Did You Know That You Can Recycle Household Appliances?

Is Your Backyard Looking More Like a Junkyard? Learn More About How You Can Free Up Space, Look After The Environment & Even Make A Quick Buck Or 2. Find the Answers You Need HERE…

How to Recycle Household Appliances

Is Your Backyard Looking More Like a Junkyard? Learn More About How You Can Free Up Space, Look After The Environment & Even Make A Quick Buck Or 2. Find the Answers You Need HERE…
This article contains tops tips from our experts, backed by in-depth research.
Last Updated: 18 Apr 2025
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Recycling Household Appliances

If there’s something that all homes have, it’s household appliances. 

But what do you do when they reach the end of their lifespan?

The answer is simple: you can recycle your household appliances.

As experts in our field, we discuss the following in this article:

    For many households, the concept of recycling has become common practice. 

    For those still figuring things out, ByPurify has stepped in to save the day with tips on how to recycle common household appliances.

    What’s Household Appliance Recycling?

    Household appliance recycling is the process of collecting and disassembling household items. 

    This involves scraping valuable parts to create new products instead of chucking them in the trash. 

    Once these recyclables have been processed and cleaned, they are put back into the manufacturing process and are usually turned into different products.

    But why?

    Appliance manufacturers often prefer to work with recycled materials instead of new ones because they can be cheaper and more efficient to use. 

    Metal and glass are unique because, unlike paper, cardboard, and plastic, they can be recycled almost endlessly without damaging or losing their value.

    What Household Appliances Can You Recycle?

    The household appliances that you can recycle are fairly straightforward.

    In most cases, household appliances can be repurposed once they reach the end of their lifespan.

    Keep reading if you're wondering what to do with that old battery or electronic you found while cleaning your house.

    Batteries

    According to Duracell, single-use alkaline batteries are safe to dispose of in landfills everywhere except California1.

    However, the best way to dispose of old batteries is to recycle them at community centres, or nearby recycling centres.

    Mobile Phone

    You can trade, donate, or recycle your old mobile phone at department stores, the manufacturer, or even on Marketplace.

    Before you do, delete all your data using the factory reset or hard reset option. 

    You’ll also need to remove or delete the SIM or SD card. 

    Television

    Don't throw your old television or monitor in the trash, either! 

    Some older models contain toxic substances such as lead and are considered hazardous waste.

    Washers & Dryers

    If your washer or dryer is still in good working order, donate it to a shelter or home. 

    If you’re buying a new washing machine, ask the manufacturer if they’re authorized to recycle your old one. 

    Refrigerators & Freezers 

    Leave bulky appliances like refrigerators and freezers to the professionals. 

    Contact your local public works department to schedule a pickup, or use the EPA's Rapid Disposal (RAD) page to find a partner program near you. 

    The cost of this service varies. According to the EPA, removal can cost between $10 and $50, and you may be eligible for reimbursement for the disposal of your device2.

    What Household Appliances Can’t You Recycle?

    Determining which household appliances you can’t recycle depends on the device’s components.

    Here are a few examples of what can’t be recycled:

    Plastic Caps & Lids

    Many lids and caps on water bottles, soda bottles, and similar items are made from polypropylene, also known as #5 plastic, which can’t be recycled.

    Ceramic

    Ceramics are made to handle high temperatures, so their melting point is higher than that of glass. 

    Broken Windows, Mirrors Or Glass

    Before you try to recycle window glass, light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, mirrors, plate glasses, wine glasses, eyeglasses, vases, or glass art, you might want to think twice.

    This is because the chemicals used to make these products and ornaments may not be recyclable.

    Treated Wood

    You can't just recycle treated wood.

    This is because the chemicals used in wood finishes can contaminate water if not properly cleaned.

    How to Recycle Household Appliances

    You can recycle household appliances in so many different ways, including by finding them a new home, and taking them to the recycling centre.

    Let’s take a look at a few:

    Find It A New Home

    The best way to get rid of old devices is to find them a new home with someone who will still use them. 

    Giving away or selling old kitchen appliances is an environmentally friendly way to get rid of them.

    First, you need to determine if the device is still working. 

    If it is, then you can either donate it or sell it.

    Unplug The Appliance

    Unplug the device or appliance to allow it to cool down for a day or two.

    You'll also want to coil up the cables and group all the parts together to make it easier to transport.

    Check Logins & Sign Out

    The general policy is that if the device is electronic, the passwords must be removed or changed and any existing profiles signed out.

    If it has a battery, it’ll also need to be removed.

    Some electronics may also have the wheelie bin symbol, which means that it complies with e-waste regulations, is considered an electronic product, and should be recycled.

    Can Household Appliances Be Disposed of With Regular Trash & Recycling?

    No, don't put the device in the garbage or next to the recycling bin; take it to your nearest recycling centre. 

    E-waste recycling programs are designed to handle electronics, and mixing your kitchen appliances with other recycling can result in additional items not being recycled.

    You may be able to contact your local recycling program and request that they accept an article for an additional fee. 

    This is particularly useful if your item is enormous, like a refrigerator. 

    Let's take a look at all your options. 

    Option 1: Take Your Device To A Recycling Centre

    This is usually a free option for recycling your old device. 

    You can find local recycling centres online. 

    Many cities have a public recycling centre, but if you use a private company, make sure they can handle e-waste by choosing an e-Steward certified company.

    Option 2: Head On Over To A Scrap Metal Recycler

    This is free, and in some cases, recyclers may even offer cash based on the weight of the device. 

    Option 3: Check If The Brand In Question Has A Recycling Program

    Some manufacturers offer free recycling programs for their electronics or similar items made by other manufacturers.

    Why You Should Recycle Household Appliances

    You should recycle your old appliances because it will make your home less cluttered and will help the environment.

    Any electronic device, or device in general, will wear out over time and need to be replaced.

    See all the reasons below: 

    Pollution

    One of the obvious reasons for recommending recycling is to protect the environment from pollution. 

    Household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, etc. are made from materials that can cause serious problems when thrown into the landfill. 

    The devices slowly leak chemicals such as lead, mercury, etc. while releasing harmful gases called chlorofluorocarbons. 

    This pollutes the environment and destroys the ozone layer at the same time. 

    It’s Illegal to Dump

    It’s illegal to dump, so why risk prosecution?

    Minnesota and several other US states, including Illinois, New York, and California, have banned the disposal of electronics and other gadgets in landfills. 

    Collect & Reuse Waste

    By collecting and reusing waste, many manufacturers and crafty individuals can create new appliances. 

    Most household appliances are made of aluminum, steel, and other materials that can be easily recovered through recycling. 

    Help Others

    If you no longer need your device, the best thing to do is help others and give it to someone else who can continue using it until it becomes obsolete. 

    Many companies are willing to accept old and unwanted items. 

    They’ll recycle these devices and give them to charity. 

    Conserve Energy & The Environment

    According to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling one million laptops will conserve energy and electricity used by 3,657 homes in one year! 3

    As was already said, recycling household appliances will cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and mining, which will help keep natural resources safe.

    How To Prepare Your Household Appliances for Recycling

    When it comes to preparing your household appliances for recycling, the process is fairly simple.

    First, determine if there is a recycling centre nearby or if you’ll be donating/selling the item, as this will help you in preparing the item.

    In most cases, you’ll start by removing the batteries, if the device uses any.

    Next

    Identify any loose or detachable parts and put them aside.

    If possible, pack the device and its accessories into a box for transportation. 

    Common Questions

    Can I Recycle Household Appliances in My Curbside Recycling Program?

    What Types of Recyclable Material Do Household Appliances Contain?

    Can I Make Money Recycling Household Appliances?

    Should I Remove the Battery Before Recycling Household Appliances?

    Do Electronics Manufacturers Offer Recycling for Household Appliances?

    What Are the Electronics Recycling Certifications I Should Be Asking About?

    How Are Household Electronics Recycled?

    In Conclusion

    Recycling household appliances is a fairly straightforward process and can easily become standard practice in many homes.

    Every small change makes a difference. 

    So the next time you’re looking to replace an appliance, first ask yourself: What will I be doing with the old household appliance?

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