Can You Recycle Appliances?

old broken down appliances

Can you recycle appliances? Yes — in fact, most household and commercial appliances can and should be recycled instead of thrown away. The problem is, many people simply don’t know what to do with old, bulky, or outdated equipment.

Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, replacing office machines, or clearing out an old storage room, responsible appliance recycling helps protect the environment, conserves resources, and keeps you on the right side of the law.

This post breaks down why recycling appliances matters, what can be recycled, and how to do it safely and easily.

Why Appliance Recycling Matters

Environmental Protection

worker sorting electronic components for recycling

Appliances often contain refrigerants, oils, heavy metals, and other hazardous materials. When dumped in landfills, these substances can leak into groundwater or release harmful gases into the air.

Recycling keeps these materials out of the environment and helps reduce the toll of manufacturing new appliances from scratch.

Resource Recovery

Inside every appliance are components — like steel, aluminum, and copper wiring, plus motors, compressors, and electronics. Recycling recovers these materials so they can be reused, cutting down on the need for raw material mining, which is destructive and energy-intensive.

Legal Compliance

More and more states are banning appliances from landfills, especially those with refrigerants or electronic components. Recycling helps you stay compliant with local regulations and avoid fines for illegal dumping or improper disposal.

What Types of Appliances Can Be Recycled?

Can you recycle appliances at drop-off sites

You might be surprised just how many appliances are accepted by licensed recycling companies. Here’s a breakdown by category:

Large Household Appliances

  • Refrigerators & Freezers

  • Dishwashers

  • Ovens, Stoves, Ranges

  • Washers & Dryers

  • Air Conditioners & Dehumidifiers

  • Water Coolers & Dispensers

Small Household Appliances

  • Microwaves & Toasters

  • Blenders, Coffee Makers, and similar countertop devices

Commercial Appliances

  • Commercial Refrigerators & Freezers

  • Commercial Kitchen Equipment like griddles, fryers, warming cabinets

  • Vending Machines & Ice Makers

Office Equipment

  • Home & Office Printers

  • Fax Machines

  • Copiers & Scanners

  • Scales

Entertainment Electronics

  • TVs (LCD, LED, CRT, Plasma)

  • DVD, Blu-ray, LaserDisc, and CD Players

  • VCRs

How Appliance Recycling Works

old appliances ready for recycling at a facility

Can you recycle appliances without a complicated process? Absolutely. Most recycling companies and municipalities make it straightforward — and they handle the heavy lifting. Here’s how the process typically works:

Collection and Drop-Off

  • Curbside bulk pickup: Some towns offer scheduled pickups for large appliances during designated collection weeks.

  • Drop-off events or stations: Many areas host e-waste or electronics recycling events, or accept items at local transfer stations.

  • Licensed recycling companies: Businesses like EACR Inc. provide on-site pickups for commercial customers — ideal for bulk equipment. 

Benefits of Recycling Appliances

Recycling isn’t just about following the rules — it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to handle old equipment. Here’s what you gain when you recycle appliances:

  • Keeps bulky items out of landfills, which reduces overflow and prevents toxic chemical leakage.

  • Supports the circular economy by allowing manufacturers to reuse old metals, wiring, and plastics.

  • Frees up valuable space in your home, garage, or office — while helping the environment.

What Not to Do with Old Appliances

When you’re ready to get rid of an appliance, avoid these common mistakes:

  • Don’t dump them illegally. Many states consider this illegal dumping, and fines can be steep.

  • Don’t let them sit around. Old appliances in storage can become fire hazards, leak fluids, or attract pests.

  • Don’t dismantle them yourself. Some units contain hazardous components like refrigerants or capacitors that require professional handling.

How to Prepare Your Appliance for Recycling

Before you hand off your old appliance, take a few quick steps to ensure it’s safe and ready to be recycled:

Empty and Clean the Appliance

Remove all food, liquids, and loose items from inside. Wipe it down to make handling and transport easier.

Remove Any Food, or Water

Clear out water from coolers or dehumidifiers.

Disconnect Power or Gas Lines Safely

Unplug the appliance from any electrical source, and if it’s gas-powered, have a professional disconnect the gas line to avoid safety risks.

Schedule a Pickup or Locate a Drop-Off Site

Whether you’re calling a local transfer station or a company like EACR Inc., make sure the provider is licensed to handle appliance recycling.

Why Work with a Licensed Recycler Like EACR Inc.

Not all recycling services are created equal. Here’s why working with a professional, licensed electronics recycler like EACR Inc. makes all the difference:

Licensed to Handle Residential and Commercial Equipment

From single appliances to full commercial kitchen setups, EACR Inc. is equipped to handle all types of recycling jobs.

Follows Federal and State Environmental Disposal Laws

Appliances are regulated by strict disposal guidelines — and EACR ensures full compliance, so you don’t have to worry about legal issues.

Transparent Process from Start to Finish

You’ll know exactly where your appliances go and be provided certificates of recycling to show proof.

Final Thoughts: Recycle the Right Way

So, can you recycle appliances? Yes — and you absolutely should.
Recycling helps protect the environment, keeps hazardous materials out of landfills, and ensures your old equipment is handled responsibly.

It’s smarter, safer, and in many cases — required by law.
Schedule a pickup with EACR Inc. today or find a drop-off site near you to get started.

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