How to Get Rid of Old Appliances
Finding the best way to toss appliances can be tough. We're here to help make it easier.
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Your Appliance Disposal and Recycling Guide
Buying new appliances can be an exciting investment. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or moving to a new home, the shine that comes with a fresh out-of-the-box appliance is unmatched. The less exciting part is figuring out what to do with the old appliances. Luckily, disposal and recycling of appliances is not as hard as you think. From a dumpster rental to a charitable donation, the right choice depends on the condition of your item and your local regulations.
Check out the details below to see what disposal or recycling method works best for you. Doing a big cleanout or renovation? Check out our residential roll off dumpsters to see if they're the best disposal option for you.
Getting Rid of a Specific Item?
 Refrigerator & Freezer |
 Washer & Dryer |
 Air Conditioner |
 Dishwasher |
 Water Heater |
 Stove & Oven |
 Microwave |
 Other Small Appliances |
1. Sell Old Appliances
There’s a strong market for second-hand appliances. If your machines are still in working order and decent condition, consider organizing a garage sale or reaching out to a local resale or consignment store to get rid of your old appliances. Wondering where you can sell your old microwave or fridge? Try listing them on the following online marketplaces:
2. Find an Appliance Recycler
Recycling your old appliances is a great way to get them out of your home and also ensure they are taken care of in an environmentally-friendly way. It could even benefit you as some recycling centers will offer cash incentives. Check out the following resources to try and locate recycling programs near you.
Appliance Recycling Options
- Utility providers
- RecyclerFinder.com
- Local appliance retailers
- City and county websites
Pro Tip
When recycling an appliance that has Freon, like fridges and air conditioners, check with your recycler to see if they will handle Freon removal or if you’ll need to handle that yourself.
3. Donate Old Appliances to Charity
Donating old working appliances can make a world of difference to someone in need and save it from the landfill. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get rid of old appliances. Contact a local housing charity, homeless shelter or other non-profit organization to see if they can accept your donation. Also, consider some of these national non-profit organizations to donate your old appliances:
4. Research Curbside Pickup Options
If your curbside disposal company offers bulky item pickup for appliances, it may be your most convenient option. However, each municipality has different regulations regarding curbside appliance pickup. Here are a few common ones that you may need to account for:
- Freon must be properly removed.
- Limit on the number of items collected.
- Extra fees for appliance disposal with regular trash.
5. Hire a Junk Removal Company
Hiring a junk hauling company may be a good option if you only have a few appliances to toss and can’t move them yourself. However, most of these services charge by the amount of space your items take up in their truck, which tends to add up quickly with appliances.
Remember that hiring a junk removal service usually involves:
- A final price given upon completion of the job.
- You sorting items prior to the scheduled pickup day.
- Allowing crew members in your home to remove appliances.
6. Rent a Dumpster
If you’re tossing multiple appliances as part of a remodel or have other junk to toss, renting a residential dumpster may be the best disposal option for you. Please note that some cities may not allow certain appliances in the landfill or will charge an extra fee. To find out specifics in your area, give us a call.
Order a Dumpster Online
Shopping after hours? Too busy to make another call? Book the dumpster you need, when you need it. Order your dumpster online 24/7.
Where Can I Take Old Appliances?
Your Curb
If your trash company offers bulk waste removal, you may be able to get rid of appliances through them. Reach out and confirm their availability ahead of time. Also contact local donation organizations — some offer curbside pickup.
Local Donation Centers
If your local charities cannot do home pickups and you have a truck that can hold your appliances, consider driving them to your local donation center to get rid of them quickly and cheaply. Again, call ahead to ensure they have space.
Local Landfills or Recyclers
If you can load your appliances up on a truck and drive them yourself, you could drop them off at an appliance recycler or landfill. Keep in mind you should reach out to learn about any rules or restrictions ahead of time.
How to Dispose of an Air Conditioner
Did You Know: Throwing out your air conditioner without removing the Freon is illegal. Refrigerants are considered hazardous materials, and you can be charged a hefty fine for sending them to the landfill. Once you get rid of the Freon, you can safely dispose of your air conditioner.
Where Can I Throw Out an Air Conditioner?
Dumpster Rental
You can toss your air conditioner in a roll off dumpster, but extra fees may apply for appliance disposal in your area. Give us a call to find out more.
Curbside Trash Pickup
Check with your city to see if you can leave your AC unit at the curb. Coolant should be removed and pickup fees may apply.
Junk Removal Service
A junk removal company will haul your air conditioner away for you, but this means team members will have to enter your house to remove it.
Other Ways to Get Rid of an Air Conditioner
Can I Sell My Air Conditioner?
Before you attempt to sell your AC unit, check to see when it was manufactured. Any air conditioners made before January 1, 2010 do not meet EPA guidelines and should not be resold or refurbished.
If your air conditioner is eligible for resale, use the following guidelines to increase your chances of making a sale:
- Take quality photos.
- Clean the unit and replace the filter.
- Be honest about repairs made and needed.
- Provide information about the age, make, model and special features.
Can I Donate My Air Conditioner?
Air conditioners made before 2010 do not meet government regulations regarding the types of refrigerants used and should not be donated. As long as your unit meets the proper standards, someone will greatly appreciate your donation during the hot summer months. Make sure to inspect and clean your air conditioner.
Can I Recycle My Air Conditioner?
Most air conditioners can’t be recycled as a whole, but some of their parts can. To scrap a window air conditioner, look for a local organization that refurbishes these units to collect the recyclable parts or find one of the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) facilities. You can also check with your local utility company to see if you can turn in your air conditioner and receive compensation for responsible disposal, according to the EPA’s RAD program.
Another option is to ask the store if they’ll remove and recycle your old air conditioner when you buy a new unit. Some may even offer a discount on the new appliance in exchange for recycling the old one.
How to Get Rid of a Broken Dishwasher
Is your old dishwasher no longer returning squeaky clean plates? Are you upgrading kitchen appliances during a remodel? You have a range of disposal options when it comes to figuring out where to get rid of your old dishwasher.
Where Can I Dispose of a Dishwasher?
Dumpster Rental
Renting a roll off dumpster is the easiest way to throw out your dishwasher, along with any other junk. Some cities place restrictions on appliance disposal or charge a fee.
Curbside Trash Pickup
Check with your city to see if you’ll be charged a pickup fee for large items. There may also be regulations that include removing the dishwasher door.
Junk Removal Service
Junk hauling companies will take your dishwasher but often charge by the space used in their truck. With a dumpster, you pay a flat rate.
Other Ways to Dispose of a Dishwasher
Can I Sell My Dishwasher?
Yes, if it still works, you can certainly sell your dishwasher. Sometimes you can even get local buyers to come haul it away as a condition of the sale. Make your dishwasher stand out to potential buyers using the following tips:
- Price competitively.
- Take quality photos.
- List service history and repairs made.
- Provide a detailed list of dents or other issues.
- Be sure to include specific details like age, make and model.
Can I Donate My Dishwasher?
If it still works, your dishwasher can be donated to a nonprofit to help a family in need. You can often get a tax write-off for charitable donations. Call your donation center of choice to make sure they’re accepting dishwashers before dropping it off. Pro tip: Ask if they offer a pickup service.
Can I Recycle My Dishwasher?
If you can’t find someone to buy your dishwasher or a place to donate it, recycling it is another environmentally friendly option. Some recycling centers offer cash in exchange for appliances. Some retailers may also take your old dishwasher for recycling when you buy a new one or offer a buy-back recycling program.
How to Get Rid of an Old Stove and Oven
If your stove is outdated or your oven struggles to preheat, it’s time to get new appliances and toss out the old ones. There’s no shortage of disposal options, but there are different removal considerations for gas and electric models. For example, older gas stoves may contain mercury and other harmful metals prohibited at the landfill. Browse the choices below to find the right appliance disposal option for you.
Where Can I Toss My Stove and Oven?
Dumpster Rental
Getting a roll off dumpster is an easy stove and oven disposal solution. Some cities charge an extra fee for appliance disposal, and rental costs vary by location.
Curbside Trash Pickup
Some cities provide curbside collection for large appliances, but you may need to wait for the scheduled bulk trash collection day, and fees may apply.
Junk Removal Service
Junk removal companies often charge extra for bulky items. If you’re tossing a stove and an oven, this can quickly become costly.
Other Stove and Oven Disposal Options
Can I Sell My Stove and Oven?
Posting your stove and oven online is usually the fastest way to get them sold. Even if they’re broken, someone may be willing to take them for scrap metal. To sell your appliances quickly, follow these tips:
- Clean them inside and out.
- Take quality photos of the interior and exterior.
- List the service history, repairs and any imperfections.
- Provide important details like age, make, model and special features.
Can I Donate My Stove and Oven?
If you’re simply upgrading your appliances for aesthetic purposes and your old ones still work, consider donating them. This is a great way to pay it forward and help a family in need. It’s also an environmentally-friendly alternative to sending your appliances to the landfill. Plus, donations like these are often tax-deductible.
Keep in mind that some charities do not accept gas stoves or ranges due to the risks of gas leaks or unsuitable metals and materials.
Can I Recycle My Stove and Oven?
Some gas appliances have harmful metals, like mercury, that are prohibited from the landfill. Instead of throwing them out, find a recycling program near you. These may be offered through your public works department or appliance retailer.
How to Dispose of a Hot Water Heater
If your hot showers have turned cold, it’s time to throw away your water heater. Tossing this appliance in a dumpster is out of the question, but there are other ways to dispose of a water heater — not to mention selling, donating and recycling options.
Where Can I Throw Away My Water Heater?
Curbside Trash Pickup
Check with your local government to see if they offer curbside removal for hot water tanks. You may need to wait for a designated bulk collection day.
Junk Removal Service
If your local junk hauling service collects hot water tanks, they’ll likely charge by the amount of space your heater takes up in their truck.
Can I Dispose of My Water Heater in a Dumpster?
No, we cannot accept hot water tanks in our dumpsters. Most landfills don’t allow them because the empty space inside the tank can collect harmful gasses. While buying your new hot water tank, ask if the delivery driver can haul your old appliance away.
If you’re switching from an oil- or propane-fired water heater to an electric model, call your utility company and see if they offer an incentive for homeowners looking to make their homes more energy efficient. They may offer free pickup and disposal or a discounted rate.
Other Ways to Get Rid of a Water Heater
Can I Sell My Water Heater?
If it’s still in working condition, you can sell your water heater to another homeowner looking for a bargain. If it’s broken, try scrapping your gas hot water heater yourself and get cash for the discarded metal. Use services like the iScrap App to find typical scrap metal prices.
Can I Donate My Water Heater?
If your water heater still works, ask a local charity if it can benefit from your donation. You might even be able to make a tax-deduction because it’s a large item.
Can I Recycle My Water Heater?
Most hot water tanks are made of steel and contain brass or copper attachments. All of these metals can be recycled and reused. Before sending your hot water heater to the landfill, search online to find a local metal recycling facility near you. Some centers may offer you cash in exchange for materials, while others may charge a disposal fee. You can also try scrapping your gas hot water heater yourself.
How to Dispose of a Microwave
If your microwave has heated up its last leftovers, it’s time to find the best way to toss it. Microwave disposal can be tricky because these items can’t go in your regular trash bin, but they’re too small on their own for most other garbage options. We’ve outlined some removal choices to help you get rid of your microwave efficiently.
Where Can I Toss My Microwave?
Dumpster Rental
Renting a roll off dumpster is an easy way to get rid of a microwave during a larger junk removal project. Fees may apply for appliance disposal.
Curbside Trash Pickup
You likely can’t throw a microwave in your garbage bin, but your city may offer curbside pickup for this item. Note that extra fees may apply.
Junk Removal Service
Junk removal companies will haul away multiple items, but this requires team members to enter your home to remove microwaves and other junk.
Other Ways to Get Rid of a Microwave
Can I Sell My Microwave?
Yes, if your microwave is still in working condition, you can sell it. However, its value depends on the year and model. If it’s outdated, it may not be worth your time to sell.
To get the best price:
- Take good pictures.
- List any imperfections and repairs made.
- Provide information on the make, model and year.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior.
Can I Donate My Microwave?
If your microwave still works and you’re simply upgrading, donating your old one is an environmentally friendly and helpful way to get it off your hands.
Can I Recycle My Microwave?
Yes, microwaves have computer chips that contain valuable metals, like gold. You can recycle these appliances through a local recycling center or an appliance retailer. Some programs and stores offer cash in exchange for recycling.
Before dropping off your microwave for recycling, complete the following steps:
- Unplug it for several days to let it cool down.
- Tie up the power cord using a twist tie or the cord itself, or tape it to the microwave.
- Check with your recycler to see if the turntable and other internal parts can be recycled. If they can’t, remove them.
Where Can I Throw Away Small Appliances?
Small appliances like blenders and toasters are meant to last a long time, but there will come a day when they’ll stop blending and toasting, or you’ll decide to upgrade to a newer model. Whether you’re cleaning out your house or looking for the most eco-friendly removal options, we’ve outlined the best ways to dispose of a coffee maker, air fryer and other small appliances.
How to Dispose of Small Appliances
Dumpster Rental
Renting a roll off dumpster is an easy way to get rid of several small appliances and other junk during a home cleanout or remodel.
Curbside Trash Pickup
While small appliances fit in your regular trash, they may contain components harmful to the environment. However, they are often eligible for curbside pickup.
Junk Removal Service
If you hire a junk hauling service, you have to sort through your items before they arrive. When you rent a dumpster, you can work at your own pace.
Other Small Appliance Disposal Options
Can I Sell Small Appliances?
Does your coffee maker still brew a delicious cup? Can your slow cooker still make delicious meals? If the appliance isn’t broken, you can sell it, although its value is dependent on the age of the model. If it’s significantly outdated, you may not get much for the item.
Use these tips to get the best price when you resell:
- Take good pictures.
- List any imperfections and repairs made.
- Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly.
- Provide information on the make, model and year.
Can I Donate Small Appliances?
If the appliance is in working condition and you’re simply getting rid of an old waffle or bread maker because you never use it, donating your old one is an environmentally friendly and helpful way to take it off your hands.
Can I Recycle Small Appliances?
Yes, about 75% of the weight of the average appliance comes from steel, which is the most-recycled material in the U.S. Small appliances also contain other valuable metals, like copper and gold, inside their motherboards and batteries.
Recycle small appliances through a local recycling center or an appliance retailer. Some recycling programs and stores offer cash in exchange for recycling.
Before dropping off your appliance for recycling:
- Unplug it for several days to let it cool down.
- Tie up power cords using a twist tie or the cord itself.
- Check with your recycler to see if detachable parts can be recycled. If they can’t, remove them.
We’re Ready to Help With Appliance Disposal
From large items, like washers and dryers, to small appliances, like electric mixers and toasters, our goal is to make junk removal as easy as possible. We know that finding the right appliance disposal option can be tough. If you have any questions about getting rid of old appliances in a dumpster, our expert team will help you toss these items responsibly.
Appliance Disposal FAQs
What's the best way to dispose of appliances?
The appliance disposal or recycling option that works best for you depends on your situation. If you want to get rid of everything fast, donation may be best. If you have appliances and other junk to toss, a dumpster rental may be the best route. If you’re not pressed for time, selling, locating a recycler or tossing it curbside may work, too.
How do I get rid of small appliances?
If you only have a few small appliances to get rid of, your best options are to sell, donate or recycle. Advertise working items like microwaves online to sell, or contact a local charity to see if they'll accept your donation. If you're tossing small appliances as part of a larger project that is producing a lot of debris, consider renting a dumpster.
What to do with broken appliances?
Some donation centers have staff on hand who know how to repair appliances or may have someone willing to put the work in so that a family in need can benefit. If donation is completely off the table, remember that dumpster rental companies will pick up old appliances. Junk removal companies, area recyclers and your local bulk curbside collection are options as well.
Can I recycle old appliances?
If your appliances are no longer in working condition and can't be sold or donated, consider nearby recycling centers that can reuse broken or old appliances.
Can I put appliances in a dumpster?
In most areas, yes, you can put appliances in a dumpster. However, each landfill will have its own rules when it comes to appliances. Your dumpster rental company will let you know for sure if you can toss an appliance with them.
Additional Disposal and Recycling Resources
Looking for some other tips on kitchen projects, energy efficiency, dumpster rentals and other disposal needs? Check out the advice in some of our blog posts, resources and disposal guides.
Blog Posts:
Dumpster Rental Resources: