How to Recycle Coffee Makers
Drip machines, single-serve brewers, espresso machines, and electric kettles combine heating elements, electronics, plastics, and sometimes glass.
Quick answer
A coffee maker should go to reuse or an appliance or e-waste program that accepts small kitchen machines, not into a standard recycling cart. Remove water, grounds, and detachable parts before drop-off; local rules decide whether any metal components can go to scrap. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Unplug and drain the machine, then remove coffee grounds and pods
- 2Offer a working machine for repair or reuse
- 3Ask a small-appliance or e-waste collector whether it accepts the whole machine
- 4Separate a glass carafe only if the receiving program requests it; it is not bottle glass
Where to Recycle
- Reuse or repair outlet for working machines
- Municipal small-appliance or e-waste drop-off that lists coffee makers
- Scrap-metal collection only where it accepts the appliance
Special Instructions
Do not treat a coffee maker as equivalent to coffee pods. Pods, filters, grounds, and the appliance each have different routes. Some municipalities accept small appliances with metal recycling while others require drop-off or trash.
Environmental Impact
Repair and reuse avoid replacing a functioning heating element and housing. Proper drop-off can recover metal while keeping electronics out of container recycling.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Drained coffee makers at approved small-appliance facilities
Not Accepted
- Whole coffee makers in ordinary curbside recycling
- Glass carafes in bottle-and-jar recycling unless explicitly accepted
FAQs
Can the glass carafe go with glass bottles?
Usually not. Carafes can be made from heat-resistant glass, which many bottle-glass programs exclude.
Can I put the machine in curbside metal recycling?
Only if your local collection rules specifically accept small appliances. Many require a separate drop-off.
Related recycling guides
Recycle coffee makers
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