How to dispose of small appliances such as toasters, blenders, coffee makers, air fryers, mixers, irons, and hair dryers depends on whether they still work. Working appliances are easy to donate or sell. Broken ones contain metal, motors, wiring, and sometimes circuit boards, so they belong at an electronics recycler or a scrap metal drop-off rather than in the curbside recycling cart. A few appliance types have special considerations, such as those with batteries.
Working appliances
Clean them and donate them to a thrift store, sell them online, or offer them on a free swap group. Many thrift stores test small electricals, so include all parts and attachments. Check for recalls first by searching the model number on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission site; do not donate recalled items.
Broken appliances
Before recycling, consider whether a simple fix exists. Blenders often fail at an inexpensive coupler; coffee makers may just need descaling. Repair cafes in many cities help for free. If it is done for good:
- Electronics recycling. Many e-waste drop-offs accept small kitchen appliances, especially those with digital displays or circuit boards.
- Scrap metal. Toasters, mixers, and older appliances have steel housings, copper motor windings, and wiring. Many scrap yards and transfer station metal piles accept them.
- Retail take-back. Some retailers run in-store recycling for small electronics; policies vary.
- Trash, only where allowed. Some states and cities restrict electronics in the trash.
Remove these before recycling
- Batteries from cordless appliances, such as hand mixers or handheld vacuums. Recycle them separately with taped terminals.
- Glass carafes and jars, which usually go in the trash wrapped, since they are not container glass.
- Food residue, water, and coffee grounds.
- Removable plastic parts, if your scrap yard prefers cleaner metal.
Special appliance notes
| Appliance | Note |
|---|---|
| Microwave | Contains a high-voltage capacitor; do not take it apart. See disposing of a microwave oven. |
| Mini fridge or dehumidifier | Contains refrigerant; must be handled as a refrigerant appliance |
| Air fryer, toaster oven | Electronics or scrap |
| Cordless items | Remove batteries first |
| Cast iron or heavy metal parts | Scrap yard |
Cords and accessories
Spare cords go to electronics recycling along with the appliance. Our guide to old cables and cords covers loose cords.
How to dispose of small appliances FAQ
Can small appliances go in the recycling bin?
Usually not. Take them to an electronics recycler, scrap yard, or retailer take-back program.
Where can I recycle a broken toaster?
Many scrap yards and electronics drop-offs accept toasters as metal or e-waste.
Can I throw away a small appliance?
Some places allow it, but others restrict electronics in the trash. Recycling is usually available and better.
Do thrift stores take small appliances?
Many accept working, clean small appliances with all parts. Call ahead to confirm.
What should I remove before recycling an appliance?
Remove batteries, glass carafes, and food residue first.
The bottom line
How to dispose of small appliances: donate or sell working ones after checking for recalls, try a repair if it is simple, then recycle broken units as electronics or scrap metal. Remove batteries and glass parts first, and keep small appliances out of the curbside recycling cart.
Hauling it yourself? If the load won’t fit in the truck bed, a 6×10 ft open-rail utility trailer or a 4×8 ft folding trailer (it folds upright to store in a garage) can cost less than a couple of hauler trips. Tie everything down with ratchet tie-down straps; many sites charge extra for loose or uncovered loads.
Guides and tools
Electronics recycling guide · Appliance disposal guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides
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