Whether you’re upgrading your white goods, moving to a new home, or simply decluttering, you may find yourself with old, unwanted white goods that you no longer want or need. Or maybe all of your old white goods are way past their life expectancy and no longer work.
When it’s time to finally get rid of broken, old, or unwanted white goods, you’ll be faced with the annoying task of properly disposing of them. To make it easier for you, here are some of the most eco-friendly and sustainable ways to eliminate unwanted white goods.
But first…
What Are White Goods Exactly
Before learning about the different sustainable ways to dispose of old white goods, it’s best to first understand what white goods are.
According to consumer experts, white goods refer to any large and bulky electrical goods used domestically. These items include refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, and tumble driers. Traditionally, these household items were only available in white, thus the name. That said, even though you can now purchase the mentioned appliances in various colors, including black, they’re still popularly referred to as white goods.
4 Ways To Properly Dispose Of Old, Unwanted White Goods
Now that you understand what a white good is, here are several methods to responsibly dispose of them.
- Hire Professionals To Help You Dispose Of Your White Goods
As previously mentioned, white goods are bulky. Thus, they can’t be thrown away in the same manner as tossing out your regular everyday waste. In addition, trying to lift and move these large pieces of appliances can be a safety hazard.
Find a reputable company like Dirt Cheap Rubbish Removal for more efficient disposal. These companies will take anything away, including white goods that are already broken or you no longer want. You only need to prepare the used appliance that you have, and they’ll haul it out of your sight for a fee.
That said, when choosing a rubbish removal service, make sure to choose a company that’ll dispose of your white goods responsibly. Ask about their disposal process and whether or not they recycle the items. Doing this can help you ensure that your white goods get disposed of responsibly instead of them ending up in landfills.
- Sell Or Donate Your White Goods
Depending on the condition and efficiency of your white goods, they may still be good for selling or donating to other people.
You may consider making money out of your old white goods and try reselling them to your relatives, friends, or co-workers.
Also, you can host a garage sale so you can dispose of white goods and any other trinkets you no longer need. It’s an excellent way to earn extra cash while decluttering your home. Otherwise, you can sell your items in local thrift stores or list your items online.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in community goodwill than making extra money, you can simply donate your used and old white goods to non-profits, charities, or people who really need them.
Take note: if you choose to donate or sell your old items, make sure that your white goods are still in decent condition, as well as still functional and energy efficient. Selling or donating an inefficient appliance back into use can negatively impact the environment, including increased energy use and cost and higher emissions.
- Bring Them To The Nearest Scrapyard
Another way to responsibly dispose of old unwanted white goods is to take them to your local scrapyards. Unlike selling to individuals and thrift shops, this method doesn’t involve you needing to check whether your old goods are still working. Scrapyards accept damaged and broken white goods and will pay you cash for them.
Scrapyards break down appliances and other items, taking apart any valuable parts, particularly ferrous metals such as steel, iron, and copper, for reselling or recycling.
Check in with your local scrap yard and ask if they’re keen on taking bulky and old white goods. Some may even offer curb pickup, saving you time and effort in bringing the items to the scrapyard yourself.
- Try Appliance Swapping
In some cases, retailers may offer a swap program. If you’re buying new white goods from the same retailer and brand, try asking if they do appliance swapping. It helps streamline the waste process, ensuring that your old items are appropriately disposed of and recycled for parts. Some appliance sellers may offer slight discounts on your new purchase, especially if you’re swapping still-functional white goods.
Takeaway
Traditional white goods, regardless of the brand, quality, or type, will eventually become outdated or break down beyond repair and become useless. Whether you’re looking for a more energy-efficient air conditioner or you want to upgrade to a bigger fridge, you should dispose of the old and broken goods that you have responsibly. Luckily, you have various options for proper disposal, including the methods mentioned above. Keep them in mind.
