Don't Trash It! Here's Where to Donate Appliances

Where to Donate Appliances Instead of Trashing Them

Home (or domestic) appliances are generally defined as machines or devices that primarily emerged during the 20th Century to save time and labour in residential settings. Often powered by electricity or gas, today’s home appliances may be categorized as kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers; laundry appliances, such as clothes washers or dryers; and heating and cooling appliances, such as air conditioners.

The majority of appliances have an expected serviceable lifespan. For example, dishwashers have an average life expectancy of 12 years, freezers average 16 years, and standard refrigerators average 14 years. As your home appliances age, there will typically be situations where you might make decisions regarding whether to repair or replace them. Another potential option is to donate your appliances.

Why Donate Your Appliances?

There are a host of reasons to consider donating your old appliances. First, your donation can provide an essential appliance to someone in need. In many cases, the organization that you coordinate the donation with will pick up and remove the appliance, which otherwise might require your time and effort. Many of these items are reused, which is an eco-friendly alternative to items being sent to landfills.

The Case for Appliance Donation vs. Disposal

In certain instances, donating your home appliances is not an option, such as:

• For models of appliances recalled by the manufacturer
• Appliances that are no longer allowable based on the safety codes
• Items with safety concerns, including exposed electric wiring or leaking refrigerant
• Those that no longer function, which are potentially more appropriate for scrap recycling

Is disposal the best course of action?

In Calgary, AB, large appliances are accepted at the City Eco Centre for proper disposal. Extra fees apply for disposing of certain types of appliances that may contain Freon or other chlorofluorocarbons, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers.

Many local municipalities have processes for ensuring that home appliances are safely disposed of. For example, the City of Surrey, BC, has a Large Item Pickup program where residents who schedule in advance may have kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, hot water tanks, and air conditioners removed for free.

Appliance donation should be a simple option for those with an older appliance that remains functional, such as when upgrading to a new stove or fridge. Appliances that are no longer operational are typically best suited for disposal.

Top Organizations that Accept Appliance Donations

Where can I donate used appliances near me? Some of the best options for donating appliances in Canada include the following.

Habitat for Humanity: One option is to donate appliances to Habitat for Humanity. In Canada, Habitat for Humanity has ReStore locations that accept donations such as appliances, furniture, and residential building materials, which are resold.

Salvation Army: With Canadian locations such as in Halifax, Burnaby, Toronto, and Winnipeg, The Salvation Army is an organization involved in many aspects of community support and social services. Many donated items, including appliances, are tax-deductible, but not all items are accepted at every location. It's important to call in advance to schedule a free pickup or arrange to drop your items off.

Goodwill Industries: As a non-profit organization that provides work opportunities and develops the skills of those with disabilities or social disadvantages, Goodwill has dozens of Canadian Donation Centres where you can donate kitchen appliances, clothing, electronics, and more.

Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver: For those in British Columbia, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver is a viable option for donating small home appliances. Examples of small appliances include coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and food processors. Free at-home pickup service is also available.

Additional Donation Options: Local Churches & Non-Profits

Community Thrift Stores: Call your local thrift stores to see which will accept your household appliances. Many will happily pick up your working appliances, and you can feel good knowing the proceeds from the sale will be used to support a local charity or worthwhile cause.

Churches: Churches and non-profit groups may take your large appliances and give them to needy families in your community. Call ahead to see if you can donate appliances at one of their facilities.

Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD): The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA's) Responsible Appliance Disposal program has been in place since 2006, and most partner programs will help you dispose of your old refrigerated appliances. They may even offer a financial incentive to do so. Appliances are sent to a recycling facility that utilizes best practices for handling environmentally harmful substances, such as freon, for safe disposal.

Tips for a Successful Donation

It's crucial to do your homework regarding places that accept donations to ensure compliance with their written guidelines. For example, Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations will accept home appliances that are no older than 10 years old, are functional, and have all the necessary parts and hardware. Some ReStore locations, such as Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, will have their staff assess the value of donated items and issue you a tax receipt for those exceeding $150.

General Donating Tips

• Damaged, non-functional, or unsanitary appliances are typically unsuitable for donation.
• Avoid “overloading” smaller drop-off locations with many items or multiple, larger appliances
• Have any necessary, minor repairs made before donating appliances
• You might qualify for a tax deduction equaling the fair market value of the donated appliances. Consult with a tax advisor.

Schedule Appliance Repairs with Mr. Appliance

Mr. Appliance^® is a leading provider of residential appliance repair and maintenance solutions. Our technicians can help you decide whether to repair or replace an appliance during a service visit. Our experienced professionals can assist you with evaluating these decisions based on factors including the age of the appliance, repair costs, replacement costs, energy efficiency, and more.

The experienced service professionals with Mr. Appliance may be able to assist you with understanding some of the options for your old appliances, which might include environmentally friendly disposal, charitable donation, and more. We encourage homeowners to contact us today to schedule service.

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mr. Appliance® is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mr. Appliance for more information and a professional on-site assessment.