We maintain complete transparency with the readers on our website. The company rankings on our site are independent of any marketing relationships that we may hold with a home warranty company. We may receive compensation for receiving quotes or placing advertisements. However, this does not affect a company's rankings. Companies are ranked solely on the basis of consumer reviews and ratings received from home warranty users.
*The lead information obtained will be sent to the respective companies as selected by the readers. However, the lead will be shared with a similar company if the selected company either doesn't participate in Leads Program or doesn't respond.
Should You Dispose/Recycle/Repair Your Old Home Appliances?
PUBLISHED: Oct , 25 2022 • 6 MINS READ
Appliance breakdowns are very common in any household. So, do you know how to dispose old appliances or get rid of them? Well, there are more options than just disposing them. You can consider recycling or repairing them. In this article, we will be discussing whether you should dispose, recycle, or repair your old appliances.
Disposing Vs. Recycling Vs. Repairing Of Old Appliances
Many homeowners can face the problem of whether to go for disposing, recycle, or repair old appliances at some point. Continue reading to know which option is the best-suited for you:
Disposing
When an appliance stops working, your first decision will be to take it out or dump it in the landfill. However, disposing of them like this might not be the best solution in the long run and for the environment. The reason behind it is that these appliances contain hazardous chemicals which can further affect the soil and even poison the water supply.
If you have to frequently get the appliance repaired, then it is best advised to replace it. Listed below is the average lifespan of the most common household appliances:
Washer: 10 years
Dryer: 13 years
Refrigerator: 13 years
Dishwasher:10 years
Recycling
Recycling your old appliance is an eco-friendly option and helps reduce the carbon footprint. Whenever going for a new one, check with the company first to ask them if they will recycle the old appliance. If not, you can go for various other options present in the market. We’ve mentioned some of them below, take a look!
Repairing
Sometimes, the cost of repairing old appliances is less compared to buying a new one. When you choose to repair, you not only save money but also reduce waste which is better for the environment.
Advantages Of Disposing Old Appliances
As you can’t throw away your old appliance like regular garbage, there are various things that you will need to take care of. Such things require extra care and attention and should be disposed of correctly as they can be a threat to the environment. One of the major benefits that you will have when you dispose of your old appliances is that you will be able to get an upgraded version. In fact, the appliance store can even agree to remove the old appliance and dispose of it when giving you the delivery.
Having said that, disposing of your old appliance should be last on your list as it will be thrown into the landfills which will definitely create many environmental issues.
Ways To Dispose Used Appliances
Disposing an appliance is not always an easy task. Appliances are big and made of materials that can get difficult to remove. Here are some of the methods that you can choose from to get rid of your old and troublesome appliances.
Take A Roll-Off Dumpster On Rent:
A roll-off dumpster rental can help to get rid of your old junk and appliances. Simply put your items into the bin and call them when you are done to get them taken away.
Check With Local Municipal Pickup:
There are chances that your local municipal might offer pickup services for large appliance disposal. It is one of the most cost-effective options and you will only need to pay a moderate fee for such removals.
List It Online:
If you want to get rid of one or two items, you can list them online. People who collect scrap metal might pick it up for free.
These are some of the things that you can do to get rid of an old appliance. Apart from that, you can dump the appliance yourself or even hire a junk removal service. But, it is always advised to either go for an appliance repair or recycle for the betterment of the environment.
Advantages Of Recycling Old Appliances
Recycling old appliances is the best way to save the environment from hazardous waste materials and toxic things that add up in landfill. Here are some of the benefits of recycling old appliances instead of throwing them away:
Protects The Environment:
Recycling e-waste will help the environment to be healthy and protect the harmful materials that go into landfill.
Save Natural Resources:
More than 98% of the components can be recycled and used again for the environment.
Increase In Affordability:
Recycling can even mean giving old things to charity or selling them in a second hand shop. It will help needy people who can’t afford new electronic devices.
Ways To Recycle Used Appliances
Resale or Donation
If your appliance can be repaired and is functional, it is best to sell or donate it to someone in need. You can donate it at a local thrift store or another place that takes such donations. It can be a great option if you are looking forward to donating toasters or microwaves. If you go for this option, ensure that the appliances are at least in working condition.
You Can Go for Appliance Swaps
If you are buying a brand-new appliance, you should request your old unit’s pickup from the retailer. In fact, you should browse for such retailers which can provide you with this service. Going for this option will streamline the process of waste and make sure the appliance gets disposed of correctly and recycled for parts.
Go For An Appliance Recycle Pick Up
You can get rid of your old appliance by scheduling an appliance recycling pick-up service present in your area. Local energy providers will provide pick-up services, and sometimes even offer energy vouchers who choose this option.
Advantages Of Maintaining Old Appliances
If your appliance is troubling you, it necessarily doesn’t mean to go for a new one, instead, you can get it repaired. Here are some of the advantages of maintaining old appliances:
Improvement In The Equipment Performance
When it comes to home appliances, you want maximum efficiency from the equipment. Not only it is environmentally friendly but will also help in saving on electricity bills. If you have a business, buying and maintaining energy-efficient appliances will lead to a lot of savings and benefits in the long run. Equipment that is maintained regularly can help in stopping a lot of unnecessary expenses.
Lowers The Power Expenses
As appliances that work efficiently can lower power expenses, you should ensure to maintain them properly. You can even choose to go for experts for regular maintenance every year.
Reduction In Waste
Regular maintenance of the appliances will not only help you in reducing power expenses but also help in the reduction of waste. It is also better and beneficial for the environment as it also puts a stop to the appliances being dumped in landfills.
Tips To Maintain Old Appliances
To save yourself from sudden appliance breakdowns, it is best advised that you maintain them properly. Here are some of the tips that you need to follow when maintaining your old appliances:
Proper Cleaning
This point should be stressed enough. You should keep each household appliance in the best condition, especially if you live near extreme regions such as the sea. As all of the appliances have metallic parts, ensure to dry after cleaning them.
Maintenance Of Appliances Regularly
Home appliances can do better if you provide them with regular maintenance and keep them properly. If you can’t remember when specific appliances are due for maintenance, you can always keep a reminder on your smartphone.
Use The Appliance Functionality
An appliance is designed to do specific tasks so don’t expect it to do more. Devices have a certain set of functions which they should be used for. Anything apart from that will result in the device being nonfunctional and eventually breaking down. So, read the appliance guide to use it properly.
Don’t Try Fixing The Things Yourself
Even though it is a great idea to fix things yourself, it’s best that you should not try it at your home. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is always advised to connect with a technician. However, finding one immediately can get really frustrating and difficult. In this case, you can choose to invest in a home warranty. Going for one will help you in the long run and in case of sudden appliances break down because of normal wear and tear.
Home warranties make a really good option so you should make sure to go for the best home warranty companies with the best plans.
Best Appliance Extended Warranty Companies
These top 3 appliance extended warranty companies are favored by the homeowners because of their plans and coverages for the home appliances.
Disposing, recycling, or repairing your old home appliances can be your choice. However, disposing of them is not a great option.. If the item is not fully functional, you can even go for repairs. But, one thing that you should ensure is to get it recycled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.
What Is An Extended Warranty On Appliances?
A.
An extended warranty covers the price to repair or replace products after the manufacturer’s expiry ends.
Q.
How Long Does Home Appliances Last?
A.
Most home appliances can last long if properly maintained and taken care of, here’s an average life span of the major appliances at your home. A washer is good for 10 years, dryer is good for 13 years, refrigerator is good for 13 years, and dishwasher is good for 10 years.
Q.
How To Recycle Small Appliances?
A.
Recycling small appliances is much easier as compared to recycling bigger appliances. Here are some of the things you can do:
You can either sell or donate it
Sell for parts
Exchange through retailers
Q.
How To Take Care Of Appliances?
A.
Taking care of your appliances is not difficult and can add up more additional functioning years. You should ensure to keep them clean inside and out, use them as intended in the user’s guide. Also, invest in regular maintenance by a professional technician once a year, especially for HVAC units.
