Knowing how to dispose of a dehumidifier when that time comes properly is important.
Here is a guide on how to dispose of a dehumidifier. Follow these steps, and you will be on your way to recycling your dehumidifier safely and legally.
How To Dispose Of Dehumidifier? - Ultimate Guide 2023
A dehumidifier is a household appliance that helps to remove moisture and humidity from the air in your home.
Reducing the air's moisture can help prevent mold and mildew and improve indoor air quality.
If you have an old or unused dehumidifier, you may wonder how to dispose of it properly.
Below are some tips on safely and responsibly recycling or disposing of your old dehumidifier.
Safely Remove Your Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a fantastic way to combat the dry air in your home, but they can also be a pain to dispose of.
They can also be tricky, especially if you have a large one.
First and foremost, ensure you have everything you need to safely remove your dehumidifier from its place in your home.
You will need some containers for the water collected by the unit.
It could be an old laundry basket or a small storage bin with lids.
If possible, you will also need a wrench or socket wrench and a pair of gloves.
It is always good practice to wear these while handling potentially hazardous items like electricity.
Checking For Signs Of Water Leakage
You may consider hiring a professional to ensure you do not damage your property or the environment.
If you are in charge of disposing of your dehumidifier yourself, there are some steps you should take before starting.
- First, make sure that the unit is plugged in and turned on.
- Next, check for any visible signs of water leakage or mould buildup.
If there are any signs of this, unplug the unit and call a professional for help.
- Then, remove any covers and empty any drawers in which water may have accumulated.
- Finally, move all heavy objects away from the unit. It will ensure that it does not break while moving by hand or forklift truck.
Dehumidifier Recycling
Most people know they should recycle paper, plastic, and metal.
What some people are not aware of is that there are other items in the home that you can recycle as well.
One such item is a dehumidifier.
You can recycle a dehumidifier in several ways. It depends on the type of dehumidifier and the recycler’s preference.
Recycling a dehumidifier is the best way to dispose of them.
You can recycle dehumidifiers at a local recycling center, but check to see if they accept them.
Recycling programs vary by city, so you must not put anything in the trash, thinking it will disappear without being collected.
Some programs require a specific type of container. Others may take all types of plastic and glass materials, including electronics.
If you live in an area with few recycling centers, take your dehumidifier home and put it in an enclosed space like a garage or basement for storage until you are ready for disposal later.
Randall Edwards
Research And Follow Directions From Your Manufacturer
After you have determined that your appliance is no longer usable, it is important to research the best way to dispose of it.
The first step is checking with your manufacturer for instructions on how to get rid of dehumidifiers safely and properly.
If they do not have any information available on their website or through customer service representatives, call them directly and ask about recycling options.
Suppose you are lucky enough to own an energy-efficient dehumidifier and live in an area that allows one-way drop-offs at local municipal recycling centers. In that case, this will be more convenient than hauling around a heavy machine all day long.
Get An RMA
Once you have determined that your dehumidifier is no longer working, it is time to get an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from the manufacturer.
Some manufacturers will provide free recycling, while others may charge a fee for returning their products.
If the device were purchased online and shipped back to the company in its original packaging, most companies would accept it without any additional cost or paperwork required.
If you have purchased your dehumidifier at a physical store such as Target, contacting customer service may be easier than following up on your request by mail.
You can also try calling customer service directly if there are questions about timing or other details related to sending back old electronics.
Double-check That You Are Following All Of The Local Regulations
Once you have determined that there is no way for your dehumidifier to be recycled, it is time to get rid of the unit.
But before doing so, double-check that you're following the local regulations.
- Check with the local government.
You will want to ensure that your municipality has a program for disposing of dehumidifiers and other large appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.
If they do not, contact them and explain why this is important for your community and what kind of programs or services are available from their side, for example, if there are recycling centers nearby.
If they do not have any recycling programs set up yet, then ask them how long it will take before they do and whether they can offer assistance on materials costs associated with disposal.
- Check with your local recycling center.
Some cities have dedicated facilities where residents can drop off their old electronic equipment either by mail or at drop-off points throughout the town.
There may be an option right within the town where you could dispose of this item without driving.
Send It Back
You can also send your dehumidifier back to the manufacturer.
They usually accept your dehumidifier for a refund or exchange, depending on how long you have owned the product and what you paid.
Do Not Throw Dehumidifier In The Trash
Never dispose of a dehumidifier in the trash.
Instead, take it apart and recycle each separate component separately, such as the filter, pump motor, winding motor, fan blades, impeller, case, and cabinet.
You can also donate some of these items to any local charity organization where they may be useful in helping someone else out while they wait for their new machine to arrive.
Summing Up
Dear reader, follow all the steps to safely and legally recycle your dehumidifier.
If you can not sell or donate an old dehumidifier, try to recycle it instead.
Used dehumidifiers can be dropped off at most appliance repair shops or community recycling centers.
If you have questions about dehumidifier disposal, feel free to share your concerns with us in the comments.
Thanks for reading.
