What To Do With Old Appliances When You Replace Them

Upgrading your home’s appliances is top-of-mind when remodeling or moving into a new home. So, where does that old washing machine go when it’s time to replace it? The most popular options are selling, donating, or recycling, but there are a few more alternatives you can explore.

First and foremost, be cautious of removing any household appliance on your own. Doing so can be risky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with electrical wiring or have difficulties lifting heavy items. You can always hire a junk removal company to help you remove your old appliance.

1. Recycle Old Appliances

Simply putting an old appliance out with your weekly trash isn’t a sustainable or safe option, as many appliances contain flammable liquids and hazardous substances that aren't suitable for regular trash disposals.

Fortunately, you can recycle many household appliances and gadgets.  

Benefit of Recycling Appliances 

If your utility bills are higher than usual, an old appliance could be the culprit. Since an older appliance tends to lose its efficiency over time, it starts to use more energy beyond its life span and typically does more harm than good.

Not only will recycling your old appliance help reduce your energy consumption, but it can also help you reduce your carbon footprint. If an old appliance is trashed instead of recycled, it will sit in a landfill, where rusting metal and gasses can release toxins into the environment.

Appliances to Recycle

Before you toss out any unwanted appliance, here’s a list of those that have recyclable parts that can be reused:

• Refrigerator

• Freezer

• Washing machine

• Dryer

• Coffee maker

• Oven and stove

• Microwave

• Dishwasher

• Air Conditioner

Generally, you can dispose of older, inefficient refrigerated appliances through a designated Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) facility or electronic waste (e-waste) bounty program through an appliance retailer. 

Where to Recycle Appliances

You have several options if you’re trying to figure out what to do with an old appliance. Here are some of the most popular options and places for recycling an appliance.

• Appliance store: Some manufacturers and appliance stores, like Best Buy and Whirlpool, offer haul-away options for a fee. Sometimes, this fee will be slightly discounted if you are buying a new appliance through the retailer.

• Scrap metal recycler: A metal recycler will take your old appliance and recycle the material for new goods and appliances.

• Utility company: In many midsize and large cities, your local utility company will take your recyclable appliance. An old refrigerator and freezer are popular items.

• ERA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal program: There are several RAD partners and affiliates across the country who will pick up your old appliance. Keep in mind that there might be a fee for this service.

2. Donate Appliances

If your appliance is old but still in good working condition, consider donating it. This way, you can make space for your home upgrades while also supporting your local community.

Where to Donate Appliances

You can donate your old appliance to one of the following organizations–who will also pick the appliance up free of charge:

• Thrift stores

• Charity/Nonprofit (i.e., The Salvation Army, Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity)

• Church

• Community outreach program

• Homeless shelter

• Appliance donation center

An easy way for you to get the word out about the availability of your old appliance is to talk with your neighbors or post on your community bulletin board.

You can also share your appliance on a mobile app like OfferUp, that matches users with local nonprofit organizations that may be looking for an old appliance.

3. Sell Appliances

The popular saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” can surely apply to an old household appliance. If it’s in good condition, why not sell your old appliance and make a few extra bucks?

Despite their age, stainless steel and energy-efficient appliances typically have the best resale value. Matching washer and dryer combos are also generally at the top of the used appliance list.  

Where to Sell Appliances

You can find and connect with prospective buyers through:

• Online marketplaces (i.e., eBay, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Neighborhood  groups, etc. )

• Mobile apps (i.e., OfferUp and Letgo)

• Appliance dealer buy-back programs 

• Garage or yard sales

• Scrap metal recyclers

If you want to get rid of more household items, host the perfect yard sale.

4. Repurpose Appliances

Buying a new appliance doesn’t necessarily mean the former one is old—you may just not have space for it. In this scenario, there are a few ways you can still keep your appliance and put them to good use.

Additional Storage

If your appliance is still working, consider keeping it around. Having an extra appliance can be helpful—especially if it’s a refrigerator, freezer, or washer and dryer. Set an old refrigerator in your garage or on the back patio to store drinks. This can come in handy when hosting gatherings or events at your home. If you have a large family or like to buy in bulk, find a spot for that old freezer. This will keep your regular freezer organized and less compacted. Likewise, an old washer and dryer can be a helpful addition to a guest house-type space or Airbnb rental.

Rental Space

From a basement renovation to a garage conversion, many homeowners rent out a portion of their home for some extra cash. If you have (or are planning to create) a rental space, you can use your older appliance in it. 

Rental spaces that come with major appliances, such as washers and dryers, can be attractive to prospective renters and help make your rental property stand out.

Outdoor Living Space

Do you have an outdoor living space, such as a pool house, that can double as a guest house? Consider moving the appliances you are no longer using–like a mini-fridge or microwave–to your guest house.

5. Trade-In Appliances

In addition to selling appliances, you will find that many retailers will also take away your old appliance when installing a new one. A trade-in program is a convenient way for you to get rid of an old appliance quickly and safely. 

Where to Find Trade-In Programs

Many manufacturers and retailers offer Trade-In Programs for their appliances, where they’ll accept a product of similar type—refrigerator for refrigerator—and provide you a credit toward the purchase of your new appliance. You can contact an appliance seller near you to see what appliances they will accept as a trade.

6. Gift to Others

Last but not least, you can always give your gently used appliance to family, friends, or other peers. If anyone you know is getting married or moving into a new home, offer the appliance as a wedding or housewarming gift.

How to Decide

Now that you have an idea of what you can do with an old appliance, the next step is deciding how to go about it. Should you donate, sell, or keep it? Use our chart below to help you decide.

For any small appliance that is safe to discard, you can contact a junk removal professional near you to properly dispose of them.