As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, I know that upgrading major home appliances can be a big investment. And if you‘re replacing an old refrigerator, washer, dryer, or range, you might be wondering: does Home Depot buy used appliances?
The short answer is no, Home Depot generally does not purchase used appliances directly from consumers. However, they do offer several related services that can help you responsibly dispose of your old appliances and maybe even save on a new purchase.
In this in-depth guide, I‘ll walk you through all your options for selling, donating, recycling, or disposing of used appliances. Whether your goal is to make some money, help others, or reduce waste, I‘ve got you covered with expert tips and insights.
Why Doesn‘t Home Depot Buy Back Used Appliances?
First, let‘s clarify why a major retailer like Home Depot typically doesn‘t buy used appliances from customers. According to Home Depot‘s corporate responsibility report, they focus on selling new, durable, energy-efficient appliances with manufacturer warranties.
Buying back used appliances would require Home Depot to take on significant extra costs and liabilities, such as:
- Inspecting and testing appliances to ensure safety and functionality
- Repairing, cleaning, and refurbishing appliances to resell
- Storing and transporting bulky, heavy items
- Offering their own warranty or returns on used goods
Plus, profit margins on used appliances are slimmer than on new, full-priced models. For a high-volume retailer like Home Depot, it simply doesn‘t make financial sense to get into the used appliance business directly.
Home Depot‘s Appliance Recycling and Haul-Away Services
That said, Home Depot does offer some services to help customers sustainably dispose of old appliances when buying new ones. These include:
Free Appliance Haul-Away
- Get your old appliance hauled away at no additional cost when buying a similar new appliance priced at $396 or more and having it delivered.
- Applies to refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Excludes countertop microwaves, compact refrigerators, freezers, and commercial appliances.
- Appliances must be empty, disconnected, and accessible for removal. Max 1 haul-away per category per order.
Appliance Recycling Pick-Up
- For $20-30, Home Depot will pick up your old appliance for recycling, even if you‘re not buying a new one.
- Appliances are hauled away to regional recycling facilities to recover steel, plastic, glass, and other materials.
- 95% of major appliances handled by Home Depot are recycled, according to their sustainability report.
While these services don‘t put cash directly in your pocket, they can save you the time, hassle, and disposal fees of getting rid of an old appliance yourself. Plus, you can feel good knowing your appliance will be recycled responsibly instead of ending up in a landfill.
The Growing Market for Used Appliances
Now let‘s look at why you might want to sell your appliance instead of recycling it immediately. The market for used appliances has been growing steadily, driven by several trends:
- Increased interest in sustainability and reducing waste
- Desire to save money, especially among budget-conscious consumers
- Demand for cheaper appliances for rental properties, second homes, etc.
- Growth of online marketplaces and local buy/sell platforms
According to a report by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, the home appliance industry is worth over $30 billion annually. While most of that comes from new appliance sales, the used market is a significant slice of the pie.
Market research firm IBISWorld estimates that the used goods stores industry, which includes appliance resale, generates about $17 billion per year in the US. And online sales of used items are growing even faster than brick-and-mortar resale.
So if you have a relatively new, good-quality appliance, there‘s likely a buyer out there looking for a deal on it. Some of the most in-demand used appliances include:
| Appliance Type | Avg. Resale Value (% of New Price)* | Most In-Demand Models |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | 60-70% | French door, bottom freezer, stainless steel |
| Washers & Dryers | 50-70% | Front-load washer, electric or gas dryer |
| Ranges & Ovens | 40-60% | Freestanding electric range, gas range, double wall oven |
| Dishwashers | 30-50% | Built-in, stainless steel tub, quiet operation |
*Based on appliances <5 years old in good condition. Sources: UsedAppliances.net, ApplianceSmart, Whirlpool Corporation
Of course, the actual resale value of your appliance will depend on its exact age, brand, model, and condition. In general, newer, higher-end, and more efficient appliances retain their value best.
How to Sell Your Used Appliances for Cash
If you‘re looking to pocket some cash for your old appliance, I recommend trying to sell it directly to another user. This will get you a higher price than selling to a dealer or recycler. Here are some tips:
Price it Right
- Check prices for similar models on local marketplaces and used appliance stores
- Expect to get 50-60% of the new price for appliances <5 years old, 30-40% for 5-10 years old
- Be realistic about your appliance‘s condition and desirability
Create an Enticing Listing
- Take lots of well-lit, high-quality photos showing all angles
- Write a detailed description with brand, model #, dimensions, features, condition, age
- Be upfront about any cosmetic or mechanical flaws
- Include your reason for selling and original receipt/paperwork if available
Choose the Right Selling Platform
- Facebook Marketplace – Easy to list, large local audience, no fees
- Craigslist – Simple classifieds site, good for local pickup sales
- eBay – Option to sell locally or ship smaller appliances, buyer/seller protection
- LetGo – Mobile-first platform for local sales, built-in chat
- OfferUp – Local marketplace with nationwide shipping option, good for appliances
- VarageSale – Community-focused app with user verification for extra safety
Follow Safe Selling Practices
- Vet buyers by checking their profiles/ratings, asking for ID if needed
- Be smart about payment – cash is king for local sales, use a protected platform for online
- If possible, move the appliance to your garage/driveway for buyer pickup
- Have a friend with you for added safety when meeting buyers
With some patience and smart marketing, you can often sell a good used appliance in just a few days to a week. Pricing it competitively and being responsive to inquiries will help you close a deal sooner.
Where to Donate Used Appliances
If making money is less of a concern, donating your used appliance is a great way to help others and potentially get a tax deduction. Most charities accept gently used appliances in working condition to resell at a discount or give directly to families in need.
Some national organizations with appliance donation programs include:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Sells donated goods to fund affordable housing
- Salvation Army – Offers pickup for large appliances, proceeds go to rehab programs
- Goodwill – Accepts small appliances, sales support job training and placement
- Vietnam Veterans of America – Provides pickup, sales fund services for vets in need
You can also try contacting local charities, religious organizations, shelters, community centers, and food banks. They may know a family who could benefit from an affordable or free used appliance.
Before donating, make sure your appliance is:
- In safe, working condition
- Reasonably clean and odor-free
- Complete with all necessary parts/accessories
- Accessible for pickup or able to be dropped off
Keep a record of the donation, including photos and any receipts. You‘ll need this to claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appliance. IRS Publication 561 has guidance on how to value and document charitable donations.
Donating a major appliance can make a real difference for a struggling family. Plus, it keeps the appliance in use and out of the waste stream a bit longer. It‘s a good deed all around!
How to Recycle Your Appliance Responsibly
If your appliance is very old, damaged, or not working, recycling may be your only option. But don‘t just leave it on the curb or dump it in a field! Improper appliance disposal is a major source of pollution and wasted resources.
According to the EPA:
- 2.2 million tons of small appliances are thrown away yearly, and only 5% are recycled properly
- Appliances can contain hazardous materials like refrigerants, PCBs, and mercury
- Recycling 1 million refrigerators saves the energy equivalent of 3500 households per year
Many local utilities, waste management companies, and scrap metal yards offer appliance recycling services. Some will even give you a small rebate for dropping off qualifying appliances. Check with your municipality or visit Earth911.com to find responsible recycling options near you.
When preparing an appliance for recycling:
- Unplug it and remove any batteries
- Drain and properly dispose of any fluids (oil, refrigerant, etc)
- Remove non-metal parts like shelves, drawers, glass, insulation
- Transport carefully to avoid breaking and releasing hazardous substances
By recycling your appliance, you‘re conserving natural resources, saving landfill space, and preventing pollution. It‘s an important final step in the lifecycle of an appliance.
Is Buying a Used Appliance a Good Idea?
Now that we‘ve explored options for selling, donating, and recycling used appliances, you might be wondering if buying used yourself is a smart move. The answer depends on your budget, needs, and risk tolerance.
Benefits of Buying Used Appliances
- Significant savings – 30-50%+ off regular retail prices
- Good for the environment – Reuse keeps appliances out of landfills longer
- Avoid new model bugs – Proven track record for reliability
- Quick availability – No supply chain delays or backorders
Risks of Buying Used Appliances
- No warranty – If something breaks, repair costs are on you
- Uncertain history – Hidden damage, neglected maintenance
- Shorter lifespan – Even with light use, major components wear out
- Less efficiency – Older models use more energy and water
- Safety issues – Recalls, lack of new safety features
If you do opt to buy used, I strongly recommend:
- Buying from a reputable dealer that offers inspections, warranties, and returns
- Testing the appliance thoroughly in person before purchase if possible
- Having a backup plan for repairs or replacement if needed
- Checking the brand/model‘s reliability ratings and recall history
- Measuring your space carefully and comparing specs to ensure fit
Ultimately, buying new is always the safest bet for such an essential home item. But if your budget is tight, a carefully vetted used appliance can be an acceptable short-term solution. Even a used appliance is better than none at all!
Key Takeaways
We‘ve covered a lot in this guide, so let‘s recap the main points about what to do with a used appliance:
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Home Depot doesn‘t buy used appliances directly, but may haul them away for a fee or offer trade-in deals on new purchases.
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The market for used appliances is significant and growing, especially online.
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Selling a working appliance yourself will net the most money, but requires careful pricing, listing, and vetting.
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Donating a gently used appliance to charity helps others and may earn you a tax deduction.
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Non-working appliances should always be recycled properly to avoid environmental harm and wasted resources.
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Buying a used appliance can be a big money-saver, but comes with risks to weigh against your budget and needs.
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If you‘re concerned about an appliance‘s history, efficiency, or longevity, buying new is the safest choice.
No matter which route you choose, you now have the knowledge to make an informed decision about your used appliances. Whether your goal is profit, philanthropy, or the planet, you‘re equipped to act sustainably and strategically.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with an old appliance may seem like a chore, but it‘s actually an opportunity. By carefully considering your options to sell, donate, recycle, or trade in, you can:
- Earn extra cash
- Help a neighbor in need
- Protect the environment
- Simplify your life
- Upgrade your home
In a world of constant consumerism, taking a thoughtful approach to appliance disposal sets a positive example. We could all benefit from being a bit more resourceful, generous, and eco-conscious!
So the next time you‘re ready to replace a major appliance, I challenge you to pause before heading straight to the store. With a little effort, you can turn that old fridge or washer into a win for your wallet, your community, and the planet.
Your home will thank you, and so will future generations. Here‘s to making every appliance count!
