According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, discarded appliances are second only to old automobiles as a source of recycled materials, particularly steel.  Many appliances also contain other valuable metals like aluminum and copper that can be recycled as well as plastics and refrigerants.  Those refrigerants, chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) specifically, can deplete the Earth's ozone layer if not handled properly.  So it is important that unwanted appliances, especially those containing refrigerants, are properly recycled.

Many local appliance recycling programs are offered across the state.  Contact your local solid waste district for more information about collection programs in your area.  In addition, many appliance retailers will remove and recycle an old appliance when a new one is purchased and delivered.