How to Donate Used Appliances
Replacing appliances every few years will ensure your appliances are up to date with Energy Star regulations and keep your energy bills down, but many people struggle with what to do with used appliances that still work. Donating used appliances can benefit a charity, is tax deductible, and gets old appliances out of the house and somewhere others might benefit by them. Most donation centers only accept working appliances, but those that are not working can be recycled. Check local listings for recycling centers for broken appliances. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Used appliances
- Phone book or Internet
- Telephone
- Soap
- Water
- Sponge
- Truck
Instructions
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Switch off the breaker to appliances before unplugging them. It's important to turn off the electricity to avoid electrical shock.
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Unplug the appliances and pull them away from cabinets and walls. If appliances are not plugged in, or have not been used for extended periods, plug them in to make sure they still work.
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Check unplugged, used appliances for damage, such as frayed wires or cords. Frayed cords and wires can be replaced but these defects should be brought to the attention of donation centers at drop off.
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Scrub the appliances clean, inside and out, but take care not to damage the appliances. Used appliances will find a new home and should be in the best possible condition. Use hot soapy water or non-abrasive cleaner to clean appliances before donation.
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Check local listings in the phone book, or online, for donation centers. Not all communities have the same donation centers available, but a neighboring community might have a donation center that yours does not. Donation centers include, but are not limited to, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity.
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Load the appliances onto a truck and haul them to your local donation center. Some donation centers will pick up used appliances for a fee, but not all centers have the means to make pickups. Check with local donation centers for instructions before donating and to be sure they accept the type of donation being made.
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Ask for a receipt. Receipts are necessary for tax deductions on donations. Most donation centers will gladly give you a receipt when they take your donation.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for local people in your community who might need appliances before donating them.
Check with family and friends to find a new home for used appliances.
Recycle appliances that are not in working order to an appliance recycling center.
Small appliances can also be donated to donation centers but should likewise be cleaned before donation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit detail of classical cooking stove image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com
