Whether you’re doing a full-scale kitchen renovation or are simply getting some new appliances, the “in with the new” part is super exciting; it’s the “out with the old” that can be a pain in the butt. How can you safely and quickly dispose of your old appliances in order to bring in your much-awaited new ones? There might actually be more to it than you think. Today, we’re going over what you should know about disposing of appliances in as little time as possible, without putting yourself or your neighbors at risk. Let’s get into it.

Before you start dragging that old fridge away from the wall or unpacking your new microwave, the best thing to do is consult state and local regulations regarding appliance disposal. Most communities prohibit simply throwing that old oven in the neighborhood Dumpster, and for good reason: it can be a serious hazard not only to neighbors, but to sanitation workers, as well. Be sure to consult local regulations about how to safely handle heavy appliances and their more volatile components (like refrigerants and wiring).

If your old-to-you appliances are still in working order, it could be a great idea to donate them instead of throwing them away. Most cities have several donation options, like secondhand stores, homeless shelters, and dozens of nonprofit organizations that are likely to readily accept some previously owned appliances. If you’d like to make a positive difference in your community while preventing your old appliances from going directly into a landfill, donation is definitely the way to go.

This is perhaps the most important piece of advice we’ll give you: be thorough in your research about safe appliance disposal. Refrigerators and freezers contain refrigerant, which can be extremely hazardous if ingested. Large appliances, like refrigerators and ovens, must be unplugged carefully–and, ideally, with your kitchen’s power breaker switched off–in order to prevent electrocution and to minimize the risk of a power surge.

Proper disposal procedures must be followed in order to prevent appliances from endangering you, your family, and your neighbors. If you’re not experienced in transporting or disposing of appliances, we strongly recommend that you don’t attempt to DIY it this time.

That brings us to the biggest tip we’ve got: outsource your appliance removal to a company with the experience and equipment it takes to do it safely. The reality of any junk removal process is that it’s difficult, cumbersome, and time-consuming. Disposing of appliances safely requires a lot of logistical preparation, like time off from work, personal safety equipment, manpower, and access to a truck. On top of that, it requires an extensive knowledge base when it comes to safely handling wiring, chemicals, and heavy weights. Hiring a professional team of junk removal professionals to get rid of old appliances is an excellent way to guarantee that your renovation is carried out efficiently and safely.

How can you find a trustworthy and reliable junk removal team? Look for a company with excellent customer reviews, quick response times, and free quotes without strings attached. It’s also a great idea to make sure that the junk removal provider you’re considering extensively background checks every member of their team and takes all of the COVID-19 protocols outlined by the CDC. Once you find a provider who upholds these high standards of quality, you’ll be well set up for a quick and successful appliance removal process.

If you need to get rid of old appliances safely, Junk Reduction is the team you can trust. Just click here to get a free quote on your appliance removal job, no strings attached.