Small Appliances

Alternative ways to recycle
Illegal in Garbage or Drains
Contains Mercury
Recycle With E-Waste

Large appliances can be recycled for free at any of the San Joaquin County facilities. See the list of locations

You can also dispose of appliances for free through the annual Clean Sweep Program, which runs from February through October. Only one free pick-up is allowed per household, restrictions apply. You can also take them to any of these landfills.

Consider donating small appliances to a community thrift shop. See the Donation Locations page for more information.

Trash Bin

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-logo

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

ebay

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.

antique-fan

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.