It’s time for an upgrade, but what do you do with the old machine? Getting rid of old appliances can feel like a huge task. You want to be responsible, but figuring out how to get rid of an old stove isn’t always straightforward. Many contain materials that need special handling. The good news? You have options! You might even get cash for that junk washer and dryer. This guide breaks down the best ways to handle appliance disposal, from recycling programs to donation centers, so you can make the right choice.
Although recycling or reusing old appliances is crucial, many people still perceive the disposal process as excessively complicated or time-consuming. Fortunately, there are many viable recycling and disposal schemes still available.
Several common household gadgets emit chemicals or substances detrimental to the ecosystem. Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant is used in older humidifiers and air conditioners, while chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant is used in older freezers and refrigerators, per the EPA. Incorrect handling of either of these refrigerants can result in the release of ozone-depleting greenhouse gases. Some appliances include potentially harmful substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), oil, plastics, solvents, mercury, and more that could harm the environment if they leak into the ground or water table.
There appears to be no end to the growth of appliance trash, with only 6% of small appliances being recycled and 2.1 million metric tons of household appliances being shipped to a landfill in 2017. With the information in this article, you’ll be able to learn how to get rid of old Household appliances in Orange County, California, an area in a way that benefits both you and the planet.
Getting rid of an old appliance isn’t always as simple as leaving it on the curb for trash day. Many common household items contain materials that are regulated for safety and environmental reasons. Understanding these rules is key to avoiding potential fines and ensuring you’re disposing of your items responsibly. It can feel like a lot to keep track of, but knowing the basics for a few key appliances will make the process much smoother. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about some of the most common items we see in Orange County homes and businesses.
If you’re replacing a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioning unit, the biggest thing to be aware of is Freon. According to Dumpsters.com, “it is crucial to ensure that the Freon is removed properly. Improper disposal can lead to significant fines, as Freon is considered a hazardous material.” Because of this, you can’t just toss an old fridge in a dumpster. The Freon must be recovered by a certified technician before the appliance can be recycled. For property managers or homeowners, this adds a complicated step to the process. A professional junk removal service like Junk Smiths is trained to handle these appliances correctly, ensuring they are managed in compliance with all environmental regulations.
Gas stoves, especially older models, come with their own set of disposal challenges. They can contain hazardous materials and pose safety risks that make them difficult to get rid of. As one disposal guide notes, “Older gas stoves may contain harmful metals like mercury, which are often prohibited from being disposed of in landfills.” On top of that, “some charities may refuse to accept gas stoves due to the risks associated with potential gas leaks.” This combination of hazardous materials and safety concerns means many landfills won’t take them, and donation centers are often not an option. For a real estate agent clearing out a property or a contractor managing a kitchen remodel, this can be a major roadblock.
Bulky water heaters and small microwaves also require special attention. You might be surprised to learn that “water heaters are typically not accepted at landfills because their empty tanks can collect harmful gases,” making them a liability for waste management facilities. Similarly, you can’t just toss a broken microwave in your regular trash bin. “Microwaves and other small appliances usually cannot be disposed of in regular trash bins. They contain valuable metals and components that make them suitable for recycling.” Both items need to go to the right place—a metal recycling facility for a water heater and an e-waste processor for a microwave. When you need to get rid of old appliances, working with a professional ensures every item is sorted and sent to the correct facility for safe and eco-friendly processing.
Let’s say the old machine is functional, but you just wanted to replace it with a newer, better model. Assuming it still works, there’s no point in throwing away the appliance. You can still sell it to used appliance dealers or for scrap metal.
Here’s your chance to earn extra cash while assisting someone who can’t afford a new dishwasher. Finding garage or yard sales buyers may be difficult, but it’s worth a shot. It’s possible to succeed with several classifieds, but it’s important to clarify that the buyer must arrange pickup and delivery.
In addition to giving the machine a good cleaning, you should note any dings, scratches, or other damage you observe. Take lots of photos of the appliance in use before posting them online. Use close-ups and make sure everything is well-lit. Remember that the photographs you upload are often the only means of selling your appliance.
If trying to sell a dishwasher privately is not your cup of tea, many secondhand appliance stores or other used appliance dealers would likely be willing to buy it from you in exchange for a small payment. You should expect to make little money from an outdated appliance, no matter how or where you sell it. Considering the machine’s condition and the years you’ve had can help you set a reasonable asking price.
According to the manufacturers polled by Consumer Reports, the average lifespan of a dishwasher is 10 years. There may be problems with the appliances during the first five years. So if you upgrade your machine after seven years, you’ll give away a device that could still be useful for another three or four years. Remember to mention that to the person receiving your generous donation.
You will probably find several groups that would be pleased to accept your old dishwasher from you as a donation, presuming once more that it is still functional and has yet to be sent to the junkyard. When deciding where to donate, it’s good to be resourceful and consider options beyond conventional philanthropies and secondhand stores.
Kitchens and eating areas are commonplace in the headquarters of several other types of non-profits as well. Maybe a “new” dishwasher would be useful for one of them. If you want to donate something, it’s best to do some research first rather than drop it off at the Salvation Army or the first Goodwill you come across.
You may also inquire among your neighbors to see who might use a fully functional dishwasher. Many retirees are living on fixed means and would appreciate receiving a dishwasher or other useful labor-saving gadget as a present.
While it can be tempting, putting your old machine on the street with a “FREE” sign taped to it isn’t the best idea. There is a risk of injury to young children in the area, it can be a nuisance for the neighbors, and it may be against the law in your area.
So, where can you take that working appliance to give it a second life? National organizations are a great place to start. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are a fantastic option because they specialize in reselling home goods and appliances to fund their housing projects. While chains like Goodwill or The Salvation Army might come to mind, it’s crucial to call your local branch first, as their policies on large items can differ significantly by location. Thinking locally can also open up more possibilities. Many community centers, shelters, and places of worship have kitchens and would be thrilled to receive a functional appliance. If you find that arranging the donation is too difficult or the appliance isn’t in good enough shape, we can help. At Junk Smiths, we ensure every item we pick up is handled responsibly, prioritizing donation and recycling to keep as much as possible out of the landfill.
The first two suggestions are only useful if your equipment is repaired. There is, however, a more preferable alternative than dumping your broken dishwasher. In fact, depending on where you live, that may not be possible, as several states and municipalities have banned the disposal of most appliances in landfills.
Yet, like other home appliances, dishwashers can be recycled. When a dishwasher is broken down, most components are metals, typically steel, which may be recycled once treated as scrap. The fact is that many metals, including steel, can be recycled indefinitely and utilized to create brand-new items like dishwashers.
There may also be some electronic components in the motor, hoses, etc., that can be recycled separately. Almost every component of your old dishwasher has a potential second life after being recycled or reused. The most important thing is that it is delivered to the appropriate location. And that’s why hiring a team of experts to pick up and remove your old machine is useful!
It might sound too good to be true, but you can actually get paid to recycle your old appliances. Many local utility companies offer cash rebates when you responsibly dispose of older, energy-guzzling items like refrigerators, freezers, or air conditioners. They do this because replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models helps reduce the overall demand on the power grid, which benefits everyone. It’s a fantastic incentive to do the right thing for the environment while putting a little money back in your pocket. Before you do anything else, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check for rebates in your area. A quick search on your utility provider’s website or the Energy Star rebate finder can show you exactly what programs are available and how much you could get back.
The idea of a free appliance pickup service is certainly tempting. Some scrap metal collectors or smaller operations might offer to haul away your old appliance at no cost. While this can work out, it often comes with a catch. You might have to deal with unreliable scheduling, no-shows, or the requirement that you haul the heavy machine to the curb yourself. More importantly, these services may not be insured, putting your property at risk of damage. For a real estate agent staging a home or a property manager on a tight turnover schedule, these uncertainties are a major liability. That’s why for a truly hassle-free experience, it’s best to work with a professional team. At Junk Smiths, we provide fast, reliable appliance removal across Orange County. Our licensed and insured crew handles all the heavy lifting from wherever the appliance is located, ensuring your floors and walls are protected, and we make sure it’s recycled responsibly.
Disposing of a dishwasher might be a source of anxiety and confusion if you’re trying to figure out how to do it on your own. A local junk removal service offers hands-off and stress-free solutions for disposing of an old dishwasher. They will work to remove it from your house or place of business with as little fuss as possible. You can expect them to provide a variety of services. Everything from donating your old dishwasher to having it recycled.
When you hire a professional junk removal company, the process is designed to be incredibly simple for you. At Junk Smiths, we handle all the heavy lifting so you don’t have to lift a finger. The first step is to schedule an appointment, which can often be for the very same day. Our licensed and insured team will arrive at your property within a scheduled window and give you a clear, upfront price for the removal. You’re never locked in; if the price works for you, we get to work right then and there. We’ll carefully remove the dishwasher from your kitchen, load it onto our truck, and ensure your space is left clean and tidy. It’s the most efficient way to get that old appliance out of your home without any of the hassle.
To ensure a smooth and safe pickup, there are a couple of small things you’ll need to do before the removal team arrives. Most importantly, you must make sure the appliance is completely disconnected from any water, electrical, or gas lines. Junk removal crews are experts in hauling, not licensed plumbers or electricians, so they cannot perform this step for you. It’s a critical safety measure. It’s also helpful to clear a path from the appliance to the nearest exit. Removing any rugs, furniture, or other obstacles will make the process quicker and prevent any accidental bumps or scrapes to your home. Taking these simple preparation steps helps us get in and out efficiently, saving you time.
If you’re looking for ways to save a little money on your appliance disposal, you have a couple of great options. Many companies, including ours, offer a discount for curbside pickup. If you’re able to safely move the dishwasher outside to your driveway, garage, or curb, it saves our team time and labor, and we pass those savings on to you. Another smart way to get more value is to bundle your junk. If you have other items you need to get rid of—like an old mattress, broken furniture, or a pile of yard debris—it’s more cost-effective to have us haul everything away in a single trip rather than scheduling separate pickups. Think of it as a perfect opportunity to tackle that garage cleanout you’ve been putting off.
Get money by listing your operating machines on free local pickup sites. There has been a rise in the online purchase of home appliances, and sites like Facebook Marketplace have made it simple to sell pre-owned appliances in your neighborhood. Choose a local pickup, and the buyer will come to your house to take the appliance, saving you the trouble of moving it. Consider investing in promotion or sponsorship if you need help moving home appliance units online. Before selling your old electronics online, consider holding a yard sale or giving them away to friends and family to avoid the commissions some marketplaces charge.
What if your washer and dryer have spun their last cycle? Even if they’re completely broken, they still have value. Since most large appliances are made of about 75% steel, they are perfect candidates for scrap metal recycling. While you won’t get rich, you can earn a little cash back by taking them to a local scrap yard, which is a fantastic way to ensure the materials are reused instead of taking up space in a landfill. Before you haul it away, it’s a good idea to call your local recycling center. Ask about their current prices and if you need to remove non-metal parts like plastic knobs or rubber hoses to get the best price for the steel. A quick call ensures you get the most out of your old machine while making an environmentally responsible choice.
Washing machine and dryer donations benefit individuals in need and keep these machines in operation longer. If it’s in usable condition, contact charities around the country about making a contribution. Those in need will benefit greatly from your generosity.
While large organizations like The Salvation Army and Goodwill are popular choices, your donation can often make a bigger impact when you look locally. Many community-based non-profits can put a working washer and dryer to immediate use. Consider reaching out to local homeless shelters, animal rescues, or religious centers, as many have on-site laundry needs. Another excellent option is your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which accepts and resells used appliances to fund home-building projects for families in need. A quick call is all it takes to confirm if they accept large appliances and whether they can arrange a pickup, making it a simple way to give your old machine a second life.
Your washer and dryer can be recycled through a manufacturer’s program, which is both practical and environmentally friendly. The first thing to do is go to the manufacturer’s website or call them to see if they have such a program. Numerous companies have started their own recycling facilities to make a smaller, less harmful footprint on the environment. They might promote them in ads and on their websites and throw in a free pickup by purchasing a new, more efficient model.
If they have a recycling program, you should send the items according to their specifications. The manufacturer may arrange a pickup service; others may ask you to take the item to a recycling center. When disposing of the washing machine and dryer, ensure they are empty of any personal goods or potentially dangerous substances.
When you buy a new washer and dryer, many retailers offer a haul-away service for your old set. This is often the most straightforward option, as the delivery crew takes your old machines when they bring the new ones. It saves you the headache of moving a bulky appliance or scheduling a separate pickup. It’s a convenient, one-and-done solution, but be sure to confirm the service and any fees when you make your purchase.
Before you agree, ask about their disposal process. Responsible retailers should partner with certified facilities to properly recycle your old appliances. This is crucial, as many components can be reused, and states like California have regulations that prohibit appliances from ending up in landfills. If the retailer’s plan is unclear, or if you have other items to clear out, a professional service like Junk Smiths is your best bet. We ensure everything is handled responsibly, from single appliances to full property cleanouts.
Hiring a professional appliance removal service is the simplest and most hassle-free way to eliminate bulky appliances like washers and dryers. You can easily arrange for their personnel to take up the appliance from the curbside or at your home and clean up any spills that may have occurred. Many people hire a professional junk removal service to do their part for the planet. Anything that can be recycled or donated will be, and they will carefully consider what they throw away.
Before you can decide what to do with an old stove, you first have to get it out of your kitchen—and that’s often the biggest challenge. Kitchen stoves are surprisingly heavy, with standard models weighing anywhere from 150 to 200 pounds. Their bulky, awkward shape makes it incredibly difficult to maneuver them through tight hallways and doorways without causing damage. One wrong move can lead to scratched floors, dented walls, or even a serious back injury. On top of the physical struggle, you also have to consider local disposal rules. Many states, including California, have strict regulations that prohibit dumping appliances in landfills. These combined factors are why moving a stove is a job many people wisely leave to the pros.
In some cases, if your old stove is still in working condition, you may be able to sell it; however, doing so can take a long time, and you will still need to store your stove somewhere until it sells. Put them up for sale on online classifieds like Craigslist. You should upload many high-quality photographs and include all relevant information that a potential buyer could need.
It’s also possible to sell your functional stove to a secondhand store. A potential issue is transporting the equipment from your home to their location. It’s a win-win scenario if you can find a buyer for your used machines willing to come and take them away.
Your working appliances can be donated, which is always a good idea. Access to a functional stove or oven would greatly assist various important causes and organizations. Imagine places like hospitals, churches, private schools, and daycare centers. Donating to a local secondhand store that benefits a good cause is another option.
When kitchen equipment dies on you, it’s time to get a new one. It doesn’t function, and the price of fixing it would exceed the appliance’s value. Getting some help loading it into a truck and driving it to the nearest garbage dump is an appealing option.
And even that option may not pay out for you. Twenty-two states have outright prohibited the disposal of appliances in landfills as of 2017. Florida, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania are just a few states in this category.
Reusing metal scrap can significantly reduce storage needs. And it helps immensely in the recycling of precious metals for manufacturing. As a result, fewer primary metals used to create appliances and other products will need to be mined, extracted, and processed.
The good news is that you do have choices. Several components of an old stove could be salvaged and put to new use. In truth, obsolete stoves and ovens can be recycled successfully as scrap metal because they are primarily made of steel and other metals.
Even while you might not be able to throw away your old stove in the trash, you also do not have to deal with the disposal of it yourself. Getting rid of your broken stove or outdated oven is a breeze when you hire a professional appliance disposal and removal crew.
Professional recycling services are available for the environmentally sound disposal of used cooking appliances. When dismantling large appliances like stoves, ovens, and microwaves, the junk removal company puts recycling first. The metal is then separated from the plastic and dangerous electronic debris before being recycled or disposed of.
Thanks to the services provided by a junk removal company, you can relax knowing that the old appliances will be collected and disposed of efficiently, securely, and environmentally conscious. A charity that accepts working appliances or a recycling center that will responsibly dispose of your old stove will also do.
Disposing of your old appliances might be a hassle, but our services make it easy, cheap, and environmentally friendly. Using any of our on-demand Loaders makes it easy to donate working appliances, and when possible, we partner with recycling organizations to dispose of broken appliances properly. Don’t think twice about contacting us if you’re in Orange County, California, and need help clearing out any unwanted items.
To make your appliance removal as quick and smooth as possible, a little prep work goes a long way. First, please ensure there is a clear path from the appliance to the exit. This helps our team work safely and efficiently without risking damage to your walls or floors. Most importantly, for safety and liability reasons, professional removal teams are not licensed to handle utility connections. You will need to make sure your stove or oven is fully disconnected from any gas or electrical lines before we arrive. The same goes for water lines on dishwashers and washing machines. Taking these simple steps ensures our crew can get in, get the job done, and get out of your way in no time.
If you’re managing a major home renovation or a large-scale property cleanout, you might be weighing your options. A dumpster rental can be a good choice if you’re getting rid of many appliances at once or have a project that will generate a lot of junk over several days. However, for most appliance disposal needs, a professional junk removal service is often the more convenient and efficient solution. You avoid having a large bin taking up space in your driveway, and you don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting yourself. We handle all the loading, hauling, and responsible disposal, saving you time and a potential backache. It’s the perfect alternative to a dumpster for focused cleanouts.
You may be surprised to find that more than just paper and plastic can be recycled in your home. Large kitchen appliances all the way to your cell phone can be recycled. There are plenty of options that may be available before recycling your large appliances or electronic devices, like selling them or donating them, but recycling may be a good option if your appliance or device is no longer in working order.
Many items can be recycled in your home, including your refrigerator, television, computer, cell phone, stove, microwave, washer and dryer, and mattresses and box springs.
However, you may not want to jump straight to recycling. Perhaps your appliance or electronics is still in good working order, and you have just upgraded, and donation is a better option for you right now. In that case, schedule a donation pick-up with Junk Smiths. Junk Smiths serves the Huntington Beach area and can pick up all of your items for donation, whether large or small. Junk Smiths is equipped with a team, truck, and experience to get the job done. They take the heavy lifting out of donation pick-up.
The Junk Smiths team will ensure that all of your appliances and electronics you donate arrive at the charity of your choice in Huntington Beach. Junk Smiths will also make sure to email you a tax write-off form saving you the hassle and saving you money at the end of the year.
Recycling large appliances carries some large benefits:
Large Appliances
If you have large TVs, computers, and appliances that need to be removed, then Junk Smiths will be happy to pick up items and dispose of them for you. You can rest assured that Junk Smiths will take your items to the proper locations for disposal. Hence, saving you the trip and the hassle.
It’s easy to see an old dishwasher or stove as just junk, but it’s actually a treasure trove of reusable material. A huge portion of most large appliances—about 75%—is made of steel, which happens to be the most recycled material in the United States. What makes steel so incredible for reuse is that it can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its strength or quality. That means the metal from your old oven could become part of a new car or even another appliance. Choosing to recycle helps reduce the need to mine for new metals, which conserves natural resources, saves a ton of energy, and keeps valuable materials out of our landfills.
Instead of stressing out about how to get rid of your old appliance, simply call Junk Smiths. We offer full-service appliance removal, and we’ll take refrigerators. These include ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, A/C units, washers and dryers, freezers, water heaters, and more. Our team members are all specially trained in using lifting techniques. Proper equipment is also important to safely get rid of all your old appliances with no hassle.
We’ll get to your house or business within the same day, ready to haul away your old junk appliances. We’ll always give you a free, no-obligation quote upfront or over the phone, and we won’t surprise you with any hidden fees or charges.
We believe in honesty and quality service, so we never have any hidden fees or surprises – the price we give you upfront is the price you pay for the job we quoted.
As an eco-friendly company, Junk Smiths goes the extra mile to get rid of all appliances. We recycle old appliances at appropriate facilities or donate them to one of our partners
In addition to appliances, we also recycle cardboard, scrap metal, TVs, tires, and more – so give us the boxes your new appliances came in, too!
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