How to Dispose of Small Appliances Safely and Responsibly

Old appliances stashed away in drawers or dust gathering on the counter, we all have these kinds of situations. From blenders to toasters, hairdryers or broken fans, they might seem harmless but when it comes to the disposal of appliances, they play a huge impact.

Such as, one might think throwing them in the trash is the easiest method, but in reality, it’s not the ideal option as you will be harming the environment. The good news? Disposing of these small appliances is pretty simple and eco-friendly if you know how to do it.

In the following discussion, we will be walking you through the best methods on how to dispose of small appliances responsibly, without all the hassle.

What Counts as a Small Appliance? 🔗

Small appliances are the everyday gadgets and machines that plug in, power up, or run on batteries to make our lives smoother. But one of the beauty of these equipment is they don’t take up much space.

Below is a list of some of the common small appliances:

Kitchen Small Appliances:

Toasters and toaster ovens
Blenders and food processors
Coffee makers and kettles
Mixers (hand or stand)
Air fryers, slow cookers, rice cookers
Microwaves (yes, smaller models count!)

Personal Care Appliances

Hair dryers and curling irons
Electric toothbrushes
Electric razors and trimmers
Facial cleansing brushes

Household Helpers

Irons and handheld steamers
Vacuum cleaners (especially handheld or stick models)
Space heaters or fans
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Alarm clocks and electric lamps

Why You Shouldn't Throw Small Appliances in the Trash? 🔗

Whenever a toaster stops toasting or your old hairdryer gives out, the easiest thing to do is just chuck it in the trash, right?

Quick. Done. Out of sight, out of mind.

But, one thing, throwing away small appliances in the garbage can be extremely harmful. Here’s why:

Contributes to E-Waste 🔗

Small appliances often contain electronic components, wires, and sometimes even batteries. When thrown in the regular trash, these items end up in landfills, where they contribute to the growing mountain of electronic waste.

May Contain Harmful Materials 🔗

Many appliances contain metals, plastics, and sometimes hazardous substances like lead, mercury, or flame-retardant chemicals. When disposed, these materials can leach into the soil and water, harming wildlife, ecosystems, and even our own health with time.

Throwing Away Recyclable Parts 🔗

Most small appliances are made up of materials that are highly recyclable—like copper wiring, aluminum, steel, and certain plastics. When you trash them, all of that potential goes to waste, which can have been used in making recyclable items.

Against Local Regulations 🔗

In many cities and towns, it is considered illegal to throw electronics and small appliances in the trash. Fines or penalties might apply if you are caught in the act during curbside pickup or community cleanups.

A Missed Opportunity to Give It a Second Life 🔗

Just because it’s not useful to you anymore doesn’t mean it’s completely useless. Someone else might be able to fix it, use it for parts, or repurpose it. Donation, repair, or even creative upcycling are all much better routes than the landfill.

How to Dispose of Small Appliances Responsibly? 🔗

There are several options out there on how to dispose of small kitchen appliances. All you have to do is know the right way and it might be much easier than you probably think. Here’s to how:

Check if It Still Works 🔗

Before you start looking for disposal options, ask yourself: Is it actually broken? Or just collecting dust?

If it still works:

Donate it to a local charity, shelter, or community center
Sell it or give it away via online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, Craigslist)
Gift it to a student or someone setting up a new home

If it's slightly faulty, someone handy might still want to fix it!

Repair It (Instead of Replacing It) 🔗

Sometimes, all an appliance needs is a quick fix, such as, a new fuse, a tightened wire, or a battery change. You can:

Take it to a local repair shop
Visit a repair café (community events where volunteers help fix electronics for free)
Try a DIY repair (if you are comfortable and safe doing so)

Look for Manufacturer Take-Back Programs 🔗

Many brands offer mail-in or drop-off recycling programs for their products. Some even offer trade-in discounts when you return your old appliance.

Examples:

Best Buy and Staples accept a wide range of electronics and small appliances.
Apple and Dyson have mail-in recycling options.
Check the brand’s website for their e-waste policy.

How to Prepare Small Appliances for Recycling? 🔗

Before you haul it or drop it in a bin at the store, there are a few simple things you should do to prep it for proper recycling:

Unplug It (Safely!) 🔗

Sounds too obvious? Well, you will be surprised to just know how often people forget. Make sure the appliance is:

Fully unplugged
Cooled down if it gets hot during use (like irons or coffee makers)

Remove Any Batteries 🔗

If your appliance runs on batteries, especially rechargeable, lithium-ion, or button batteries, make sure to take them out.

Batteries must be recycled separately, as they can be a fire hazard.
Most stores that accept electronics also have battery recycling bins (e.g., Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s).
Check for hidden battery compartments (especially in grooming tools or clocks).

Never throw batteries in the trash—they can leak chemicals or even cause fires.

Clean Off Dust, Crumbs, or Residue 🔗

Nobody wants your leftover toast crumbs or coffee grounds. So, always give your appliance a quick wipe-down:

Empty crumb trays or containers (toasters, food processors, etc.)
Wipe off grease or residue
Remove any loose food bits or hair

Detach Removable Parts 🔗

If your appliance has multiple detachable parts, like a blender jar, attachments, or trays, remove them before recycling.

What NOT to Do When Disposing of Small Appliances? 🔗

Even with the best intentions, it’s common to make mistakes when getting rid of old gadgets. Here’s a quick checklist of what not to do and why these missteps can cause more harm than good:

Don’t toss them in the trash – Contributes to e-waste and pollution.
Don’t leave them on the curb – Unless your city has approved pickup days.
Don’t dump them in nature or abandoned lots – It’s illegal and harmful to wildlife.
Don’t donate broken or unsafe items – Most charities can’t repair them.
Don’t forget to remove batteries – Especially lithium-ion; they’re a fire hazard.
Don’t mix them with regular recycling – They can damage recycling equipment.