When an appliance stops working and needs to be replaced, your first instinct might be to take it out for curbside pickup or to a landfill. Many of us don’t realize that appliance recycling is an option. There are a number of reasons why it’s vital to recycle appliances rather than throw them away. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of recycling appliances.

Toxic Materials

Because appliances (particularly older, pre-energy-efficient models) contain dangerous, hazardous chemicals, they can leach chemicals into the soil. This, consequently, is responsible for poisoning the water supply. The greenhouse gases that have depleted the ozone layer are due to the greenhouse gases released by these toxic materials.

Examples of Appliances

Here are a few appliances that are commonly disposed of incorrectly.

• Ovens
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Dishwashers
• Microwaves
• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Air conditioners

Toxic Materials Found in Appliances

Here are just a few common chemicals your appliances might contain.

• Flame retardants
• Beryllium
• Cadmium
• Mercury
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Mercury
• Chromium
• Lead

Appliances Take up Space

Appliances like washers, dryers, ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers are large and bulky. They should be recycled because they take up a lot of room in our already-crowded landfills. Furthermore, tossing big items like these limits the space that could be used to store non-recyclable materials.

Some Appliances Can be Reused

An old fridge might not match your new kitchen’s decor. That doesn’t mean it should be tossed or recycled just yet. Your “trash” could be another family’s treasure. Therefore, it could also give a homeless shelter or other charitable organization the food storage solution it needs. Just try calling around before committing to throwing an appliance away.

Recycling Appliances

When you buy a new appliance, be sure to check with the company to ask if they will recycle your old appliance. If not, there are other options. Try calling a scrap metal recycling company or a company like JDog Junk Removal & Hauling with the right connections. JDog Junk Removal & Hauling has the resources to get your appliance hauled away and recycled. So contact us today by calling 844-GET-JDOG to schedule a pickup. We’ll haul your old appliance to be recycled.