5 Best Ways To Recycle A Vacuum Cleaner - Oh So Spotless

We all have that old, dusty vacuum sitting in the closet. Maybe it lost suction years ago, or maybe you just upgraded to a shiny new robot model. Now you have a question: how do you get rid of the old one?

You might feel tempted to toss it in the curbside bin, but that is a major mistake. Vacuum cleaners fall into the category of “e-waste,” which is the fastest-growing type of waste on the planet (1).

Fortunately, you have plenty of responsible options. Whether you want to recycle, donate, or sell parts for cash, we are here to help you do it right.

Keep reading to learn exactly how to recycle your vacuum cleaner and why it matters.

Key Takeaways

Here is the quick summary on vacuum disposal:

• Never use curbside bins: You cannot throw vacuums in standard recycling bins because they damage sorting machinery.
• Recycle broken units: Take non-functional vacuums to e-waste centers, scrap yards, or participating electronic retailers.
• Donate working units: If the vacuum still works, thrift stores and shelters are excellent options for extending its life.
• Harvest for cash: You can often sell attachments, hoses, and internal motors from broken vacuums on eBay.

In This Article

• Recycle Your Vacuum?
• Why Recycle Vacuums?
• How to Recycle Vacuums
• FAQs
• Recycle Away

Can My Vacuum Cleaner Be Recycled?

The short answer is yes. While you cannot toss a vacuum into your standard blue bin with cardboard and soda cans, the device itself is highly recyclable.

Vacuums consist of metal, plastic, and electronic components. Almost all of these materials can be recovered and reused. As a general rule, if your device has a plug or a battery, it is considered e-waste and should be recycled at a designated facility rather than thrown in a landfill (2).

Why Recycle a Vacuum Cleaner?

Recycling isn’t just a buzzword; it is a critical step in managing our global waste. Before we get into the “how,” let’s look at the impact recycling your vacuum has on the world.

1. Fighting the E-Waste Crisis

Electronic waste (e-waste) includes any discarded product with a battery or plug. Because modern appliances have shorter lifespans than they did decades ago, the pile of discarded tech is growing rapidly.

The numbers are concerning. Globally, humanity produces millions of tons of e-waste annually, yet we recycle less than 20 percent of it. Even in regions with strict regulations, like the European Union, recycling rates hover around 35 percent (3).

If we don’t change our habits, global e-waste could more than double by 2050. By recycling your single unit, you keep that pile from growing.

2. Protecting the Environment

Up to 90 percent of a vacuum cleaner can be recycled. The metal becomes new parts, and the plastic can be reborn as anything from car dashboards to garden furniture.

Preventing Soil Pollution

When you throw a vacuum in the trash, it eventually sits in a landfill. Over time, heavy metals like copper, iron, and aluminum can leach into the soil.

If the trash is incinerated, the vacuum releases toxic fumes into the air. These fumes contain carcinogenic compounds that accumulate in our biosphere, water, and the air we breathe (4). Proper recycling prevents this contamination.

Saving Energy

Mining materials from the earth requires massive amounts of energy. However, recovering materials from old devices is much more efficient. For example, recycling one kilogram of plastic saves enough energy to power a vacuum cleaner for 34 hours.

Recovering steel and iron is even more impactful, representing a 72 percent energy savings compared to mining virgin ore. In the U.S. alone, recycling efforts save enough energy to power millions of homes annually (5).

3. Boosting the Economy

There is gold in that garbage. Literally. The raw materials inside e-waste are worth billions of dollars annually (6).

The recycling industry is a major economic driver. It creates hundreds of thousands of jobs and generates billions in tax revenue every year (7). By recycling, you are supporting local jobs and the broader economy.

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How to Recycle a Vacuum Cleaner

Now that you know why it matters, here are the five best ways to dispose of your old machine responsibly.

1. Local Recycling Centers

Your best bet for a broken vacuum is a municipal recycling center. Most cities have designated drop-off locations for electronics.

These centers strip the machines for cords, hoses, motors, and plastic body housing. If you aren’t sure where to go, check Earth911 or your local city government’s website. Always call ahead to confirm they accept large appliances.

2. Electronic Retailers

Big-box stores are often the easiest solution for consumers. Retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and sometimes Lowe’s or Home Depot offer recycling programs for electronics.

Some stores allow you to drop off old items for free, while others charge a small fee for large items like vacuums. Occasionally, they run trade-in promotions where you get a discount on a new purchase for recycling your old one (8).

3. Scrap Yards

If your vacuum has a heavy metal motor or a lot of steel components, a scrap yard might actually pay you for it.

You won’t get rich, expect a few cents to a few dollars per pound, but it keeps the metal out of the landfill. Note that scrap yards usually only want the metal. You may need to disassemble the vacuum, strip the plastic, and only bring in the motor, cord, and metal wand.

4. Sell the Parts

Just because the vacuum is dead doesn’t mean the parts are useless. There is a thriving market on eBay for vacuum attachments.

You can wash and sell:

• Attachments: Crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and floor heads.
• Hoses: Clean the hose thoroughly before listing.
• Filters and bins: Plastic dust bins often break, so replacements are in high demand.

This is especially true for expensive brands like Dyson, Shark, or Miele. A single motorized head can sell for $30 to $50.

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5. Donate Working Units

If your vacuum still works and you are just upgrading, donation is the most eco-friendly option. It extends the product’s life and helps someone in need.

More On This TopicKey Factors That Determine How Long Vacuums Last

Charity Shops

Organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores usually accept working vacuums. Some even offer pick-up services for large donations (9). Always clean the dust bin and wipe down the exterior before donating.

Homeless and Animal Shelters

Local shelters are often in desperate need of cleaning supplies. Reach out to homeless shelters, women’s shelters, or animal rescues in your area. They often go through vacuums quickly due to the volume of cleaning required (10).

Community Groups

Use technology to find a new home for your appliance. The “Buy Nothing” project, Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and Nextdoor are great places to list a free vacuum. You will likely find a taker within hours (11).

FAQs

What Can I Do With Old Vacuum Parts?

You can recycle almost all old vacuum parts. Metal components go to scrap yards, while manufacturers often repurpose thermoplastic elements and cords into new items like shampoo bottles, traffic cones, or car parts.

How Much Scrap Value Is in a Vacuum Cleaner?

There isn’t much scrap value in a single vacuum cleaner. You might earn a few dollars for the copper wire and motor at a scrap yard, so it is rarely cost-effective unless you are already heading there with other metals.

What Kind of Plastic Is Used in Vacuums?

Most vacuums use thermoplastics, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or Polycarbonate. These plastics are durable and moldable, making them highly recyclable if sent to the correct processing facility.

How Do I Dispose of My Vacuum Battery?

You must never throw vacuum batteries (especially lithium-ion ones) in the trash because they cause fires. Take them to a dedicated battery recycling drop-off at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or check with your local waste management facility.

Can I Put a Vacuum in the Curbside Recycling Bin?

No, you cannot put a vacuum in a curbside recycling bin. The cords and hoses can tangle in the sorting facility’s gears, causing massive damage and shutdowns. You must drop them off at designated e-waste centers.

Recycle Away

Vacuums are not biodegradable, so disposing of them the right way is essential. While it might seem like a small act, keeping your appliance out of a landfill protects the soil, saves energy, and recovers valuable materials.

Whether you drop it off at a big-box store, donate it to a shelter, or scrap it for parts, you are making a difference. It takes a little extra effort compared to tossing it in the trash, but the environmental payoff is worth it.

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