Fridges, stoves and other kitchen appliances can seem like they are tricky to get rid of — but by simply sending items to a landfill, you’re not doing the environment any favours. Of course, some appliances are old and need to be thrown away, recycled at a transfer station or disposed of in another way. But what about the appliances that aren’t too old and are still in working condition?
There are a number of charities, nonprofits and other organizations that can take your working appliances off your hands. Before you donate your appliance, ensure that it meets the specific requirements of the charity you are hoping to donate it to. If you’re unsure, do your research and call ahead. Many organizations also offer home pickup programs for appliances, so be sure to look into the details of the specific program, including any possible fees, before you schedule your pickup time.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the GTA
Donating your old or unwanted appliances to Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin ReStores is a great way to get rid of stuff while contributing to a worthy cause. Just make sure that your appliances are in working order, and you can drop them off at one of our many ReStore locations in Burlington, Mississauga, Milton, Orangeville, and across the GTA. To see a list of items that Habitat accepts as ReStore donations, visit Habitat HMD’s ReStore website.
You can also schedule a free pickup from your home, garage or moving room. Simply take photos of the items that you wish to donate and schedule your donation pickup using our convenient online donation pickup form.
If you’re looking to get rid of more things in your kitchen besides appliances, Habitat also offers a free kitchen removal program. Our team will come to your house or place of business at a prearranged time. The donation process includes dismantling your kitchen, including furnishings, built-in items, shelving and appliances. It’s clean, professionally done, and can be done in a few hours’ time. You can schedule your pickup by filling out the kitchen salvage form on our website. You can also email pickup@habitathm.ca or call us at 905-828-0987 ext. 427.
Alternatives
Alternatively, Salvation Army is another good option for donating your gently used appliances. You can choose to drop off your item at a Donor Welcome Centre, or arrange a pickup from your home. To find the Salvation Army Thrift Store closest to you, visit the locations page on their website. Funds from items sold in Salvation Army Thrift Stores go towards their programs, services and emergency relief. For more information on donating to The Salvation Army, including accepted donation items, how to drop off appliances and how to arrange to have them picked up, visit The Salvation Army Thrift Store’s donation pick up services website.
You can donate furniture or appliances at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s two Hamilton store locations during business hours. The organization also offers home pickup in Aldershot, Ancaster, Burlington, Dundas, Hamilton, Hannon, Milton, Mount Hope, Oakville, Stoney Creek and Waterdown. You can make a pickup request through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s website or get more information by emailing abryan@bellnet.ca or calling (905) 575-3717.
The Leacock Foundation, a Toronto-based organization which seeks to inspire youth in both Canada and South Africa, accepts gift-in-kind donations of appliances. Donated items help the organization to reduce administration costs, create raffles and auctions, motivation people to fundraise and serve as a way to recognize hard-working volunteers. You can download the Leacock Foundation’s gift-in-kind donation form from their website. Or, to learn more about how to donate appliances or other accepted items, you can call (416) 489-9398.
Furniture Bank accepts donations of small kitchen appliances. The organization offers weekday service to a number of areas including Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville, and offer non-standard service for Halton Hills and Milton. The regions of Burlington and Hamilton are served by Furniture Bank’s partner, You Move Me. To get a quote for your pickup and tax receipt, fill out a form on Furniture Bank’s website.
Got Junk offers responsible appliance removal to people looking to dispose of or donate appliances in the regions of Hamilton, Toronto, Barrie, St. Catharines and several other areas (a full list of which is available on their website). You can arrange a time on Got Junk’s website, and they will come to your property and appraise the cost of pickup. If your appliance is still in working condition, Got Junk will donate it to charity. Otherwise, it will be recycled. Got Junk will pick up your air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves and other appliances. For more information on how to book your pick up, visit 1-800-GOT-JUNK’s website.
Recycle appliances through your region
Depending on where you live, your region may offer an appliance pickup service. This option is better suited for appliances which are not in good condition, are older than 10 years or that generally should be recycled instead of donated. Halton region collects metal and appliances on a call-in basis, so you need to call ahead and schedule your appliance pickup.
The region of Peel does not collect large metal appliances from the curb. However, they suggest that people in Peel bring their old or unwanted appliances to Community Recycling Centres in Region 6. You can bring a variety of items such as air conditioners, dishwashers, fridges or freezers, stoves and more. For a full list of accepted donation items, visit Peel region’s website.
Dispose of your unwanted appliances — donate today
Those old appliances lying around your kitchen or house aren’t doing you any good by taking up space and collecting dust. So why not donate them today? Your donation of an appliance to an organization like several of those listed above helps local not-for-profits to continue their important missions to help people in their community.
When you choose to donate to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore in the GTA, you’re choosing to join Habitat’s efforts to build homes. You’re choosing to contribute to an organization that believes everyone has a right to safe, decent and affordable housing. You’re choosing to make a difference in the lives of others — and it can all start with a donation as simple as an unwanted appliance.
By Sherina Harris
Updated August 2021 by Abe Cipriano