How To Dispose of a Dehumidifier: A Safe and Simple Guide

How To Dispose of a Dehumidifier: A Safe and Simple Guide

That old dehumidifier sitting in your basement or storage closet isn't doing much good, but you can’t just drag it to the curb. Most units contain refrigerant that requires special handling, so tossing one out with your regular trash isn't an option. 

Fortunately, there are several ways to let this old appliance go, whether it stopped working years ago or still has some life left in it. Read on to discover how to dispose of a dehumidifier properly and safely. We’ll cover everything from preparing your unit for recycling to finding a local appliance disposal option or junk removal service.

Proper Dehumidifier Disposal Matters

There's a lot going on inside your old dehumidifier: Most units contain refrigerant that circulates through a sealed system to remove moisture from the air. This is typically Freon for older models and HFCs for newer ones. Releasing these chemicals into the atmosphere can damage the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. 

This potential damage is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates refrigerant recovery and requires proper handling when you scrap an appliance like a dehumidifier. Leaving it out for curbside pickup with your household garbage may violate your local waste management rules.

Dehumidifiers also contain metal components like compressors, copper coils, and wiring that can be recovered and reused. Taking your unit to an appliance recycling facility keeps this usable scrap metal out of the landfill. 

What to Do Before You Dispose of a Dehumidifier

No matter where your old dehumidifier’s headed, the basic prep’s the same. Here's how to get the unit ready for disposal without damaging the parts that require special handling. 

Unplug It and Let It Sit

Turn off the dehumidifier, and unplug it from the wall. Give it some time to cool down, and allow any remaining water to collect in the tank before you take the next step.

Empty and Clean It

Pull out the water tank, and pour any collected liquid down the drain. Wipe the inside of the water tank and the outside of the dehumidifier with a clean cloth, and let everything air dry. This prevents leftover water from leaking into your car or onto the floor when you move the unit. It also helps prevent mold, which is especially important if you’re selling or donating the appliance—you wouldn’t want the next owner to deal with mold and mildew.

Remove Accessories

Remove and clean the dehumidifier’s air filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. The filter is a fine mesh screen typically located on the front or back grille. Then, set aside any loose accessories, like the drainage hose, and remove the wheels. 

Take Care Around The Refrigerant System

Never cut, puncture, or dismantle a dehumidifier’s refrigerant lines or compressor. The system can contain pressurized refrigerant, and intentionally venting it is prohibited under federal law. 

If you’re getting your dehumidifier serviced, refrigerant recovery requires an EPA Section 608-certified technician. To dispose of a unit that contains refrigerant, you don't need a certified technician, but you do need equipment that meets the EPA’s standards, like an EPA-Certified Refrigerant Recovery Machine and EPA-Approved Recovery Cylinders. Because of this, only qualified staff at recycling and waste centers should do it. 

Check for Damage

Take a quick look at the unit before you move it. Check the casing for cracks, inspect the power cord, and see if there’s any oil leaking around the compressor.

A cracked water tank is one thing, but any damage to the dehumidifier’s sealed refrigeration system needs immediate attention. Instead of trying to repair or open it yourself, tell your recycling facility or junk removal provider about any suspected issues when you arrange the drop-off or pickup. The pros can help you safely handle your machine. 

Secure the Cord and Keep the Unit Upright

Wrap the power cord loosely, and secure it against the side of the dehumidifier so you don’t trip while you’re carrying the unit. Reinstall the dry water tank unless the receiving facility asks you to leave it out. Store and transport the appliance upright. 

How To Get Rid of a Dehumidifier: 4 Safe Options

Depending on how much time, effort, and money you want to put toward this task, here are four avenues to explore. 

1. Recycle It 

Local centers are typically where to recycle a dehumidifier. The staff at recycling facilities remove refrigerant safely and recover reusable materials like copper coils and wiring. Before you make the trip, call to confirm they'll accept your unit and find out if they charge a disposal fee.

2. Retailer Haul-Away 

If you're shopping for a replacement dehumidifier, some appliance stores offer haul-away services. They'll deliver a new unit to your home or workplace and remove the old one. Acceptance rules vary by company and location, so check with your local retailers to see if they’ll take it off your hands. Some programs exclude certain appliances or charge additional fees. 

3. Municipal Waste Management 

Your local waste management department may offer pickup or drop-off for appliances. In most cases, waste management won’t collect dehumidifiers with your other garbage due to the refrigerant and electronic waste. Get in touch with your city, county, or Department of Public Works to find out which services are available.  

4. Junk Removal

A junk removal company can save you from loading a bulky dehumidifier into your car and tracking down a nearby recycling facility yourself. These professionals handle all the heavy lifting, from removing and loading the unit to hauling it to the recycling center. 

Junk removal companies like College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving take the weight off your shoulders. Our teams offer convenient appliance removal and prioritize responsible recycling—we recycle or donate up to 70% of everything we haul away. Contact your local team to schedule a pickup time that works for you. 

How To Dispose of an Old Dehumidifier That Still Works

Your old dehumidifier might still be useful, so pass it on to enjoy a second life. Keep your appliance in circulation by checking whether you can fix, donate, or sell it.

Here are a few signs your dehumidifier is worth passing on to someone else: 

• It’s still fairly new: A unit that's less than five years old may have some good years left in it, especially if the repair costs less than replacing it.
• It has minor issues: An unresponsive button or a faulty display doesn't mean the whole appliance is done for. Check the owner's manual for troubleshooting tips or contact a repair shop. 

• It needs some cleaning: A clogged filter, dirty coils, or a blocked drain hose can affect how well your unit works but don’t usually mean anything serious. Clean those parts, and it might run good as new. 

   

A leaking refrigerant system or broken compressor is a different story, though. For a household dehumidifier, refrigerant system repairs are often quite pricey, so replacing the unit might make more sense. Be cautious, and always leave refrigerant-related repairs to a qualified technician.

Donate Your Working Dehumidifier 

A working dehumidifier is a welcome find for someone dealing with a damp basement or laundry room. Consider donating yours to a local charity or thrift store, but call ahead, because some organizations don’t accept used appliances. 

College HUNKS offers quick and easy donation pickup services, so you don’t have to drop it off yourself. Get in touch with our professionals for a free quote. 

Sell Your Old Dehumidifier 

Your old dehumidifier might be worth a few bucks, especially if it's relatively new and runs well. List it on an online marketplace where local buyers can arrange to pick it up directly. Include the model number, condition, and a few clear photos so people know exactly what they're getting.

Call College HUNKS to Remove Your Dehumidifier 

You can dispose of your old dehumidifier in a few different ways. Whether you decide to recycle, donate, or toss it, the important thing is making sure it ends up in the right hands instead of the landfill.

Appliance disposal’s a lot easier when someone else takes care of the tough stuff. College HUNKS will carry the unit out of your home, even from an upstairs room or basement, and dispose of or recycle it properly. If your unit still works, our team will coordinate donation to a local charity. 

College HUNKS offers professional junk removal to clear out used dehumidifiers and other large appliances, like refrigerators, water heaters, and hot tubs. We provide full-service junk removal, but if you only need some extra hands for loading and unloading a truck, we’re also available by the hour. 

Contact your local College HUNKS team to book appliance disposal on your schedule. Request a free, no-obligation quote that’s tailored to your needs today. 

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