Once you have made the decision to upgrade one or more of the major appliances in your home, you'll need to decide what to do with the old ones. Whether or not they are in good working order will determine your available options, but one thing is clear: don't trash it! Whether out of concern for the environment or a desire to help others, the dump is the least desirable resting place for your used refrigerator, washing machine, stove, or other household appliances. Read on to learn where to donate appliances or recycle your items when they are no longer needed, courtesy of the experts at Mr. Appliance®.
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Why Donate Appliances?
Most major household appliances have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, and if you own your home long enough the day will come when you will need to replace them. While you can wait until your refrigerator or washing machine ceases to work altogether, planning your upgrade in advance gives you the opportunity to prepare for the expenditure, watch for sales or rebates, and decide which features you need. Along with these benefits comes the ability to help those who are less fortunate by donating your used appliances to your favorite organization or charity, and those who are no longer working might be able to be recycled, in order to reduce waste and keep them out of the landfill.
Where to Donate Appliances
Donating appliances is an environmentally friendly option that is easy to do. Appliances that are in good working order may be accepted by the following organizations, and many will pick up the items for free. Call ahead to ask which items can be donated and to schedule a time for pickup:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
If you have a Habitat ReStore in your area your donation can help make a difference to communities around the world. Many locations offer free pickup for large items and they accept both new and gently used appliances.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing help, hope, and a second chance to those in need. Many donated items including appliances are tax-deductible, but not all items are accepted at every location so it's important to call in advance to schedule a free pickup or arrange to drop your items off.
Goodwill Industries
With over 7,000 locations across the U.S., Goodwill makes it easy to donate your items. While Goodwill does not currently accept large household appliances they will happily take any gently used small appliances.
Community Thrift Stores
Call around to your local thrift stores to see which ones will accept your household appliances. Many will happily pick up your working appliances, and you can feel good knowing the proceeds from the sale will be used to support a local charity or worthwhile cause.
Churches
Churches and non-profit groups may take your large appliances for families in need within your community.
Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD)
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Responsible Appliance Disposal program has been in place since 2006, and most partner programs will help you dispose of your old refrigerated appliances and may even offer a financial incentive to do so. Appliances are sent to a recycling facility that utilizes best practices for handling environmentally harmful substances such as freon for safe disposal.
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FAQs About Appliance Donation
Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about appliance donation.
What are the tax benefits of appliance donation?
When you donate appliances in good working condition to qualified charitable organizations, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. The amount you can deduct depends on the fair market value of your donated items. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Salvation Army will provide you with a donation receipt, which you'll need when filing your taxes.
Remember to take clear photos of your donated appliances and keep detailed records of their condition, approximate age, and original cost. For specific guidance on how much you can deduct, consult with a tax professional who can advise on current regulations.
Pro Tip: Always request a donation receipt at the time of pickup or dropoff. This documentation is essential for claiming your deduction.
Can I donate a washing machine and dryer that need minor repairs?
Check with the organization whether they’ll accept a donated washing machine and dryer that need minor repairs. While some donation centers strictly accept only fully functioning appliances, others may take items that need minor repairs if:
- The repair is simple and inexpensive
- The issue doesn't affect the core function of the appliance
- The washing machine and dryer have not reached their appliance life expectancy
Before arranging a donation, be upfront about the condition of your appliances. Most organizations will appreciate your honesty and can tell you immediately whether they can accept your items. Some repair-oriented charities actually prefer appliances that need work, as they use them in training programs that teach repair skills.
How do I prepare my refrigerator for donation?
A little elbow grease can help ensure your refrigerator is in great shape to be accepted and quickly put to use by the recipient. To prepare your fridge for donation:
- Clean thoroughly: Remove all food items and thoroughly clean all interior surfaces, shelves, and drawers with a mild cleaning solution.
- Defrost completely: If your refrigerator is not frost-free, allow ample time for complete defrosting before the pickup date.
- Secure loose parts: Tape drawers, shelves, and doors shut to prevent damage during transport.
- Gather accessories: Include ice trays, butter compartments, egg holders, and any other removable accessories.
- Provide documentation: If available, include the owner's manual and any warranty information.
- Remove personal items: Check all compartments for personal items that might have been overlooked.
- Disconnect properly: Ensure the refrigerator is unplugged and that water lines are properly disconnected to prevent leaking.
Following these steps will help your fridge make a smooth transition to its new home, making life easier both for yourself and the new owner.
What should I not do when donating appliances?
When planning your appliance donation, avoid common mistakes that could result in your items being rejected.
Here’s what’s not to do when donating appliances:
- Leave appliances dirty: Clean your items thoroughly before donation.
- Remove parts: Ensure all components, manuals, and accessories are included.
- Misrepresent condition: Be honest about the working state and age.
- Donate recalled items: Check manufacturer websites for safety recalls before donating.
- Offer extremely old models: Most organizations won't accept appliances over 10–15 years old.
- Forget to disconnect properly: This is especially true for washing machines, dryers, and built-in appliances.
- Arrange pickup without confirming acceptance: Always call ahead to verify the organization can use your specific items.
Following these guidelines ensures your donation benefits the organization rather than creating additional work for them.
Where can I find free pickup services for large appliance donations?
Finding organizations that offer free appliance pickup is easier than you might think! Several national charities provide pickup service for large items:
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
These retail outlets accept large appliance donations and often offer free pickup services. Visit their website to find a local ReStore and schedule a pickup time that works for you.
The Salvation Army
With thousands of centers across the country, The Salvation Army frequently provides free pickup for large items, including washers, dryers, refrigerators, and stoves. Schedule online or call your local center.
Local Options
Don't overlook these possibilities:
- Community action agencies
- Religious organizations
- Refugee resettlement programs
- Domestic violence shelters
Pro Tip: Here are some tips for scheduling appliance donation pickup:
- Be flexible with pickup dates to increase your chances of getting a timely appointment.
- Prepare your donation area by ensuring clear pathways for easy removal.
- Confirm whether you need to be present during pickup.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
