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    Australia landfilled 21 metric tonnes of waste in 2019 despite widespread recycling efforts. This, of course, is a consequence of a growing population with a higher rate of consumption and waste generation.

    Among the waste generated that ends up in landfills, white goods are a primary concern because they take up valuable landfill space, are not biodegradable, and can end up leaching toxins into the environment.


    What Are White Goods?

    The term ‘white goods’ is actually derived from the traditional colour (white enamel) used in the manufacture of household electrical appliances, such as ovens and stoves, fridges, washing machines, clothes dryers and air conditioners.

    Even with innovation through the years and the introduction of other colours in the production of white goods (e.g. metallic colours and pastels), the term continues to stick.

    Brown goods, on the other hand, refer to electronic appliances outside of the non-white goods category. This type includes televisions, radios, stereos and the like.


    Why Are White Goods Not Your Everyday Waste?

    As mentioned earlier, white goods are a major concern in terms of waste disposal as they can harm the environment. They are not only typically bigger but also heavier and non-biodegradable.

    The manufacture of white goods is also known to produce a large amount of greenhouse gases, so before making a decision to dispose of any white goods, you need to consider all possible options.

    If you plan to throw away some of your white goods, note that the disposal practice is different from that of regular, everyday waste, for the following reasons:

    • White goods comprise primarily of recyclable scrap metals and components such as steel, copper and plastic.
    • Certain dated or old-model white goods like fridges and freezers may contain toxic substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are known to be harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer. Only certified technicians should handle and dispose of these.
    • White goods that are beyond repair or have no further use must be disposed of following proper disposal processes and should not be dumped illegally and improperly.

    You can avoid getting penalised or prosecuted by disposing of white goods in Perth properly and legally, and you can do this in a number of ways.


    How to Dispose of White Goods

    People’s increasing reliance on disposable products and mass production has influenced even the white goods market. This is why millions of white goods end up in already strained landfills.

    To alleviate this scenario, you might want to consider the following white goods removal options:

    1. Recycle

    White goods recycling is one of the best ways to make something out of scrap, or items that would otherwise have ended up in landfills. You can inquire at scrap metal recycling facilities, especially if your white goods are no longer in a saleable condition.

    There are also companies that offer take-back schemes if you are looking to replace an old product with a new one. For new installations (as in the case of air conditioners), some companies have their personnel remove old units as part of their service. This way, you don’t need to worry about how you should get rid of your old appliance.

    2. Second-Hand Dealers

    Certain organisations and second-hand dealers collect used white goods for resale or to be refurbished.

    Find out if there are any such organisations or dealers near you by asking around or doing some research. This way, you can drop off your old appliance and maybe even make a few bucks along the way, or they can pick up it for you. 

    3. Donate to Charity Organisations

    If you’re simply replacing your functional old appliances with new ones, why not consider giving them away to charity?

    For example, your ovens have become too small for your bakery business or you want to purchase a smart refrigerator, you can donate your appliances to a charitable institution and help other people along the way.

    4. Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace

    Whether you’re planning to sell or give away your appliance, post it on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

    If you’re donating your white goods, expect to get responses in seconds. Then all you need to do is arrange for pickup or delivery.

    5. Contact the Retailer

    Some retailers also provide a service whereby they pick up used white goods to be sent back to the manufacturer for salvaging.

    To make things easier for you, ask your retailer or contact the manufacturer about recycling options when you’re shopping for new white goods.

    6. Go to a Junkyard

    Some junkyards specialise in collecting scrap metals exclusively from white goods. All you need to do is to drop off your white goods, and you might even earn a few dollars. However, this method is not suitable for fridges or freezers, as their coolants require specialised waste disposal.

    7. Hire a Skip Bin

    Hiring a Perth skip bin is one of the most efficient and convenient white goods removal methods. At Allmetro Bins, we provide Perth south and north of the river skip bins so you don’t need to drive all the way to the recycling facility.

    We’ll drop off the bin so you can load it up with your old appliances, then we’ll pick it up at a convenient time for you. With our skip bin service, you’re assured that your old electrical appliances will be delivered to a licenced sorting facility. From there, they will be prepared for redistribution and repurposing.


    How Do You Limit White Good Waste?

    You can limit the amount of waste you produce by making conscious choices, including the following:

    • Buy white goods with energy and water efficiency star ratings.
    • Purchase items that you need, rather than want.
    • Support brands that produce goods intended for recycling.
    • Maintain your appliances and use them properly to maximise their efficiency and lifespan.
    • Buy products that carry good or reasonable warranties as those indicate how long they are meant to last.
    • Talk to retailers and ask about their returns policy in case something goes wrong with a new purchase.

    White goods are not only expensive but also difficult to dispose of, so keep the above tips in mind to minimise waste and help the environment.

    For more information on white goods disposal in Perth, contact Allmetro Bins by calling on (08) 9201 1118 or sending us an enquiry online!

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