If you’re replacing appliances in your home, it’s either fun time because you get to invest in some wonderful renovation upgrades, or it’s a hassle because your appliances stop working properly and you are left with no choice but to replace them. In both cases, you’ll probably end up asking- what do I do with my old appliances now? Thankfully, it turns out you have options and you can even make some side money with your old appliances!
Upgrading and Throwing Out Appliances
When you replace an appliance, it is important to make sure the old one goes to the right place. This can be determined by asking some important questions:
- Should I donate, recycle, or throw out?
- Does the old appliance still work?
- If it’s working, will someone come get if for free?
- If it’s broken, can it be easily repaired?
- Which is cheaper – repair or replacement?
It is also helpful to know what some of the common appliances that are often thrown out are. Here is a list of the most common old appliances that people have to decide what to do with:
Large Appliances
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators
- Garbage Disposals
- Washing Machines
- Dryers
Small Appliances
- Coffee Pots
- Blenders and Mixers
- Toasters
- Griddles
- Crock Pots
What to do With Old Appliances
Once you have an idea of how easy it might be to get rid of the old appliances, here are some ways you can do just that:
Pay the store to take them.
Most stores that sell appliances have a buyback program where you pay a small fee and the guys who deliver your new appliance can take away the old one for you. Usually, for larger appliances, it’s a fee of around $20-30. It might not be the cheapest, but it is by far the simplest and easiest way to deal with the issue of getting rid of old appliances you do not want anymore. Unfortunately, this only works if you are buying a new appliance from the shop- they won’t come to haul away a washer and dryer set unless you are buying a new set from them at that time.
Ask your town to take them.
Another easy way to get rid of old appliances is to see if your town, city, or county offers some kind of recycling program. Some areas have local recycling centers that can handle larger appliances and electronics. If they don’t have a permanence recycling center for these items most will have special collection days where you can put your old appliances on the curb for fee-free recycling and pick up. They may be only once a month or every few months so you may end up sitting on the old washing machine for a few months until you can get it of it.
Sell them for some easy cash.
Appliances that still work and are just getting a little old and outdated are totally worth money and often be sold to someone who needs a working appliance and doesn’t care about some wear and tear. Just post them on social media sites and websites that deal with sales and see if there are any takers! Even appliances that don’t run are still potentially someone else’s treasure. Also, consider a yard sale that is just old appliances you have accumulated that you want to get rid of. Some people will buy appliances simple to strip them for certain metals and elements.
Give them away as a donation.
If that old fridge or chest freezer still runs but you can’t sell it or would rather donate it there are many community nonprofits and charity groups that could use many of the common appliances. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Abuse and Pregnancy Centers, or other charitable organization will gladly take them off your hands to use for their residents and those in need. You can help many people in need and best of all, you get a tax deduction for the amount your old appliances were worth.
Pay a commercial junk hauler.
If you try the tips mentioned above and they don’t work for you, you still have a way to get rid of old appliances that are cluttering up your garage or storage shed. There are plenty of commercial “junk” companies that will haul off junk for you for a fee. You can also find some in many cities who drive neighborhood streets looking for appliances that have been left on the curb. So that is another option to consider and see if someone comes by and takes it off of your hand for you. It may be easier for some than trying to haul it to a recycling center.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
If you have old appliances you don’t know how to get rid of, these tips can help you out. However, before you look at buying new appliances, call us at DiChristopher Appliance and see if we can help fix your appliance and get it back in working order. It will save you money and keep more appliances out of the landfills! Call today to see the appliance repair and maintenance services we offer!