How to Recycle Old Home Appliances
In a world increasingly aware of environmental concerns, the responsible disposal of old home appliances has become a priority. From refrigerators to washing machines, finding sustainable avenues for recycling these bulky items is both crucial and often challenging. So, how exactly can we go about recycling old end-of-life home appliances? This guide aims to provide insights into the recycling process of aged appliances, the types of appliances accepted, and locations where you can recycle them.
How do you recycle old home appliances?
When it comes to recycling aged home appliances, the first step is understanding the process. Most appliances are comprised of materials that can be recycled, such as metal, plastic, and glass. The recycling process involves safely and effectively dismantling these items and separating the different materials for proper recycling. The materials can then be used to create new products, reducing the demand for raw materials and diverting waste from landfills.
Responsible Disposal of Refrigerants
Properly recycling fridges, freezers, and air conditioning units is essential because of the refrigerants they contain. A refrigerant is a working fluid in the refrigeration cycle of air conditioning systems and heat pumps. Refrigerants play a vital role in the heat transfer process by undergoing repeated phase transitions between a liquid and a gas. These substances can be harmful to the environment and human health if not handled properly. Proper recycling, as required by federal and provincial legislation, prevents the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere, which contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Recycling ensures a safer and healthier work environment by avoiding potential toxicity and injuries associated with mishandling these substances.
Accepted appliances
Many recycling facilities have joined the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR), the not-for-profit stewardship agency in BC for the management of end-of-life large appliances and as MARR collection sites, where they accept a wide range of large appliances. Commonly accepted items include refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers. See which appliances you can recycle in British Columbia by visiting the Large Appliance Recycling accepted products page.
How do I get rid of old appliances?
Getting rid of old and obsolete appliances responsibly is a crucial aspect of the recycling process. Several options are available to ensure your appliances are recycled in an eco-friendly manner.
Local Recycling Centers
Many municipalities have designated recycling centers equipped to handle large appliances. These centers often have specialized machinery to dismantle and recycle the various components efficiently. In BC, there are over 200 certified drop-off centers that recycle large appliances. There is no cost to recycle when dropping off at a certified collection site. Find a recycling center near you by visiting our large appliance collection site locator.
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs:
Some appliance manufacturers have take-back programs where they accept old appliances for recycling when you purchase a new one. As this will vary by company, check with the manufacturer of your appliance to see if they offer such a program.
Retailer Recycling Programs:
Certain retailers partner with recycling facilities to offer appliance recycling programs. When purchasing a new appliance, inquire if the store has a recycling initiative in place.
Special Collection Events and Large Item Pick-Up Days:
Keep an eye out for special collection events and large item pick-up days organized by communities or local governments. These events provide a convenient opportunity to dispose of large appliances responsibly.
All options above work with certified drop-off sites to ensure the appliances will be correctly recycled—so regardless of the recycling method you choose, your end-of-life large appliance will end up safely and responsibly recycled.
Where to recycle old appliances
Large Appliance Recycling by MARR is a non-profit approved by The British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, which is committed to recycling large appliances sustainably, safely, and responsibly. To recycle your appliances at Large Appliance Recycling by MARR, explore the appliances we recycle and drop off accepted products at one of our 200+ Large Appliance Recycling locations throughout British Columbia for FREE!
Why should I recycle my old appliances?
Large appliances house recoverable metals, and recycling these metals and reintegrating them into the supply chain helps diminish the demand for new raw materials. Many of these appliances also contain refrigerants, collectively known as ozone-depleting substances. Opting for responsible recycling ensures that licensed professionals handle and dispose of these ozone-depleting substances carefully. By properly recycling large appliances, you help divert waste from landfills and help keep BC green.
When you recycle at a Large Appliance Recycling collection site, there is no cost involved, and you can have peace of mind knowing that your large appliances will undergo responsible recycling.
Large Appliances Don’t Last Forever, But Their Impact Can
Recycling old home appliances is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to environmental sustainability. You can make a positive difference by understanding the recycling process, knowing which appliances are accepted, and dropping off your appliances for free. Take the initiative to recycle responsibly and be part of the movement towards a cleaner, greener future and rest assured knowing that your large appliances are recycled responsibly.