Appliance Recycling Ohio enjoys a widespread, comprehensive recycling infrastructure for major household appliances. That system continues to grow into opportunities to recycle electronics and small appliances. Ohio’s successes in appliance recycling are borne of strong participation by industry and private scrap dealers, retailers, nonprofit organizations, state government and individual initiative. In the mid-1990s, the recovery rate for discarded appliances dropped from nearly 85 percent to a little above 70 percent. Increased competition from imports is cited as a main cause for this drop. When you buy Ohio-made products, you not only support Ohio jobs and businesses, but help preserve markets for your recyclable material. Appliance recycling in Ohio Many of the over 50 million appliances discarded in the United States each year are functional or repairable. Before discarding an old appliance, find out if a local used appliance dealer or secondhand store will take it. You might make some money or help a worthy cause, and you might find someone willing to come and haul it away for you. At least, you may avoid recycling or disposal fees. If the old appliance in question is fit only for shredding and recycling, call around to find the option that best suits you: Big-ticket appliances average over 74 percent steel by weight and Ohio’s recycling programs and steel industry have organized a model system for recovering them. Some programs pick up old appliances, others have drop-off centers or drop-off dates, so get the details from the local recycling office. When shopping for a new appliance, see if the vendor will take away your old appliance. Specifically ask if they recycle the old appliances. Some do not. Most scrap dealers pay for old appliances by the pound. Call before taking your appliance to a scrap dealer. Conservation benefits of appliance recycling Much of the motive behind appliance recycling is concern about the fate of hazardous materials in some of them. Humidifiers, refrigerators and other cooling devices contain toxic chemical coolants, for instance. Consumers are legally obliged to make sure their old appliances are disposed of properly to avoid unnecessary public health risks, and working with a licensed dealer or recycler is one way to meet that obligation.