Appliances and electronics need their own lane.

Items to discuss

Refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, televisions, monitors, computers, printers, and small household electronics may have different recycling or disposal routes.

Disconnect before removal

Water, gas, power, drain, and built-in connections should be handled appropriately before the hauling appointment. Do not attempt work you are not qualified to perform. Mention tight utility rooms, stacked appliances, stairs, and door-width concerns.

Protect personal data

Remove personal information from computers, phones, tablets, and storage devices before donation or recycling. The U.S. EPA also advises removing batteries when possible because some battery types require separate recycling.

Identify batteries and damaged devices

Loose batteries, swollen lithium-ion batteries, damaged electronics, and devices with leaking components should be identified before the crew arrives. These items should not be mixed into an ordinary household load.