Are you looking to get rid of your old fridge? Most of us know how to recycle trash like paper, aluminum, plastic, and glass products. " Going green" has become commonplace. Yet what about recycling appliances, electronics, and other hazardous items? You don't see a lot of appliance recycling centers around, especially in rural areas, so what do we do? Do we throw our dying refrigerators and dishwashers into the dumpster so they can take up permanent residence in a landfill? No, we're better than that, and there are better ways.
Why should you recycle old appliances?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, every year, around 9 million freezers/refrigerators, 6 million window air conditioning units, and 1 million dehumidifiers are tossed without proper disposal. If we could recycle just 1,000 of those refrigerators, the environmental benefits would be astounding! It would be like removing 1,500 cars from the road for one year and preventing 57 acres of deforestation. Imagine what recycling 9 million would do for the environment!
How do I find an appliance recycling center?
No worries! It's easy! All you have to do is go to Earth 911's recycling search here. Type in a specific item (ex. refrigerator) you want to recycle and your zip code, and they'll give you a list of the nearest waste management and recycling center locations! It's an awesome tool! It doesn't get any easier than that!
If you can't find someone to take your old appliance, you could also try contacting your local utility company. The EPA has a program called RAD (Responsible Appliance Disposal) that partners with utility companies to assist in the proper disposal of large appliances.
Can I make money recycling my old appliances?
Yes, you can earn money by recycling your used appliances! ARCA Incorporated has a " Refrigerator Round-up." They will pick up your working appliance and pay you for it!
You can also qualify for awesome rebates if you recycle your old appliances and purchase a new Energy Star certified appliance to take it's place. You can see all the offers on Energy Star's rebate finder.
What if my appliances aren't dead?
If your appliance is still kicking but you don't know what to do with it, there are several options available. Though old appliances are not as energy efficient, you could sell it on Craigslist and make some cash. If you don't want to sell, you can also donate a working appliance to several different places. GE Appliances has partnered with several non-profit organizations that accept appliance donations. Just go to their Appliance Donation Center. Donating may even help you qualify for a tax rebate.
If you are looking to get rid of your old appliances, try to find a way to recycle them. You have the ability to recycle appliances! I've given you the resources. Share them with the world! We can do our part to omit some of the waste that litters our planet. Let's do it together. It's better for everyone involved, today and tomorrow.
Have you ever recycled an old appliance?
