When your fridge is on the fritz, the last thing you want to worry about is how and where to haul it once it finally goes kaput. From an environmental perspective, repairing an older item is typically preferable to buying new (unless, of course, said item is an energy-sucking beast). Just remember: When you’re ready to replace household appliances, don’t simply discard the old ones. In addition to clogging our landfills, many of these items contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, mercury, and Freon, which can pollute the air, soil, and water supply, not to mention posing serious health hazards.

Instead, we suggest calling Disposal Alternatives Organization, which offers Indianapolis area residents free household appliance removal and recycling. From water heaters to washers and dryers, DAO recycles or, in some cases, refurbishes old appliances, then resells them at low costs in their storefront at 38th Street and I-465. Items may be dropped off at DAO’s eastside or westside locations. Or, simply call to schedule a free removal.

Save yourself the hassle of dragging your old dishwasher out the door. After all, you have better things to do…like figuring out whether the new Energy Star-rated model you’re going to get looks better in black, white, or stainless steel.

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

P.S. If you opt to go the repair route, consider purchasing our Green Savings Indy coupon book. It contains hundreds of dollars’ worth of coupons at area green businesses, including one for an appliance repair business that recycles old parts and cardboard packaging.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 7:32 am and is filed under At home, For the office, Recycling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.