When replacing an old appliance, proper disposal is essential for environmental health and sustainability. It's no secret that these appliances can be big, bulky, and difficult to move on your own, so you may think that recycling options are limited. However, there are more possibilities than you might realize, such as scrap metal recycling. Here are a few ideas for giving new life to an old appliance.

What Can You Do With Old Appliances?

1. Scrap

A scrap metal recycling center will be glad to take an old appliance off your hands. They will dismantle it and sell the parts made of ferrous metals like steel and iron. Other components, such as glass or plastic pieces, will also be recycled. Some recycling services will pick up large items like appliances, but if they don't, a junk removal company can transport the item to the location for a nominal fee. Additionally, the recycling center will likely be willing to pay for the scrap, so you'll have extra money to pay for the junk remover or to put toward another expense.

2. Swap

If you're buying a new appliance to replace the old one, the retailer might haul the older model away for you. When shopping for appliances, look for retailers who offer this helpful service. In most cases, retailers won't just toss the item into a landfill; they will take the time to scrap the available metal and ensure proper recycling of all usable components.

3. Sell or Donate

Many older appliances still have some life left in them, which means they can go to other homes and be put to good use. While you likely won't fetch the full retail value, you can still earn a small profit and have peace of mind knowing the item isn't sitting in a landfill. Donating is another good option, but you won't walk away with a profit—only the knowledge that you're helping someone else, which can be even more rewarding. To avoid the hassle of hauling the appliance, let the buyer or recipient know beforehand that they must move and transport the item from your property.

If you have an old appliance to put toward scrap metal recycling, trust Phipps Auto Parts. Since 1980, they have served the Goshen, OH, area. They pay cash for various recyclable items, including appliances, junk cars, radiators, vehicle batteries, and engines, and they offer towing services as well. Call (513) 722-2034 to request a quote, or visit them online to browse their list of accepted items.