Small Appliances Alternative ways to recycle Illegal in Garbage/Recycling & Drains Contains Mercury On-Call/Bulky Item Collection Recycle with E-Waste Small appliances powered by batteries or electricity require special handling and do not belong in a garbage or recycling bin. If they cannot be repaired, sold or donated, please take to an e-waste recycling facility or have collected through the Bulky Item Collection Program. Fees may apply. ⚠ PLEASE NOTE: Physically broken e-waste items (with broken physical parts / screens) should be treated and disposed as hazardous waste, as these items may contain dangerous substances such as mercury. SSF Scavenger does not accept mixed/broken e-waste as part of their e-waste collection / recycling program. Never Throw in the Garbage Small appliances are made from dangerous materials, such as freon, chlorofluorocarbons and mercury. Don’t throw them away because they can leach toxic chemicals into the environment. Medical Devices Are E-Waste Any medical device that is battery powered or that plugs in is an appliance and should be disposed of as e-waste. If the item contains a sharp, a medication, or is otherwise contaminated, it should be disposed of as medical waste. Alternative Ways to Recycle Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will take back fans, vacuums and other home electronics for free. They accept up to three items per day from each household. Best Buy also offers a buyback program for more desired electronics. Find a location here. Ways to Reuse Still Working? Sell It Consider selling appliances in working condition on platforms such as eBay, Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace. You’ll extend the life of your appliance and save some money as well. Donate to Thrift Stores Extend the life of working appliances by dropping them off at a thrift shop that accepts them or giving them away. Did You Know? Absence of Small Appliance Takeback Programs Electronics and small appliances are sold at most box stores, yet few of them offer takeback programs for small appliances. Walmart, Sam’s Club and Target did not have any small appliance takeback programs as of 2015. Best Buy is one of the few shops to take back certain small and large appliances.