Disposing of an old refridgerator

[mamamoon89]

My aunt has a leaking refrigerator (it is at least 15-20 years old but probably more) that is damaging the surrounding floor area. We can't afford to have it repaired, and are thinking that given how old it is, it probably doesn't make sense to do so even if it we could. We are getting her a mini-fridge to replace it but need to figure out something to do with the old one. I hate to take things to the landfill, but am not sure what else to do with it...the problem with that is that we don't have a truck to take it out there, and neither does anyone else in my family, so we would probably have to rent one, which is really expensive, especially since she lives way out, so the mileage for a U-Haul would really add up, on top of the fees at the dump. What would be the ecological consequences of leaving it out in her yard for the time being? It sounds so awful, but I have no idea what else to do with it and it can't stay in her house.
Any advice would be appreciated!

[MrsMike]

Are you in the US? If so, give Best Buy a call. They have a good recycling program country-wide. They may be able to help you.
Also, check Earth911

[ace06]

Washer and dryer

I recently purchased a new washer and dryer and elected not to have them haul it away. I thought I would be able to make some money off selling them, however, I haven't had any luck. Where can I dispose of a washer and dryer?

[happysmileylady]

You can try listing it on freecycle or craigslist in the free section. If it's leaking/not working you are not likely to sell it, but you could TRY to even put it on CL for like $5. Around here something like that would go in a heartbeat, even for $5. People take them and yank the copper tubing and other metals and recycle that. And even if it doesn't go after a post on CL, just putting it on the curb the day before trash day, there are a few trash pickers around here who comb our neighborhood that evening and would snatch up something like that immediately. I was able to get rid of a totally non functioning dishwasher with a ad on CL.

If for some reason that doesn't get rid of it, try checking around for metal recycling places nearby. They will actually pay for these things (which is why appliances go fast for free around here-people haul off someone's free appliance, then sell it to the metal place and make money, some folks nearly make a living off it.) One of the places around here they sell to is Omnisource. I don't know if they have a location near you, but you can check their website. I also don't know if they will tak the whole appliance, or if you have to take the metal out and just sell them that, which could be a lot of work, I am not sure what all they can take too. And I am pretty sure you have to haul to them. Might be worth all that if you get enough money...or not.

ALSO....If it leaks but does still work, maybe check with some local charities to see if they might be able to repair it and use it, you could maybe donate it to one of them if they can.

[UberMama]

In our area, our electric company will pick it up and PAY YOU $50 for it. Yes, PAY YOU! It doesn't matter the age, as long as it works, but even if it's damaged/needs repair - as long as it turns on, they pay you $50 and take it away for you.

Check your utility companies to see if a similar program is offered.

[Denvergirlie]

Put a posting up on craigslist under the free section. Title it something along the lines of "Metal scrap - non-working refrig"

metal scrappers will come and get it and take to scrap yard for a few bucks.
When we scrap metal, we pull out the copper and motor and process them separtely from the main refrig which will sell at steel prices.

Your metal scrapper will most likely make $20 or so from hauling off the old frig.

[catinthehat]

Old fridges are perfect to make BIG worm composting bins out of.  Good stuff!  

[bluets]

Originally Posted by catinthehat 

Old fridges are perfect to make BIG worm composting bins out of.  Good stuff!  

or if you have a yard, you could dismantle the motor part, remove the door, and embed it partially into the ground for a fancy raised bed.  if you attach a clear top, you could use it as a cold frame for starting plants in cold weather.  if you line it with a waterproof liner, you could turn it into a water feature.

[plantnerd]

Most municipalities salvage/recycle as much of old appliances that they can.  I seriously doubt it would just get heaped into a dump.  You could also call for salvage yourself, or try craigslist.  In my area there are people who make a decent living driving around with a truck and gathering metal salvage.