Free Whiteware Removal: Your Guide to Hassle-Free Appliance Removal!

When it comes to bidding farewell to your old whiteware—be it a fridge, washing machine, dryer, stove, cooktop, oven, or microwave—you have four ideal options. Each solution offers a unique approach, ensuring a tailored strategy for your specific situation.

If your whiteware is in good condition, removal is straightforward. However, dealing with a non-working or less-than-ideal appliance may pose a bit more challenge.

A quick glimpse at appliance removal options and requirements:

Gift Working Whiteware to Those in Need

If your whiteware is still working, think about giving it to people who could really use it. There are many individuals in need of such items, especially new immigrants who have just arrived in the country. They often require essential whitewares quickly without the ability to spend a significant amount on brand-new ones.

Moreover, as newcomers, they generally don't have access to payment options like 'after pay' to buy new items in installments. They are eager to acquire these essentials swiftly.

Donate with Direct Home Delivery

Many of those in need might not have a large car or a vehicle with a tow-bar to access trailers. If you have the means, it could be a straightforward way to declutter your space. Drive the whiteware and drop it off at their home. The level of effort you put in is entirely up to you.

Sell on TradeMe for Just $10!

TradeMe is a fantastic platform to sell your items, and you can set a nominal price, even as low as $1. It's a win-win scenario – someone scores a fantastic deal, and you gain a clutter-free space. But, why set the price at $10 or $20? To deter time-wasters! By having a small commitment, potential buyers are more likely to follow through with the purchase and pick up the item.

​List it on Facebook Marketplace for a Bargain!

Facebook Marketplace is another perfect spot. You can showcase your goods at an unbeatable price, perhaps starting at just $1. It’s a win-win – you clear out space, and someone snags a great deal. You may want to put it up at $10 or $20. That’s to filter out time-wasters! A small commitment increases the chances of genuine buyers securing the item and arranging a convenient pickup.

Tap into Local FB Groups for Interested Takers

Harness the influence of local Facebook communities to broaden your reach and connect with potential recipients nearby. This method is widely embraced, as people are perpetually on the lookout for free items. Craft an engaging post with a compelling title like "Free Fridge" or "Take a Washing Machine For Free" to capture attention.

Consider using a "First come, first served" approach. Also, rather than inviting strangers into your home, you might opt to place the item on your driveway or curbside for easy pickup. It's a simple yet effective way to find a new home for your items while keeping the process smooth and secure.

Donate Working Whiteware to Charities

Some charitable organisations or thrift stores may accept working whiteware appliances as donations. They may even offer free pickup services.

Make sure everything that you donate is in good condition. It doesn’t have to be near new or fashionable, but any furniture, clothing, or household goods you donate should be clean, unsoiled and structurally sound. If it smells, is stained or won’t survive someone using it for a few months, take it to the tip.

A list of organisations that accept working whitewares in good condition:

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army’s Family Stores are a great place to donate your used goods. They accept quality whitewares in reusable conditions. They have 100s of stores New Zealand wide and they can pick up larger items for you. Sales of donations go towards their work helping families affected by homelessness, natural disasters, alcohol and drug use, and supporting New Zealanders through other causes.

It’s best to check out your local store online first to see what they accept and whether you can arrange a pick-up for larger items.

​They accept working washers and dryers, refrigerators, stoves and ovens. Acceptance of your item will largely depend on the condition of your items. They divert reusable materials and products from landfill and sell them at their shop. Any goods they accept can be dropped off at no charge.

It’s best to check out your local store online first to see what they accept before you take your heavy item to them.

The Tipping Point Auckland​

​Red Cross

They have around 16 offices around New Zealand. They accept appliances. Simply drop your donations off during shop hours. For bulky items or furniture, they offer a free pick up service in many areas. Check to see if your local shop offers this service.

Habitat For Humanity

Habitat’s ReStore accepts most of the things, including working appliances which are then resold at an affordable price. They are at around 22 locations nationwide and can collect directly from you. Give them a call to find out about their collection services.

Kiwi Community Assistance

You may contact tracy@kca.org.nz and include in your email a photo of the items that you would like to donate, what suburb pick up is, access and your cellphone number. KCA will then look at their list of partner agencies with clients needing these items. Once they have found a home for your whiteware they will call you to obtain permission to release your details to the partner agency. They will collect the items directly from you and take straight to the clients home.

Sell Non-Working Whitewares to Scrap Metal Buyers

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, driving and dropping off whiteware at designated centers or shops is a feasible option. In major cities, specific drop stations cater to different types of waste, including e-waste and whiteware.

Some scrap metal recycling centers accept whiteware appliances for free. While this may not be a removal service, it's a way to dispose of the items responsibly.

They generally don't do residential collections because the value of scrap metal from whiteware and other residential metal waste is usually much less than the cost of the transport.

Endless Residential Scrap - Auckland

Endless take in residential scrap metal and help with appliance and whiteware recycling throughtout Wairau, Onehunga, and the greater Auckland area. They accept washing machines, dryers, diswashers, fridges, freezers, stoves, toasters, microwaves and ovens. If it's a metal, they almost always accept your items for recycling.

The cherry on top, you will get paid for your old/broken whiteware, but not a heck of a lot.

Sims Metal - Nationwide

They pay cash for scrap metal and have around 9 branches nationwide and a practical range of pickup and collection services.

Free Call: 0800 22 66 26

They have offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Napier, Nelson and Invercargill.

Like 'Endless in Auckland', they do accept most of the whitewares and pay you for that.

Central Metals – Hamilton​

Take your scrap metal for recycling, and they will pay you for it. Not only do you avoid dumping fees, but it is also a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to recycle—instead of going into a landfill.

One of their team members will be available to assist with the safe unloading, and then weigh your scrap metal using onsite certified-weighing facilities.

They can accept the majority of your metal recyclables, including household items like whiteware (fridges, stoves).

Get Them Hauled Away For a Fees

For a hassle-free option, you can opt to have your whiteware professionally hauled away for a fee. While it comes at a cost, this solution ensures convenience and efficiency, sparing you the effort of arranging drop-offs or coordinating pickups.

Put it up on Ezy Peazy

It only takes a few clicks for you to post your appliance removal task requirements on Ezy Peazy. Add your location, budget, and preferred time and wait for the offers. Select your preferred tasker for the job and they will pick up your appliance from wherever it needs collecting and delivering. It’s that easy with Ezy Peazy!

Computer Recycling – Auckland​

They can quickly and safely remove your unwanted whiteware and take it away for disposal at their e-waste recycling centre in Auckland. They have fixed prices for each item removal.

All size ovens/stoves $20/item

Diswashers, washing machines & Dryers $20/item

Fridge and freezers $40/item

0800 Dump Me – drop off to charities

If you want to donate your pre-loved items to your local charity stores such as the Salvation Army, SPCA Op Shop or Red Cross Store, but don’t have transport to take it yourself, they can help by picking up your used goods and taking it to your favourite charity store for you. Give them a call or email them for a pick up estimate quote.

Bonus - Get Someone to Pick Them Up For Free

Curious why someone would collect your whiteware without charge? The answer lies in the potential value of your discarded items. These individuals recognise the opportunity to refurbish, repurpose, or sell items to scrap metal buyers in bulk, making a living from it.

While they provide free pickup, don't expect to find them easily online through a website or email. This option may seem enticing but requires exploration on social media platforms. Check local Facebook communities:

​Or, spot them occasionally on highways with 'Free Pickup' signs.

Additionally, they might not operate consistently; they come seasonally, perform the service, and then switch to some other trades. Keep searching if you wish to utilise their free services.

Some Common Questions People Ask

What are whitewares?

"Whiteware" typically refers to large household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves.

Can scrap metal dealers collect my broken whiteware and pay me?

If you require a collection service, it's likely that you may need to cover the cost. Many scrap metal recycling centers allow you to freely drop off your whitewares, while some may even offer compensation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the abundance of free removal options offers flexibility for disposing of your appliances. The key lies in assessing the condition of your appliance and choosing the method that aligns best with your needs. Whether it's donating to those in need, collaborating with charities, selling to scrap metal buyers, or arranging professional removal services, each option caters to specific situations. By considering the state of your appliance and the associated requirements, you can make an informed decision, ensuring a seamless and responsible process for appliance disposal.

Option 1: Gift Working Whiteware to Those in Need

Option 2: Working Whiteware to Charities

Option 3: Sell Non-Working Whitewares to Scrap Metal Buyers

Option 4: Get Them Hauled Away For a Fees

Option 5: Get Someone to Pick Them Up For Free