How to dispose of white goods & large appliances
Large electrical goods for the home - cookers, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and air-conditioners - are sometimes lumped together in one category, labelled ‘white goods’, because in the old days they were only ever available in white. These domestic appliances are all machines that help around the house with our daily cooking, cleaning and food preservation tasks. Our grandmothers may have considered them a luxury, but these days most of these items are now considered essential basics.
Smaller consumer electronics include things like toasters, coffee machines, microwaves, hi-fi or stereo systems, hair styling tools, sewing machines, cameras, clocks, video games consoles, televisions, computers and phones. As these items have become more popular and affordable, we find our homes filling up with gizmos and gadgets we just don’t use very much. Although these smaller machines might fit in your regular wheelie bin, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to throw them away that way.
The bulky size and weight, and the complexity of the component parts, can make getting rid of appliances a tricky task. Here are some ideas to make it easier…
When you’re buying a new one…
Many retailers will offer to collect your old fridge, TV or washing machine when they deliver your new one. Ask about this service before you agree to buy from them, including how much they charge and how your old appliance will be re-used or recycled.
When it still works… If your appliance is in good working order, and still looks nice and fresh, then it may be possible to find it a new home. Think carefully about your own reasons for getting rid of it, and how you would feel if someone offered it to you as a gift.
When it’s worth £££… New washing machines, freezers and TVs are really expensive! It may be that your second-hand appliance is just what someone in your community really needs. You could try offering your old cooker, fridge-freezer, telly, washing machine, tumble dryer or sewing machine for sale on eBay, Facebook marketplace, Gumtree or Olio. Don’t forget to state “buyer collects”, or include the cost of delivery in your sale price.
When it’s a gift… Have you offered it to your friends and family? Charities struggle to accept donations of electrical goods, because they can’t always guarantee they are safe and working properly. You can try www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk or your local hospice or charity shops to see what they can and can’t accept.
Can you get the council to collect it? Most Local Authorities throughout England and Wales offer a kerbside collection service that is subsidised through your council tax. This kind of service usually requires you to make an application either over the telephone or online, and you’ll need to book in advance, which can mean a wait of up to 4 weeks. You’ll need to put your appliance outside the night before, in an accessible place that doesn’t block any roads or paths. Check your local rules carefully to find out what they can and can’t collect, and whether there is an extra charge for appliances. People in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for a reduction, so it’s worth calling to find out.
Can you take it to the tip? Your local authority also provides specialist recycling facilities for the public to use. We know them as the council dump or tip, but they are usually called Household Recycling Centres these days. If you have a way to transport your appliance, you can take it in and leave it to the staff to dispose of it legally and safely. You can find your localHousehold Recycling Centres here!
Can you get it recycled through a junk collection service? By handing your appliances to a licensed professional, you know they are going to get properly recycled. You can check credentials on the environment agency website by typing in their registration details. If you want the convenience of collection from anywhere in the house at a time that suits you, and peace of mind about the environmental impact, this is probably the option for you. Why not let the professionals do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. They will have the right equipment to move heavy appliances safely, and supply a special receipt called a waste transfer note to show you’ve disposed of your appliance responsibly.
At Monster Junk almost everything we collect is re-used or recycled at a facility approved by the environment agency. If we can’t find a new home for your appliance in its current form, we’ll take it to be dismantled so that all the materials can be recovered and used to make new things that people do want.
Get prices and check availability
