Dehumidifier recycling is something many people overlook—until they realize that old unit in the basement can’t just go in the trash. These appliances are everywhere, from homes to offices, and when they break or become outdated, they need to be disposed of the right way.
Why You Can’t Just Throw It Away
Dehumidifiers may look like simple machines, but they’re considered hazardous waste in many areas. That’s because they contain refrigerants, circuit boards, and metal components that can harm the environment if not handled properly. Tossing one in your household trash is not only unsafe—it’s likely illegal, depending on your state.
The Risks of Improper Disposal
Inside every dehumidifier are materials that pose risks when released into the environment. Refrigerants like Freon can deplete the ozone layer, and heavy metals from electronic components can leach into soil and water. It’s a serious issue that impacts both environmental and public health.
A Better Way Forward: Responsible Recycling
Recycling your dehumidifier ensures that reusable metals are recovered, toxic substances are handled safely, and your appliance doesn’t end up polluting a landfill. It’s one small action that contributes to a much larger goal—a cleaner, more sustainable future.
What’s Inside a Dehumidifier?
Key Components to Know
While dehumidifiers seem simple on the outside, they’re actually packed with mechanical and electrical parts. Common components include:
- Compressor: Helps move refrigerant through the system
- Coils: Condense moisture from the air
- Fan Motor: Circulates air through the unit
- Refrigerant Lines: Contain cooling chemicals like Freon or R-410A
- Circuit Boards: Control the unit’s functions
- Wiring and Housing: Copper wires, connectors, and plastic shells
Which Parts Can Be Recycled?
The good news is, many parts of a dehumidifier can be recycled if handled correctly:
- Copper: Found in wiring and coils
- Aluminum and Steel: Used in structural components and the compressor
- Plastic: From the exterior shell and internal trays
- Motors and Circuit Boards: Contain reusable electronic materials
Proper dehumidifier recycling helps keep these materials in circulation instead of sending them to waste.
Do Dehumidifiers Contain Freon?
The Refrigerant Reality
Yes—many older dehumidifiers contain Freon (also called R-22) or newer alternatives like R-410A. These refrigerants are essential for the cooling process, but they come with environmental risks if mishandled.
Only Professionals Should Handle Refrigerants
Never try to remove refrigerant yourself. Doing so can release toxic gas and cause serious harm to you and the environment. Electronics recycling facilities have the tools and training to remove refrigerants safely and legally.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Releasing Freon into the atmosphere contributes to ozone depletion and climate change. That’s why it’s not just best practice—it’s the law in many areas—to have refrigerants recovered and processed by licensed professionals.
Where to Recycle a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifier recycling starts with knowing where to take your old unit. Whether you’re recycling a single appliance or managing a larger disposal for a business, there are safe, legal, and eco-friendly options.
Licensed Recycling Centers
Your best bet is an electronics recycler licensed to handle refrigerants. These facilities are equipped to recycle appliances containing Freon and process metals and plastics for reuse.
How to Find One in Your Area:
- Check your state or local waste management website
Retailer Take-Back Programs
Some major retailers offer convenient take-back or haul-away programs:
- Best Buy: Accepts many appliances, sometimes for a fee
- Lowe’s & Home Depot: May offer pickup with purchase of a new dehumidifier
- Sears: May recycle appliances during delivery or service calls
Local Municipal Drop-Off Events
Many towns host seasonal e-waste and appliance collection events. These are typically free or low-cost and designed for residential use. EACR Inc. is a leader in hosting electronics recycling events.
What to Expect:
- Be ready to unplug and empty your unit beforehand
- Some events may limit how many items you can bring
- You may need proof of residency (like a utility bill)
Recycling with EACR Inc.
For businesses, schools, or facilities managing multiple units, EACR Inc. makes dehumidifier recycling simple:
- Electronics recycling containers available on-site
- Scheduled pickups for bulk loads
- Full compliance with appliance and electronics disposal laws
- Certificates of Recycling for your records
Step-by-Step Guide to Dehumidifier Recycling
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick checklist for safe and smart dehumidifier recycling:
1. Unplug and Clean
Before anything else:
- Drain any water from the tank
- Wipe down the exterior
- Remove filters and let everything dry
This helps prevent mold and makes the unit safer to transport.
2. Remove Accessories
Detach parts that may be recycled separately:
- Water tanks
- Hoses
- Wheels or casters
If you’re donating or reselling the unit, include these accessories if they’re in good shape.
3. Confirm Refrigerant Status
If your dehumidifier is more than a few years old, it may contain refrigerant like Freon. You should never attempt to remove refrigerant yourself—it requires licensed handling and specialized tools.
Let a licensed recycling center or partner like EACR Inc. manage this part.
4. Choose the Right Disposal Path
- Single unit? Take it to a local drop-off or retailer program
- Multiple units? Schedule a pickup with a licensed recycler
- Check fees, hours, and requirements ahead of time to avoid surprises
Dehumidifier Disposal Laws and Regulations
EPA’s Clean Air Act (Section 608)
Under the Clean Air Act, Section 608, it’s illegal to release refrigerants like Freon (R-22) into the atmosphere during disposal. Only licensed professionals can recover and manage these gases safely. That’s why dehumidifier recycling isn’t a DIY job—it’s regulated for a reason.
RCRA and Hazardous Waste Guidelines
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) classifies refrigerants and oils found in dehumidifiers as hazardous waste. This means they must be handled and disposed of at recycling facilities that follow strict environmental protocols.
State-Level Disposal Restrictions
Many states have their own rules for appliance recycling. Some ban dehumidifiers from landfills entirely. Others require that units be processed by licensed e-waste or appliance recyclers. Check with your local or state environmental agency to stay compliant.
Why Licensed Recyclers Matter
Because of the refrigerant and electronic components inside, dehumidifier recycling must be done by licensed professionals. Licensed recyclers like EACR Inc. ensure every step meets local, state, and federal regulations—so you don’t have to worry about violations or environmental harm.
Why You Should Never Throw a Dehumidifier in the Trash
Landfills Aren’t an Option
Dehumidifiers dumped in the trash end up in landfills, where refrigerants can leak, metals corrode, and plastics never break down. It’s an environmental hazard that’s completely avoidable.
Wasted Resources
Old dehumidifiers are packed with materials like copper, aluminum, steel, and recyclable plastics. When thrown away, all of that goes to waste—along with an opportunity to reduce mining and pollution by reusing existing resources.
FAQs About Dehumidifier Recycling
Yes, but only through a licensed recycler. Freon is a hazardous substance and must be professionally handled before recycling the rest of the unit.
If it’s non-functional, follow proper disposal steps. Drain it, remove accessories, and take it to a licensed recycling center—or schedule a pickup with EACR Inc.
If your dehumidifier is more than a few years old, it likely contains refrigerant. Check the label or manual for terms like R-22, R-410A, or “cooling agent.” When in doubt, treat it as if it does and use proper disposal.
Absolutely. We work with businesses, schools, and organizations across the East Coast to collect and recycle dehumidifiers at scale. Just reach out to schedule a pickup.
Recycling a dehumidifier the right way protects the environment, keeps harmful materials out of landfills, and ensures compliance with local laws. Whether you’re getting rid of one unit or managing disposal for an entire facility, responsible dehumidifier recycling matters—and EACR Inc. is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a pickup or learn more about our licensed recycling services.
