Household recycling
How to Recycle Small Appliances
Toasters, kettles, blenders, coffee makers, microwaves, and similar countertop appliances. Steel and copper with an electronics component, so never a curbside item.
Check local acceptanceLast reviewed July 28, 2026
Quick answer
Donate anything that still works, since small appliances resell easily. Otherwise they are e-waste and scrap metal rather than curbside material: take them to an electronics recycler, a scrap yard, or a municipal e-waste event. Leave the cord attached, since the copper is worth recovering, and take any battery out first.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Test it before discarding, since a failed cord or switch is often the only fault
- 2Donate or sell working appliances, which move quickly secondhand
- 3Unplug, empty, and clean out food residue
- 4