You’ve decided it’s time to part ways with your old appliance. The thought of paying landfill fees to get rid of it doesn’t sit well with you. You’re looking for a better solution. While some people may get creative with repurposing old appliances, you’re seeking more conventional recycling options that are cost-effective. Garret Bergstrom, a Licensed Appliance Repair Technician at Frontdoor, shared insights on safely disposing of large appliances, with refrigerators being particularly challenging due to refrigerants. Bergstrom debunked the misconception that landfill fees are unavoidable, revealing crafty solutions.
Here are some options and costs to consider:
Garret Bergstrom mentioned that many municipalities offer free appliance disposal through events or scheduled pickups. Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace can also help find takers for old appliances. Selling online, utilizing retailer trade-ins, or delivering appliances to scrap metal facilities are other viable options. While some situations may require paying landfill fees, Bergstrom noted that costs typically range from $5 to $15 for standard appliances, with higher fees for items containing refrigerants.
What you should know about recycling old appliances instead of junking them
While scrap metal facilities offer no-fee disposal, Bergstrom emphasized the importance of environmentally conscious practices. He recommended taking appliances to recycling landfills for safer disposal. Recycling ensures that metals, fluids, and refrigerants are recovered and reused in compliance with EPA standards. Additionally, recycling appliances allows for the recovery of valuable materials like copper, steel, aluminum, and circuitry, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
