Getting Rid of Old Appliances

Appliances are among the most common things we are asked to remove, and they are handled differently from general household waste for reasons worth understanding.

Just-In-Time Moving works throughout Washington and Washington County.

Refrigerators and air conditioning are a special case

Anything containing refrigerant, which means refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioning units, dehumidifiers and wine coolers, cannot simply be crushed or landfilled.

The refrigerant has to be recovered by somebody qualified before the unit is scrapped, and that is a legal requirement rather than a preference. It is why disposal of these carries a charge where other metal does not.

The practical point for you: do not have somebody take a refrigerator away who is vague about where it is going. Reputable disposal routes exist and they involve recovery.

Prepare it before the day

Empty and defrost, a full day ahead. A refrigerator moved with water in it leaks over everything, and in a Washington summer the contents of an unpowered unit deteriorate quickly.

Wipe it out and leave the door open to dry, then secure or remove the door for transit.

Disconnect properly. Water lines to ice makers and dishwashers need turning off at the valve and draining, and gas appliances need disconnecting by somebody qualified. We move appliances; we do not disconnect gas or plumbing.

Drain washing machines, which hold a surprising amount.

Where appliances go

Largely to scrap metal, which is genuine recycling and where the value is. Steel casings, motors and compressors are all recoverable.

That is why appliances should be separated from a mixed load rather than hauled with general waste, and why a hauler who takes them separately is doing something real.

Is it worth selling instead?

Worth a moment's thought. A working appliance under about ten years old with no problems has some market, particularly if it matches a common style.

A non-working one has essentially none, and repairing to sell is rarely worth it. Scrap value goes to whoever hauls it.

Check whether the retailer delivering a replacement will take the old one away, which is frequently offered and sometimes free.

Water heaters and the awkward ones

Water heaters must be drained fully before removal and are heavy even empty. Tell us in advance, particularly if it is in a confined space or upstairs.

Call (435) 862-3080 or email office@movingjustintime.com.