How to safely and responsibly dispose of your old home appliances – and the one thing experts warn you should never do

A pink painted kitchen with deep pink shaker cabinets. A large wooden table in the centre with plates on top. A black Aga stove behind it.

Responsibly disposing of old home appliances is vital when updating to a newer model, but improper disposal can have serious consequences for the environment and even land you in legal trouble.

Many appliances contain hazardous materials such as refrigerants, heavy metals, and electronic components that require careful handling. The one thing you should never do is throw them in the trash. Dumping small appliances in the trash or leaving big ones at the curb can lead to contamination, pollution, and even fire hazards.