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Old appliances stashed away in drawers or dust gathering on the counter, we all have these kinds of situations. From blenders to toasters, hairdryers or broken fans, they might seem harmless but when it comes to the disposal of appliances, they play a huge impact.
Such as, one might think throwing them in the trash is the easiest method, but in reality, it’s not the ideal option as you will be harming the environment. The good news? Disposing of these small appliances is pretty simple and eco-friendly if you know how to do it.
In the following discussion, we will be walking you through the best methods on how to dispose of small appliances responsibly, without all the hassle.
Small appliances are the everyday gadgets and machines that plug in, power up, or run on batteries to make our lives smoother. But one of the beauty of these equipment is they don’t take up much space.
Below is a list of some of the common small appliances:
Kitchen Small Appliances:
Personal Care Appliances
Household Helpers
Whenever a toaster stops toasting or your old hairdryer gives out, the easiest thing to do is just chuck it in the trash, right?
Quick. Done. Out of sight, out of mind.
But, one thing, throwing away small appliances in the garbage can be extremely harmful. Here’s why:
Small appliances often contain electronic components, wires, and sometimes even batteries. When thrown in the regular trash, these items end up in landfills, where they contribute to the growing mountain of electronic waste.
Many appliances contain metals, plastics, and sometimes hazardous substances like lead, mercury, or flame-retardant chemicals. When disposed, these materials can leach into the soil and water, harming wildlife, ecosystems, and even our own health with time.
Most small appliances are made up of materials that are highly recyclable—like copper wiring, aluminum, steel, and certain plastics. When you trash them, all of that potential goes to waste, which can have been used in making recyclable items.
In many cities and towns, it is considered illegal to throw electronics and small appliances in the trash. Fines or penalties might apply if you are caught in the act during curbside pickup or community cleanups.
Just because it’s not useful to you anymore doesn’t mean it’s completely useless. Someone else might be able to fix it, use it for parts, or repurpose it. Donation, repair, or even creative upcycling are all much better routes than the landfill.
There are several options out there on how to dispose of small kitchen appliances. All you have to do is know the right way and it might be much easier than you probably think. Here’s to how:
Before you start looking for disposal options, ask yourself: Is it actually broken? Or just collecting dust?
If it still works:
If it's slightly faulty, someone handy might still want to fix it!
Sometimes, all an appliance needs is a quick fix, such as, a new fuse, a tightened wire, or a battery change. You can:
Many brands offer mail-in or drop-off recycling programs for their products. Some even offer trade-in discounts when you return your old appliance.
Examples:
Before you haul it or drop it in a bin at the store, there are a few simple things you should do to prep it for proper recycling:
Sounds too obvious? Well, you will be surprised to just know how often people forget. Make sure the appliance is:
If your appliance runs on batteries, especially rechargeable, lithium-ion, or button batteries, make sure to take them out.
Never throw batteries in the trash—they can leak chemicals or even cause fires.
Nobody wants your leftover toast crumbs or coffee grounds. So, always give your appliance a quick wipe-down:
If your appliance has multiple detachable parts, like a blender jar, attachments, or trays, remove them before recycling.
Even with the best intentions, it’s common to make mistakes when getting rid of old gadgets. Here’s a quick checklist of what not to do and why these missteps can cause more harm than good:
Disposing of small appliances might seem like a simple work, but with the right knowledge, you can make sure you are not doing contribution to unnecessary wastage. Besides, a little effort always goes a long way!
So the next time your toaster or blender breaks, think twice before throwing it. As there are plenty of options to reduce e-waste and do your own part!
Well, it's better not to! As toasters tend to contain electronic components and metal parts that is not suitable for landfills. Hence, it’s always better to recycle them at an e-waste center or drop-off location.
Stores like Best Buy and Staples often accept small appliances for recycling, even if you didn’t purchase from them. However, the ideal call is to contact them or check their website for accepted items and any limitations.
Most retailers and recycling centers accept items for free, but some may charge a small fee based on the size or appliance type. Such as, municipal programs often offer free drop-off days. Therefore, it’s best to check with the facility in advance.
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KB Chowdhury
