How to Recycle a Dehumidifier

Deciding how to dispose of an old dehumidifier can be tough if you are unsure of your options. You will find that recycling small appliances such as dehumidifiers is not as easy as simply throwing them away, especially because dehumidifiers contain environmentally hazardous material.[1] Here are a few things that you can do to safely dispose of and recycle your old dehumidifier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Disposing of a Dehumidifier through a Recycling Program

  1. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 1
    1
    Visit an electrical appliance store. You might be able to drop off your old dehumidifier to your local appliance store for recycling. Make a note to stop by during their trading hours and talk to the person in charge. They will either take your dehumidifier or give you more information on their recycling program with regards to any specific guidelines that they may have.
    • Some places may require that the dehumidifier still works, and sometimes only accept specific models or sizes. Try going to a store that sells products of the same brand as your dehumidifier. They might be more inclined to help you even if you have an older model.
  2. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 2
    2
    Find a recycling company. There are a number of existing recycling programs hosted by companies that offer bounty or rebate in exchange for old appliances.[2] Keep in mind that there will typically be some rules and requirements that you need to be aware of for recycling your appliance. Get in touch with a recycling company near you to find out if your dehumidifier is eligible for recycling.
    • Depending on where you live, you might receive an amount between $15 to $25 for your dehumidifier.[3]
    • Some electricity companies also have their own recycling program.[4] In some cases, it might be more convenient to call your electricity provider and find out if they are able to recycle your dehumidifier for you.
    • Take some time to find a company that adheres to safe and environmentally friendly recycling procedures.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 3
    3
    Schedule a pick-up date. Call the recycling company of your choice and arrange for your dehumidifier to be picked up. Bear in mind that you might have to pay a fee for the service if you want your dehumidifier to be picked up from your home.[5] Make sure that it meets the company's requirements and that it has been properly prepared for recycling before the scheduled date.
    • Some companies may also require a person aged 18 years or above to sign a release form for the appliance upon pick-up.[6]
  4. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 4
    4
    Prepare your dehumidifier for recycling. Take necessary actions to make sure that your dehumidifier is ready to be recycled. Ensure that it is unplugged and drained of water well before your appointment. This makes it easier and safer for transport, and the recycling company will thank you for it.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Finding a New Home for Your Old Dehumidifier

  1. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 5
    1
    Host a garage sale. This is a good way to recycle an old appliance and make extra cash at the same time. You can include other small appliances or items around your house that you no longer need and wish to get rid of.[7] If your dehumidifier is still in good working condition, you might be able to sell it with no trouble.[8]
    • Host your sale during an appropriate time of the year when humidity is high and people are more likely to be on the market for dehumidifiers.
  2. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 6
    2
    Put an advertisement online. If you consider yourself to be internet savvy, you can make a listing and advertise your dehumidifier on websites such as Craigslist. Many people these days do their shopping online out of convenience. Selling your dehumidifier online will therefore make sure that you are reaching a broader market.
  3. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 7
    3
    Donate your dehumidifier to charity. If you end up having trouble selling your old dehumidifier, consider taking it to a charitable organisation near you such as Salvation Army or Goodwill.[9] This will ensure that your appliance is going to a place where it can be put to good use.
    • Donating a working dehumidifier will be especially helpful and considerate towards those who may not be able to afford one.
  4. Image titled Recycle a Dehumidifier Step 8
    4
    Talk to family and friends. See if you have any friends or family members that may benefit from using a dehumidifier. Give it to someone who may have mould allergies or someone who has problems with pest insects, as many bugs tend to be attracted to humidity and breed in moisture-rich environments.[10]
    5. Advertisement

Warnings

  • Dehumidifiers operate by using refrigerants that contain hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFC, which can cause serious harm to our planet's ozone layer when released.[11] It is important that you do not just leave your dehumidifier outside by your trash or throw it away in a dumpster. Be mindful of your environment and recycle responsibly.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Calculate the Value of Scrap Gold
How to
Calculate the Value of Scrap Gold
Recycle Perfume Bottles
How to
Recycle Perfume Bottles
Dispose of Glass
How to
Dispose of Glass
Recycle Aluminum Cans, Glass and Plastic Bottles for Cash
How to
Recycle Aluminum Cans, Glass and Plastic Bottles for Cash
Recycle Biodegradable Waste
How to
Recycle Biodegradable Waste
Recycle
How to
Recycle
Start a Scrap Metal Business
How to
Start a Scrap Metal Business
Sell Scrap Metal
How to
Sell Scrap Metal
Recycle a Vacuum Cleaner
How to
Recycle a Vacuum Cleaner
Recycle a Memory Foam Mattress Topper
How to
Recycle a Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Recycle Tetra Paks
How to
Recycle Tetra Paks
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
How to
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Redeem Oregon Bottle Deposits Using BottleDrop
How to
Redeem Oregon Bottle Deposits Using BottleDrop
Recycle Styrofoam
How to
Recycle Styrofoam
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2718&q=325496&deepNav_GID=1645%20
  2. ↑ https://www.ramseycounty.us/content/dehumidifier
  3. ↑ http://www.njcleanenergy.com/recycling
  4. ↑ https://www.consumersenergy.com/residential/save-money-and-energy/rebates/appliance-recycling
  5. ↑ http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2718&q=325496&deepNav_GID=1645%20
  6. ↑ http://www.njcleanenergy.com/recycling
  7. ↑ http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2718&q=325496&deepNav_GID=1645%20
  8. ↑ https://recyclenation.com/2015/10/how-to-recycle-small-appliances/
  9. ↑ http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2718&q=325496&deepNav_GID=1645%20
  1. ↑ https://learn.allergyandair.com/dehumidifier-benefits/
  2. ↑ http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2718&q=325496&deepNav_GID=1645%20

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 24,857 times.
24 votes - 43%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: September 1, 2021
Views: 24,857
Categories: Recycling
Advertisement