Tips for Your Home > Kitchen 

Appliances

Each year, New York City residents discard about 170,000 large appliances, like washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, hot water heaters, and stoves. New Yorkers also discard about 2.2 million small appliances, such as toasters, blenders, hair dryers, food processors, and bread makers, annually. All of these appliances add up to about 64,000 tons of waste every year. A little more than half of the unwanted large appliances are recycled.

Consider the benefits, both in cost and waste reduction, of purchasing appliances that are made well and built to last, keeping them running efficiently, and donating or recycling them when they are no longer wanted. A better quality appliance may cost more initially, but it will perform better, last longer, save money over its lifetime, and prevent waste.

For more information on purchasing appliances, visit the appliance store in our shopping tips.

Reduce

When you shop, compare brands and models, and ask about warranties. Chances are the stronger the warranty, the more confidence a company has in the quality of their product. A little research up front will save you money and hassles in the long run.

Check Consumer Reports to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of an appliance before purchasing it.

When shopping for appliances:

Look for fewer moving parts, buttons, or digital electronic readouts that could break. Simpler is better.

Look for stainless steel construction, rather than plastic, for durability and recyclability at the end of the product’s life.

Check for the ENERGY STAR® label; these products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.

Reuse

Consider purchasing used appliances. Many places that accept appliances as donations also sell them. Or check out local bulletin boards and exchange listings. Shop for quality, just as you would with a new item.

Donate working appliances to a charitable organization, or to a local group such as a shelter, church, or youth organization, which may accept appliances for their own use or sell them to raise money. Some will pick up items from your home.

Sell your working appliances through a yard sale, the classifieds, or on consignment.

See new homes for old stuff for places to donate, give away, sell, or purchase used appliances.

ALSO SEE recycling for information on how to recycle metal appliances and the appliances section in resources for links to additional information.

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