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

When you upgrade a major appliance in your home, you need to decide what to do with the old one. Your old appliance’s condition will determine your available options, but one thing is clear: don't trash it!

The dump is the least desirable resting place for your used refrigerator, washing machine, stove, or other household appliances. Trashing appliances is bad for the environment and usually wastes a fairly functional piece of machinery. That's why appliance donation is the best option.

Read on to learn where to donate appliances or recycle your items when they are no longer needed, courtesy of the experts at Mr. Appliance^®.

Why Choose Appliance Donation?

Most major household appliances have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years; if you own your home long enough, the day will come when you need to replace them. While you can wait until your refrigerator or washing machine fails, planning your upgrade allows you to budget for the expenditure, watch for sales or rebates, and decide which features you need. Along with these benefits comes the opportunity to help others and donate appliances to your favorite organization or charity. You can also help the environment by recycling your appliances to reduce waste and keep them out of landfills.

Where to Donate Appliances

Donating appliances is an environmentally friendly option that is easy to do. The following organizations may accept appliances that are in good working order, and many will pick up the items for free. Call ahead to ask which items can be donated and to schedule a time for pickup.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

If you have a Habitat ReStore in your area, your choice to donate appliances can help make a difference to communities around the world. Many locations offer free pickup for large items and accept new and gently used appliances.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing help, hope, and a second chance to those in need. 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

With thousands of locations across North America, Goodwill makes donating appliances and other items easy. And it's for a good cause. Goodwill has helped millions of people by providing career services assistance and access to low-cost furniture, appliances, and clothing. Nearly 170,000 Goodwill program participants in Canada and the United States obtained meaningful employment as a result of Goodwill career services programs. While Goodwill does not currently accept large household appliances, they will happily take any gently used small appliances.

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.

Schedule Appliance Repair Services Today

Donating appliances instead of throwing them away is a great way to positively impact your community and the environment. If you have recently replaced an appliance but haven't gotten rid of the old one yet, consider donating it.

If you're unsure whether appliance replacement is needed but are confident that your existing appliance could use some work, we can help. We offer reliable appliance repair services that restore your large and small appliances to their original condition. You can even hire us to repair an appliance you intend to donate. Contact Mr. Appliance today!