Dear AT,
How would one go about disposing of appliances like microwaves and coffee machines? I can't imagine that just throwing it out in the dumpster is the most eco-friendly way to do so, but I doubt I can recycle it either. I've checked on re-nest, and didn't find anything, and google is surprisingly unhelpful as well.
-Kristina
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Dear Kristina,
Actually, recycling your appliances is the best way to go. Some info from Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.:
1. Major home appliances make up about 10% of the steel processed by the recycling industry (cars make up 80%).
2. Approximately 75% of the typical major household appliance is made of steel, America's most recycled material.
3. Appliances also contain other recyclable materials, including aluminum, copper, CFC refrigerants and some plastics.
Check out the Chicago Recycling Coalition site for local info on how to recycle or donate your old stuff. The site's initial bit of advice is to recycle your old appliances at the same time you are buying something new, as many retailers will take back the appliances to refurbish and possibly resell.
Have you considered freecycle.org? You can post something you want to give away and its likely someone will want it. Then they pick it up and you're done with it!
view kelleygreeny's profile
Another plug for freecycle! I have given away everything from non-functional tv's to empty wine bottles.
view wvlinz's profile
If you're near a Habit for Humanity ReStore, that's another option. http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx
view Deborah's profile
Try Earth 911,
http://earth911.org/
You can enter in the item you are looking to recycle and your zip code and they'll tell you the closest center.
view elissa's profile
If they work, box them up and take them to a local thrift store donation center.
view lindsay's profile
The microwave is broken - would someone still want it on freecycle?
And the earth911 link recommends best buy to recycle that - do they just accept random microwaves (I don't really plan on buying another one, since I used my old one more for its timer than for anything else)?
view KristinaXI's profile
Assuming that most people do not simply throw away old appliance, but rather replace them with new models, remember that many stores with good customer service (e.g., Abt Electronics in Glenview) will haul your old ones away for a nominal fee. In fact, I was told by one of their delivery guys that Abt will even pick up old appliances if you aren't buying a new one from them.
Big companies aren't usually in the business of throwing money away, so I assume that Abt has contracts with other companies to resell or scrap the old appliances it picks up, either of which in my mind is consistent with the reuse/recycle maxim.
See also this blurb from the Jan. 3, 2008 local paper about Abt's recycling center:
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/glenview/news/723015,gv-abtrecycle-010308-s1.article
Price for pickup is $19 for anything that is not a refrigerator. Fridge pickup varies.
view Jim G's profile
Assuming they are in working order, you might try donating them to H.O.M.E. It's one of my favorite charities (www.homeseniors.org).
view Kathryn's profile
top 4 ways to get rid of the big stuff (furniture, cabinetry, appliances and computers)
Click to view related posts:renovating tips
So…you have big plans to redecorate or renovate, but don’t know what to do with your old furniture or how to salvage your used appliances? Assuming you don’t have the time, personality or nerves of steel to hold a tag sale or barter on Ebay, consider these 4 simple ways to find a good home for your old goods, while helping others and the environment.
1. Local Consignment Stores: Perhaps you’re not into your French Country Dining Set anymore or your series of Botonical Prints. Consider calling your local consignment stores to review you lot. You can usually email them photos, and then agree on a price range for re-sale. Consignment stores will often pick up your items and they typically take one third of the sale.
2. National Furniture Bank Association: This organization represents furniture banks across the country, collecting home furnishing donations and redistributing them to families in need. Basically, you just visit their website thenfba.org and enter in your zip code to find the nearest furniture bank. It’s easy and a wonderful way to recycle your furniture and help your fellow neighbor.
3.Demolition Charities: If you are undertaking a major renovation, re-doing your kitchen for example, chances are you will have appliances and cabinetry to replace. Charities such as greendemolition.org based in Greenwich, Ct. will take away reusable appliances and cabinets at no charge, and give you a receipt to use for tax purposes.
4.Schools: So you’ve made the leap to the Treo 700 and Apple MacBook Pro…what to do with the hardware that you left behind? Many schools would love your palm pilot or old reliable Dell computer, size not withstanding. Every school in the nation is adding more and more technology to their classrooms, at younger and younger grades, and would greatly appreciate donations. It’s giving back to your community and sure beats the shipping costs that would be associated with selling them on Ebay. http://www.blinkdecor.com/renovatorsroundtable/?p=7
view cdirvin's profile
Try craigslist, under Free. There may be a family in need and you could help them out.
view schnauzer's profile