can’t go in the dumpster.
Warning
Appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain harmful substances that can wreak havoc on the environment. Always check with your local regulations for safe disposal guidelines.
Call an Appliance Disposal Service
If you don’t have anything else to fill a dumpster, it may be more economical to contact an appliance disposal service, which will schedule pickup of your old appliance. While you will have to pay for this service, it can spare you a major headache (and backache).
Haul It Off
If you do have the physical means to dispose of your appliance yourself, such as a truck or trailer, haul it off to an appropriate disposal center. Many locations allow you to simply back up your truck and toss the appliance out on the round, then they handle the rest.
Warning
Not all waste facilities accept appliances, so do your research before you head their way.
Even if you don’t own a truck, you can often rent a pickup truck from many hardware stores and equipment rental stores for cheaper than you can pay someone to pick up your appliance.
Place It on the Curb
Kick your old appliances to the curb—literally. If you live within city limits, there’s a good chance the city will dispose of your old appliance for you, so long as you place it on the curb. Call a local representative or check online before placing your appliance on the curb. Additionally, if you live in an HOA, check the rules before you place anything by the curb.