How To Dispose of a Dehumidifier

If your dehumidifier is on its last legs, you may be looking for ways to dispose of it.

Like many electronics and home appliances, there are local, state, and federal laws that govern how to dispose of your dehumidifier.

It must be done carefully since these units contain Freon gas that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which harms our planet.

In this guide, we’ll tell you the best ways to safely dispose of dehumidifiers safely, legally, and properly.

Legal Guidelines for Disposing of Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other home appliances contain Freon, a form of non-flammable chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas.

This substance requires special handling since it’s hazardous to the environment. When these potent greenhouse gases are released into the air, they contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

In California, you must hire a certified technician to safely and legally remove the Freon (CFCs) before disposing of the appliance.

California law requires that CFCs and other materials that require special handling (MRSH) be properly removed by a Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) or a technician who holds certification for refrigerant recovery under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.

These regulations are in place to protect human health and the environment by preventing the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Due to its harmful effects, there are consequences for mishandling the disposal of a dehumidifier.

Improper disposal can lead to up to $37,500 per day that these illegal refrigerants are released. For serial infractions, you could even face jail time. Keep in mind that commercial violations tend to get the most severe fines.

There are specific federal laws that must be observed when it comes to these appliances, including involving their disposal.

Following proper disposal procedures to comply with the EPA requirements to prevent environmental harm is important. Ensure that you’re in compliance with applicable regulations, and do your research to make sure you’re following the law.

Recommended Ways to Safely Dispose of Dehumidifiers

There are a few ways we recommend to safely dispose of dehumidifiers. Remember, mishandling them can lead to serious legal consequences, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the applicable laws.

If the unit is no longer in use or irreparably damaged, responsible disposal is your best option. If it’s in good condition, you can try to sell or donate it, depending on its condition and age.

Here are a few options to consider:

Local Disposal Services

In most states, it’s illegal to remove units with Freon gas yourself. Make sure to check local and state laws first to ensure you’re in compliance before proceeding with junk removal. You can do this by calling the local municipality’s public office.

Most states follow the EPA regulations requiring a licensed technician to remove the humidifier’s refrigerant gas, which may cost you a fee.

Recycling

Recycling dehumidifiers reduces the environmental impact associated with appliance disposal. Appliances often contain valuable materials like metals and plastics.

Choosing recycling helps keep appliances out of landfills, reducing the amount of electronic waste and mitigating the strain on waste management systems. It prevents these appliances from taking up space in landfills, where they can release harmful substances if not properly handled.

Many recycling centers accept dehumidifiers.

First, contact local recycling centers, scrap yards, or appliance recycling facilities to find out if they accept dehumidifiers. Ask about the specific requirements they may need.

Before bringing your appliance to the recycling facility, drain all the water from it. Remove any removable components that can be recycled separately, such as plastic covers and metal parts.

You’ll also need a licensed technician to safely remove the CFC refrigerant. Generally, many appliance service companies offer refrigerant recovery and will help you safely extract CFCs from your appliance.

Again, it’s important to make sure you’re in compliance with applicable laws when using this method.

Donation

Donating your dehumidifier can provide a valuable appliance to someone who may not have the means to purchase one themselves. If you’re dehumidifier has plenty of life left in it, donating could be a great way to extend usage and reduce environmental waste.

Dehumidifiers can be essential for maintaining healthy living conditions; this is especially true in the Bay area, with high humidity during the summer when coastal fog can bring damp conditions. Also, people with respiratory issues will need a functioning humidifier.

That said, you’ll need to check with non-profit organizations in advance to ensure they accept dehumidifiers. For example, the Salvation Army doesn’t accept air conditioners, so there’s a good chance they don’t accept other refrigerant appliances.

Selling

If your dehumidifier is still in good working condition, selling it allows you to recoup some of the initial purchase cost.

You also allow someone else to benefit from its use, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing the demand for new appliances.

It’s also convenient since you won’t need to disassemble the entire unit. You can use online marketplaces or local classifieds to reach potential customers. The best marketplaces to list your unit are eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp.

When selling a dehumidifier, it’s important to:

• Provide an accurate description of the appliance’s condition and any known issues.
• Offer a fair price based on its age, condition, and features.
• Ensure the buyer knows any safety precautions or guidelines for using the dehumidifier.

Before selling, ensure it’s clean and confirm it works properly before pickup.

Appliance Stores with Bounty Programs

Many appliance stores, including well-known ones like Pepco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, BestBuy, and Sears, offer financial incentives or rebates for turning in your dehumidifier. These offers can help offset the cost of purchasing a new appliance or other home improvement needs.

The process is extremely straightforward and convenient. All you need to do is take your dehumidifier to a participating store, and they’ll guide you through the process.

Some bounty programs accept both working and non-working appliances. If your dehumidifier is still functional, you can receive a rebate even if you’re upgrading to a newer model. They may not accept your dehumidifier if it’s not in working condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Dispose of a Disposable Dehumidifier?

Some ways you can dispose of a disposable dehumidifier are by recycling, donating, selling it, or hiring a professional junk removal service like Nixxit. Whatever disposal method you choose, it’s essential to ensure that you’re in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations regarding dehumidifiers as they contain Freon.

Do Dehumidifiers Have Freon in Them?

Yes, dehumidifiers contain Freon, a refrigerant used in the cooling process to remove moisture from the air. However, Freon harms the environment, and there are strict laws on how to dispose of appliances that contain them. That means you can’t just take your dehumidifier to the local landfill.

Can You Recycle Plastic Dehumidifier?

The recycling process for a dehumidifier depends on the local recycling programs and facilities – if your local recycling center doesn’t accept whole dehumidifiers, search for scrap yards that handle appliances. You’ll likely have to disassemble parts that you can recycle separately. Make sure you comply with all applicable laws regarding appliances that contain Freon, including contacting a licensed technician to safely remove CFC refrigerant.

Need Help Removing Junk in the Bay Area? Contact Us.

There are harsh penalties for mishandling the disposal of dehumidifiers and other refrigerant-containing appliances.

Disposing of your dehumidifier can be a challenging DIY project. Trying to discard Freon refrigerants is bad for the environment, unsafe, and can have legal ramifications if not done correctly.

Need help with appliance removal in the Bay Area? Reach out to us at Nixxit for help. We’re committed to providing an eco-friendly rubbish removal service throughout the Bay Area. We prioritize our customer’s needs while also doing our best to help protect our planet.

Book online or call us today to schedule your hassle-free appliance removal service!