Small Appliances

Alternative ways to recycle
Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Contains Mercury
Electronic Waste

Small appliances may include: air purifiers, blenders, hair dryers, irons, toasters, and more.

Repair, Don’t Replace!
Instead of buying new, support local businesses by having them repair and refurbish broken items. Search for repair options in your area. 

Consider Donation
If the small appliance is still usable, please donate. Visit Athens’ Material Reuse page for ideas.

City Specific Disposal Options
Please check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if electronic waste (e-waste) disposal options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.)

Household E-Waste Drop-Off
Your city or county may offer E-Waste and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off sites and collection events.
– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events
– Riverside County

– San Bernardino County
– Ventura County 

Disposal Options For Businesses
E-waste cannot be placed in your containers. Schedule a Special Waste Collection by emailing [email protected] or calling Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Fees may apply.

Some e-waste drop-off centers may allow drop off by small business generators (check links above).

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.

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.