Electronic appliances have taken over our everyday lives. Whether they are small appliances like electric kettles or large appliances like washing machines they are present everywhere and make our lives much easier. However, when these large and small appliances reach the end of their lifecycle it becomes challenging to dispose of them without damaging the environment. It is not advised to dump them in the trash as doing so makes them end up in landfills. So the question is how to dispose of large and small appliances? 

In this blog we will explore different ways to sustainably dispose of large and small appliances and also address some of the most frequently asked questions about the issue. 

Why Do We Need to Recycle our Home Appliances?

Recycling small and large appliances is significant. Most importantly, it helps us reduce the total amount of e-waste in landfills. Appliances can take up substantial landfill space and may damage the environment as they decompose. The following sections of this blog will delve into the benefits of recycling large and small appliances. 

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Old Appliances

Recycling old appliances is more than just keeping waste out of landfills. The many environmental benefits of recycling old devices make it an essential part of any sustainable waste management plan.

Reduces Landfill Waste

When old appliances arrive in landfills, they are prone to leak toxic chemicals, and recycling old devices lessens the total amount of e-waste in landfills. This generates a positive environmental impact that is beneficial for us. Our goal here is not for electronic waste to land in landfills. Instead, we should dispose of them responsibly by recycling them.

Conserves Natural Resources

Many appliances contain valuable metals and components that can be reused. By recycling these appliances, these materials can be reclaimed and helpful in creating new products. This reduces the need to extract virgin resources and conserve our natural resources.

Reduces Energy Consumption

The production of new appliances requires a significant amount of energy. Recycling old appliances reduces the demand for new devices. Which in turn reduces the amount of energy needed to manufacture them. This helps us conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with production.

Reduces Water Pollution

All appliances contain hazardous materials that can leak into the environment if not recycled. When appliances are recycled, these dangerous materials can be appropriately disposed of. 

How To Properly Dispose of Small and Large Household Items?

Disposing small and large household appliances is essential for the environment and compliance with local regulations. Small appliances like toasters and coffee makers should not be thrown in the trash. To learn how to dispose of Coffee Makers properly, click here. Our detailed blog will give you proper insight into how you get rid of these small appliances.

These contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment. Instead, many local municipalities have drop-off locations for small appliances that can be collected and recycled.

The disposal can be more complicated for larger household appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. These appliances can often contain chemicals and metals that can harm our environment. So it is vital to dispose of them properly. Recycle Technologies Inc offers a drop-off facility where you can dispose of appliances. Our Facilities are in Blaine, Minnesota, and Waukesha, New Berlin.

Many cities have unique recycling programs or designated drop-off sites for large appliances. Additionally, many appliance retailers will take back old devices when you purchase new ones, which makes the process even easier. Before disposing of any large appliance, it's important to research local regulations to ensure compliance with disposal requirements.

Ways to Recycle Small and Large Appliances

As awareness around responsible disposal of large and small electronic appliances grows most individuals and businesses know the consequences of careless disposal of these devices. Still, many of them find it rather hard to dispose of them in a responsible way. This can be attributed to the lack of options available to the masses for the disposal of their old large and small appliances. 

The following section of the blog presents seven sustainable ways to get rid of your old home appliances whether large or small. 

Donate or Sell

If your appliance is still in good working condition, consider donating it to a local charity or selling it to someone in your community. Many non-profit organizations will accept donations of working appliances and sell them to raise funds for their programs. You can also sell your appliance through classified ads or online marketplaces.

Manufacturer Take-Back Programs

Many manufacturers offer take-back programs for their appliances. These programs allow you to return your old appliance to the manufacturer, who will recycle or dispose of it properly. Check with your appliance manufacturer to see if they offer a take-back program.

Local Government Recycling Programs

Many local governments offer recycling programs for large appliances. Check with your local waste management department to see if they offer a pick-up service for large appliances. Recycle Technologies Inc. provides you with a pick-up service. For further details, click here.

Scrap Metal Recycling

Many appliances contain valuable metals that can be recycled. Contact your local scrap metal dealer to see if they accept large appliances for recycling. You can receive cash for your device, depending on the current market prices for scrap metal.

Retailer Recycling Programs

Some retailers offer recycling programs for large appliances. When you purchase a new device, the retailer may offer to haul away your old one and recycle it. Check with your appliance retailer to see if they provide this service.

Junk Removal Services

If everything fails, you can hire a junk removal service to haul away your old appliance. These services typically charge a fee to haul away your device and dispose of it properly. However, be sure to choose a reputable service that will dispose of your appliance in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Disposal as a Last Resort

If for some reason you cannot afford to recycle your old appliances then as a last option you can consider discarding them as trash. However, be wary of the local laws and regulations that apply to the disposal of electronic appliances. Typically every state has varying laws but to help you we have listed some important pointers to always keep in mind when you are considering disposal of your appliances. 

• Contact your local recycling program or waste management facility to see if they accept appliances for disposal.
• If the appliance contains hazardous materials, such as refrigerants, contact a professional to remove them safely.
• Avoid landfill disposal whenever possible.

Conclusion

Responsible recycling of old large and small appliances is essential for the preservation of the environment and the protection of resources against depletion. Whether it is a small coffee machine, a radio or big appliances like washing machines, microwaves and televisions it is imperative to practice safe recycling habits for their disposal. Responsible recycling is beneficial for the environment and can be practiced by partnering with certified e-waste recycling companies, selling your old appliances or donating them to charitable organizations. 

Recycle Technologies: Comprehensive E-Waste Recycling Under One Roof 

Recycling is an activity that not only helps the environment but can also benefit communities. Recycle Technologies Inc. provides a drop-off facility for properly disposing of your large and small appliances. If you have a large volume of appliances to recycle, then we will gladly take them off your hands with our bulk recycling services. You can reach us at  +1 763-559-5130 for Minnesota and +1 262-798-3040 for the Wisconsin facility.

FAQs About Appliance Recycling

How do I dispose of a refrigerator?

Disposing of a refrigerator requires more effort than simply throwing it away in the trash. Refrigerators contain refrigerants and other hazardous chemicals that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. So, we cannot simply throw them into the landfills. Instead, the proper way is to recycle them.

What can you do with an old washing machine?

When it's time to replace your old washing machine, you may be wondering what to do with the old one. The only option is to recycle the washing machine. Many cities and towns have particular recycling programs or designated drop-off sites for large appliances. The recycling process involves stripping the washing machine down to its parts and salvaging any materials that can be reused, such as metal and plastic.

How can I get rid of the small fridge?

When it comes to disposing of a mini fridge, it's essential to take the necessary steps to ensure that it's disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. Simply throwing it in the trash can negatively impact the environment, including releasing harmful chemicals into the air and soil.

How do I get rid of a small appliance?

Getting rid of a small appliance can depend on the device and where you live. However, here are some available options:

Donate or Sell

If the appliance is still in good working condition, consider donating or selling it. You can contribute to a local charity or sell it online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Recycling

Small appliances like blenders, toasters, and coffee makers are often made of materials like plastic, metal, and glass that can be recycled. Check with your local recycling center or waste management company to see if they accept small appliances for recycling.

Trash

If the appliance is broken or cannot be donated, and your local recycling center does not accept it, you may have to throw it away. Check with your local waste management company to see if they have specific guidelines for disposing of small appliances.

What happens to appliances when they're recycled?

When appliances are recycled, they go through a process that involves dismantling, material recovery, processing, and disposal of hazardous materials. The first step is collecting and transporting appliances to the recycling facility. The machines are dismantled at the facility, and the various parts are separated. The materials recovered from the devices, such as metals, plastics, and glass, are sorted, and any contaminants are removed. The recovered materials are then processed into a form that can be used to manufacture new products.