How to Properly Remove Old Appliances in An Easy Way

Removing old appliances can be hard. They can't just be thrown in the trash like other household waste, because many contain refrigerants, oils and electrical components that need to be handled carefully to protect the environment. There are some key things to keep in mind to properly remove old appliances in an easy way. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Don't Disassemble Before Appliance Removal

First off, it's important to never attempt to disassemble your old appliances before you remove them from your home, at least not unless you're a professional. For the rest of us, it's always best to keep them intact to avoid injury and unwanted accidents. If you shouldn't disassemble your old appliances, what should you do with them? Probably the best place to start is by answering three important questions.

How Do You Deal With Old Appliances?

We'll look at this question in greater depth as we go, but it's best to start by figuring out what your options are. Can you put them on the curb? Is there a centralized drop-off for them, or are there better options for disposal? You'll have the answers to all of these questions by the end of this article.

How Do I Get Rid of My Washer and Dryer?

There are many different options when it comes to getting rid of an old washer and dryer. The first option is to consider donating it. There are many charitable organizations that will take appliances off your hands. If your old appliances still have a lot of life left in them, they could be a big help to a family that can't afford them. You could also look at selling them secondhand if they're not that old. Sometimes your old appliances will be well past their prime. If they're broken or on their last legs, it's best to dispose of them. If you're not sure how to get rid of worn-out appliances, ask a Bin There Dump That Dumpster Consultant for help. Make sure your washer or dryer is unplugged before attempting to remove it. Also, be sure the water valves are in the off position before disconnecting the water lines to your washer.

What Can You Do With an Old Refrigerator?

When it comes to disposing of an old refrigerator, many of the same rules apply. Consider donating or selling it first, and if that's not possible, disposal is the only option. Refrigerators and freezers contain refrigerants that must be removed by a certified technician before disposal, so they need a little more planning than other appliances. One thing to keep in mind is to take extra care if your old refrigerator has a water line running to it. It will have to be disconnected first. Before you do this, make sure to turn the water valve to the refrigerator off to prevent leaks.

2. Use a Dolly for Appliance Removal

Appliances are some of the heaviest items in a home. Trying to move them without the right equipment can easily lead to injury and should never be attempted. If you have a dolly, or you know someone who does, it will make your appliance removal tasks much easier. Another option is to rent one from an equipment rental company. Moving companies may also have dollies available for rent.

3. Always Have Help Before Removing Old Appliances

Even with a dolly in hand, it's still a good idea to have help when moving old appliances. An extra set of hands can help you keep them stable as you move them and prevent them from sliding off track.

4. If Purchasing New Appliances, Ask About Removal

In many cases, manufacturers or appliance stores have programs in place to help with removal. If you can have them pick up your old equipment when they deliver your new appliances, it will make the job much easier. You won't have to find a drop-off location or look for any other options.

5. Find Out About Rebate Programs

Depending on where you live, there may be rebate programs available to help with appliance removal. These might be offered through your local utility company or through larger government programs. At the very least, these programs will take your old appliances off your hands. In some cases, there may even be a cash rebate involved that you can apply to your budget for your next big DIY project. A quick online search should let you know what kind of rebate programs are available in your area.

6. Is There Curbside Pickup in Your Area?

There may not be rebate programs available near you, but that doesn't mean there won't be simple solutions for disposing of your old appliances. Many areas offer curbside pickup of old appliances on designated days. If this is an option, all you'll have to do is find someone to help you get that old washer, dryer or refrigerator out to the curb.

7. Self-Disposal for Removing Old Appliances

Sometimes you have limited options. There may not be any rebate programs available, and your city or county may not offer curbside pickup of appliances, at least not when it's convenient for you. If this is the reality you are dealing with, you'll have to look into self-disposal options. You can either hire a service to take care of the removal for you or load it into the back of your pickup truck and head over to your local appliance drop-off depot. It's going to be easier to hire someone to do the removal for you, but it will obviously cost you more. If you can find the budget for it, it's probably the best route to go when rebate programs and curbside pickup are unavailable.

Can Old Appliances Go in a Dumpster?

It depends on the appliance and your location. Washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers can often go in a dumpster, but refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners usually need their refrigerant removed first. Rules vary by area, so check with your local Bin There Dump That franchise operator before you load an appliance, and see what you can and can't put in a dumpster. Replacing appliances is often part of a bigger kitchen or laundry room update. A dumpster rental makes it easy to clear out old cabinets, flooring, packaging and other debris in one trip. Not sure which size you need? Our dumpster size guide can help.