How to Dispose of Small Appliances? 6 Options [2026]

Most small appliances should not go in your regular trash bin. Items with lithium batteries, refrigerants, or electronic components (like blenders with digital displays) are classified as e-waste in many states. California, New York, Illinois, and 22 other states have laws restricting e-waste in landfills.

Simple metal-only appliances like manual can openers or basic toasters may be accepted in regular trash in some areas, but recycling is always preferred. Small appliances are made of steel, copper, aluminum, and plastic — all recyclable materials that recover value when processed properly.

Best Buy accepts up to 3 items per household per day for free recycling at all store locations. No purchase required. Accepted small appliances include:

• •Toasters and toaster ovens
• •Blenders and food processors
• •Coffee makers and espresso machines
• •Microwaves (countertop models)
• •Air fryers and instant pots
• •Mixers (stand and hand)
• •Vacuum cleaners
• •Hair dryers and styling tools
• •Electric kettles
• •Irons and steamers

Best Buy does NOT accept large appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers) through the free drop-off program. Large appliances require their haul-away service at $59.99, which is only available when purchasing a replacement through Best Buy.

Most counties operate e-waste collection programs. Search "[your city] e-waste recycling" or check Earth911.com to find the nearest drop-off location.

Many municipalities host free e-waste collection events 2-4 times per year where residents can drop off electronics and small appliances at no cost. Check your city or county waste management website for the next scheduled event.

Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations accept working small appliances for resale. If your item still works, donation keeps it out of the landfill and gives it a second life. Goodwill accepts most small kitchen and household appliances at any location during business hours.

Kitchen cleanouts, estate cleanouts, and downsizing projects often generate 5-15 small appliances at once. Driving multiple carloads to Best Buy or a recycling center is time-consuming.

Dropcurb picks up small appliances and e-waste directly from your curb, from $59 for the first countertop appliance and $10 for each additional one. Book online in 60 seconds, get an instant price, and schedule same-day or next-day pickup. No phone calls, no estimates, no waiting. Dropcurb haulers handle the sorting, recycling, and disposal so you do not have to make multiple trips.

Lowes offers appliance haul-away for $30 when you purchase and have a replacement appliance delivered. This only applies to large appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges), not small countertop appliances.

Home Depot offers a similar haul-away program at $25 for large appliances with delivery. Neither Lowes nor Home Depot accepts small appliance drop-offs for recycling.

For small appliance recycling without a purchase, Best Buy remains the only major retailer offering free drop-off.

Metal scrapyards accept small appliances and pay by weight. Steel and aluminum items like toasters, mixers, and old microwaves have scrap value. Current scrap metal rates in 2026:

• •Steel/iron: $0.04-0.08 per pound
• •Aluminum: $0.30-0.50 per pound
• •Copper (from wiring): $3.00-4.00 per pound

A typical kitchen cleanout with 5-10 small appliances might net $2-10 at a scrapyard. The payout is minimal, but it keeps metals out of landfills. Call ahead to confirm your local scrapyard accepts small appliances — some only take large quantities.

Some small appliances contain materials that require special disposal:

• •Cordless appliances with lithium-ion batteries (cordless vacuums, electric razors, portable blenders) should go to a battery recycling program. Best Buy and Call2Recycle locations accept these.
• •Mini-fridges and wine coolers contain refrigerants that must be recovered by a certified technician. Never put these in regular trash.
• •Items with mercury (older thermostats, some vintage appliances) require hazardous waste disposal through your county HHW program.

When in doubt, check with your local waste management authority or drop the item at Best Buy, which handles sorting and proper recycling of all accepted items.