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How to Get Rid of Old Appliances the Proper Way

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Shane DeMarta
How to Get Rid of Old Appliances the Proper Way

Buying a new appliance is exciting. Who doesn’t want the latest TV model or speaker? Most people think of them as an investment. While they can be, most appliances only have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. You might be in the market for a new one once it reaches the 10-year mark.


There are also other reasons to buy a new appliance. Most would opt to upgrade their appliances to a more energy-efficient model. Today’s appliances are also designed to be obsolete in a few years. This means they wear out faster than the appliances are parents bought decades ago.


The problem is disposing of appliances isn’t as easy as throwing a plastic bag in the garbage bin. Many household appliances have compounds or chemicals that are bad for the environment. Others might have hazardous materials like mercury or solvents.


The good news is there are plenty of ways to dispose of our old TVs and microwaves. Here’s how to get rid of old appliances.


You can try to swap in your old appliance when you buy a new one. It’s one of the best and most effective ways to get rid of appliances. Many retailers are now offering to take away these items. Most of these stores do this for free. They’ll make sure that any dangerous components or chemicals are then disposed of in a safe manner. Next time you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, be more proactive. Look for retailers that offer swaps.


Recycling is Always In


Recycling appliances is another great option. Washing machines, ovens, toasters, etc. are all recyclable. They can become broken down into parts and scrap metal. But there are some rules to follow when recycling electronics and the like. First, you can’t put appliances in the trash can. You also can’t leave it in the curbside recycling bins.


You should also check your neighborhood’s trash schedule. Some have specific days when you can put out appliances. Another option is to call your local recycling center. Ask them if they do appliance removal. They can even pick up the item. This is useful for getting rid of large items, like a washing machine. You might have to pay a small fee for this though.


Go Virtual


You can also list the appliances you need to dispose of online. Sites like Freecycle let you give away stuff for free. You can also post on Facebook Marketplace. There are people who are happy to get those old appliances out of your hands. Most do this for scrap metal. Others are on the lookout for things they need but don’t want to spend on.


Make Money Out of It


Is the appliance still working but you’ve already ordered a new one? You can always try to liquidate those assets. There are many ways to sell your old appliances. You can do a garage sale or join a weekend market. Post your offer on online classified ads. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are good options. Salvage yards and pawn shops are options to consider too.


It’s better to sell an appliance to someone who would continue to love it. You’ll have money in your pocket and one less item out of a landfill.


Donate It to Charity


Donating a TV, stereo, or old computer is a welcome move. Especially if you turn it over to a local charity. You can do this by checking with non-profit organizations. The Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity can make use of your old appliances. You can also look up the community groups in your area and see what they need. Some groups or donation sites have restrictions though. They might only remove an appliance if the item isn’t older than a specific number of years.



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Shane DeMarta
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