Over 5 million vacuum cleaners are sold in the country every year. Though vacuum cleaners are common in every household, they deteriorate in quality over time, leaving you no choice but to replace them. When you are unpacking your brand new vacuum cleaner, you may be wondering what you are going to do with the old one.
The one thing that comes into your mind is to dispose of a vacuum cleaner. But wait! You need to know a few things before disposing of your vacuum cleaners…
Common Vacuum Problems
There are multiple problems with a vacuum cleaner that can lead you to the idea of disposing of it. Some of them are…
- Broken cleaner belt: The cleaner belt of a vacuum cleaner can break if materials like string, lint, and hair get tangled in the belt.
- Absence of suction: It happens when your dust bag is full or the air filter is clogged. It damages the filter, and the suction power of the vacuum is reduced leaving no choice but to replace it with a new one.
- The motor appears to be dead: It occurs when there is a problem in the mains flex of the vacuum cleaner or when the PCB has burnt out.
These are a few possibilities that lead to disposing of a vacuum cleaner.
Now, let’s see how you can easily dispose of a vacuum cleaner.
How to Dispose of a Vacuum Cleaner
You can opt for any of the following methods to dispose of your vacuum cleaner:
1. Sell it through eBay
The best way to dispose of your vacuum cleaner is to sell it through eBay. You cannot make a fortune with your old vacuum cleaner, but you will probably find a buyer.
The website offers a vacuum cleaner recycling program, where you can recycle your old vacuum cleaner for a few bucks.
Follow the steps mentioned below to sell your old vacuum cleaner on eBay:
- Take a good quality picture, write a detailed description, and list the item on the eBay program.
- Once the product is sold and the buyer makes the payment, ship your item with a local pick-up.
- After the buyer pays, the amount will be deposited into your linked PayPal account.
2. Donate it
Although your vacuum cleaner does not meet up to your expectations anymore, it can be helpful to others. You can donate it to donation centers and local shelters, provided they are functional and in good condition.
Some organizations such as Salvation Army and Goodwill will pick it up from your location. Many donation services provide pick-up services for free and take the items to the center of your choice. Some centers also issue tax-deductible receipts.
There are some addiction centers or homeless shelters that also require additional cleaning equipment. You can donate it to them, making their lives easier and happier.
3. Recycle
There are various options available to recycle your old vacuum cleaner.
You can send your old device to the recycling centers. They use the plastic parts from vacuums to make shampoo bottles and traffic cones. So check the recycling centers website about the limitations of recycling, contact them, and then head on to your nearest recycling center.
Another option to dispose of your old vacuum cleaner is to sell it for a few cents or dollars per pound in the scrap yards.
The scrap yards are often located in suburban and urban areas.
A few electronic stores are also doing their best to impact e-waste management. You may even get a rebate or credit when you offer your old device to them.
4. Sell parts
The parts of the vacuum cleaner work even without the device. You can remove parts like hoses, nozzles, brushes, and other components from the device and clean them thoroughly. Then bundle and put them in a package for sale. It would be an opportunity for many buyers to have a second set of attachments for under £10.
You can get the spare belts and unopened filter packs anywhere from £5-£10. Since it is difficult to find parts, the belts are sold quickly.
On the other hand, if the motor works, you may typically get around £10-£30 from online bidding sites. Just make sure that you don’t injure yourself while removing the attachments from your old vacuum cleaner.
5. Give a second chance
You might have made up your mind about disposing of your old vacuum cleaner. But if you are running tight on a budget, you may give it a second chance.
Once repaired (read our guide on how to repair a vacuum power cord), the vacuum cleaner will start to work again.
It will save you some extra cost and time to buy a new one. Various centers provide repair services in the country. Sometimes, changing the old attachments may increase the shelf life of the vacuum cleaner, making it work longer.
Conclusion
Whatsoever may be the reason for vacuum disposal, there are plenty of options available. But while it is easy to dump your old device into the dustbin, it’s better to first look into the alternative. It will not only protect the environment but also add a few cents to your pocket.
So, before throwing your old vacuum cleaner away, do consider the above-mentioned points to dispose of the vacuum cleaner.
FAQs
Can I throw my vacuum in the garbage?
No, you cannot throw a vacuum cleaner in the garbage as it contains hazardous substances. It might also be illegal in some places. You can check with your local management agency to find out what their legislation is. Some of them might curbside pick up but just for a few days, while others do not pick up bulky e-waste.
Can I sell my vacuum cleaner’s parts?
Yes, you can sell your vacuum cleaner’s parts like hoses, nozzles, and brushes. However, research well before setting your vacuum apart. You can get rid of them on eBay.
How much does it cost to dispose of a vacuum cleaner?
A professional junk removal company can help you dispose of a vacuum cleaner for around £20.
How often do I need to change my vacuum bag?
It is recommended to replace or empty the vacuum bag when they are half to two-thirds full. Hence, it counts up to 1-2 times every six months. Therefore, a new bag will increase the life of the vacuum cleaner.
Is a vacuum cleaner considered e-waste?
Yes, a vacuum cleaner is considered e-waste because these devices are inclined to have a shorter lifespan than they used to. Your vacuum can be recycled up to 90%. Hence, we all should manage our e-waste more efficiently.
How long does a vacuum cleaner last?
A vacuum cleaner may last up to 8 years. Of course, it may last a few years more or less. Thus, the longevity of the vacuum cleaner depends on the type of vacuum you are using. If you have an upright vacuum, it may last for about eight years or beyond. The canister vacuum has a longevity of up to 7 years. Stick vacuums can last for 5-8 years. While robot vacuums have a lifespan of 3-5 years. And, handheld vacuums have a shelf life of 2-3 years.
