Got an old appliance? Here are the best ways to get rid of it

When you buy a new appliance, the last thing on your mind is how you'll eventually throw it away. They're typically approached as an investment for the future, but the reality is most appliances last about 10–15 years before they need to be replaced. And disposing of a large appliance is not as easy as bagging it and binning it.

Whatever the reason, be it malfunction or just wanting to upgrade to a cheaper, more energy-efficient model, there are a few ways to stay responsible as you dispose of your old appliances.

Option 1: Schedule removal as part of a new purchase

One of the best ways to get rid of an old appliance is to swap it out when you buy a new one. Most retailers offer a service to take away your old appliance when they deliver a new one, often for minimal additional cost. Most importantly, they'll take care of safely disposing of any dangerous chemicals or components, such as refrigerants.

Retailers such as The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Abt haul away old appliances for a small fee when you purchase a new appliance, and have strict disposal and recycling protocols. Side note: they'll also relocate an old appliance elsewhere in your house if the path is clear, so if that old fridge isn't dead, it could go to the basement for extra beverage storage.

Option 2: Haul away or donate

Even if you're not purchasing a new appliance, some retailers such as Best Buy will haul away up to two old appliances along with an unlimited number of select smaller products for $199.99 (the fee is $49.99 per appliance if you're buying a new appliance there).

It doesn't get much cheaper for the safe removal and disposal of a large appliance, but you can research local junk removal services instead. Finally, some donation-based operations, such as the Salvation Army, also offer a pickup service for large appliances—and as a bonus, you can write off the value of the item on your taxes.

Recycling your old appliance provides the biggest environmental benefit, allowing the plastic, metal, and glass in the unit to all be reclaimed and reused. You can look up the number for your local recycling center via sites like Earth911.

Option 3: Turn it in with your utility company

Your utility company offers incentives or pays you outright to replace an old appliance with a new, more efficient one through a rebate program. Utility companies, such as Mass Save and Consumers Energy, offer free appliance pickup and a credit to your energy bill.

Such programs vary by where you live and who your utility provider is. Still, you can typically find out what's available locally by searching "[your city or state] credit for old appliances."

Option 4: Schedule a trash pickup

Depending on where you live, you may be able to leave that old appliance on the sidewalk for trash collection, but you will likely have to schedule an appointment and pay a fee. The rules for this also vary by location, and it is always illegal to improperly dispose of refrigerant or cut refrigerator lines.

Just make sure you dispose of your appliances properly!

Whether you're recycling or trashing your unit, be aware of whether your appliance has hazardous components.

Refrigerators and air conditioners contain refrigerants and mercury, which pose serious environmental concerns when disposed of improperly.

If you have a fridge or freezer manufactured before 1995, its refrigerant likely contains a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), while air conditioners and dehumidifiers from that time period likely contain a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). These chemicals deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.

The foam used in fridges manufactured before 2005 also contains these chemicals, and the fridge's circuits and oil can be contaminated as well.

If your appliances were made before 1979, avoid handling any internal components altogether: they likely contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have been linked to cancer and other health problems in both humans and animals.

While older appliances are certainly more dangerous than newer ones, all of them can pose a threat when disposed of improperly, either to you, surrounding wildlife, or your community via chemicals leaching into groundwater.

For more information on disposing of appliances, consult these EPA guidelines.