How to Throw Away or Recycle a Kettle: 7 Options

So you’ve got your eye on a lovely new kettle. But how can you go about throwing away or recycling your old one?

If you’re looking to throw away an old kettle, the best way is to take it to a recycling center or send it to an appliance disposal program. Otherwise, you could send it back to the manufacturer, donate it to charity, or simply sell it online! Whatever you do, please don’t just throw it in the trash.

That’s the quick answer, but there’s a little more to it than that. If you want to understand all of the options so you can choose the right one today, then read on and let’s dive in.

7 Ways to Recycle Your Old Kettle

Your household recycling waste is no place for an old kettle. Nor can you throw it into your general waste can. This is because kettles are better for the environment when appropriately recycled. Recycling them also helps to cut down on the waste of precious resources. 

There’s nothing like the feeling of contentment you get when you do your bit for the environment. That’s why coming up, you will see a list of 7 things you can do to recycle your old kettle. Take a look at the list and see which method works best for you.

#1 Your Local Recycling Center

While you cannot put your old kettle in your home recycling, you can take it to your local recycling center. You can check online to see where the recycling center closest to you is. You can also find out the times they are open and the class of goods they accept. 

Most metal recycling centers will take an old kettle. But it is best to double-check your centers’ website before you make the journey down there. If you can’t find much information online, most recycling centers have a contact number you can call.

So what happens after you’ve taken your kettle to the recycling center? The kettle will be organized amongst the other metal products at the site. It is then processed, shredded, then melted. Once melted, they can form the metal into something else.

#2 Responsible Appliance Disposal Program

The responsible appliance disposal program works to sustainably recycle electrical goods. This program has been operating in some parts of the US since 2006. Some disposal programs even offer participants an incentive for recycling their old appliances. That’s right, recycling your old kettle could give you a couple of pennies towards buying a new one.

 This program does the following:

• It helps you sustainably dispose of your electrical goods
• It sends your goods to a recycling facility that has the best practices for handling your goods
• The program maximizes the recycling potential from your appliance

So what do you need to do to recycle your kettle with a RAD? Get in touch with the recycling center to find out which items they accept. Why not save up a couple of electrical items to take down there all at once? If your items are large, you may even be able to request for them to be collected.

#3 Return to the Manufacturer

Another way for you to dispose of your old kettle is to return it to the manufacturer. Some manufacturers encourage their customers to return their old electrical appliances. As a reward, some offer a small discount on your next purchase of electrical goods with them.

However, many of the big-name manufacturers will not accept old products back. They encourage their customers to use alternative methods to dispose of their electrical goods. These include recycling and giving unwanted items away.

If you would like to return your kettle to its manufacturer, you should check the company’s website first. This way you can be sure that they will accept your old kettle before you make arrangements to take it down there. 

#4 Charity

Does your old kettle still work? Most charitable organizations will happily accept your second-hand electronics. That is, of course, if they are still in good condition and have only been lightly used. 

Which charity organization should you send them to? Here is a list of just some of the organizations that you could donate your kettle to. 

• The Salvation Army. Not all electrical items are accepted at every Salvation Army location. It is good to get in touch with your local branch to check that they will accept your kettle before you arrange to take it. 
• Goodwill. There are over 7,000 Goodwill stores across the US. They are happy to take small electrical items. 
• Habitat ReStore. This charity generally accepts small electrical items that have had a previous owner. You should, however, ensure that the item is in good condition. 
• Thrift stores. You may be able to donate your appliance to your local thrift store.
• Churches. Some churches will take in small electrical items. They then pass them on to families in need in your community. It is best to phone the church to find out if such an item would be useful to them.

#5 Online Sales

If your kettle is still in good working order, you may be able to sell it online. Many second-hand auction sites will allow you to sell your items for a small fee. Some sites will even allow you to post your items for free. 

There are two main types of sites available. These are:

• Auction sites. Potential buyers place bids for your items. The highest bidder among them will receive the item. 
• Ordinary selling websites. You set a fixed price for your used item online. Whoever is interested in it can purchase it. 

After the sale has gone through, you can then arrange for the buyer to pick up the item. Alternatively, you can organize its delivery to the buyer.

#6 Give a Gift

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! Although you may have no more use for your old kettle, it could be just what someone else is looking for. 

Your old kettle could be useful to:

• A student that wants to save some money on their first buy of household goods
• Someone that is looking for an old kettle to put in an outhouse or garage
• A person in need

#7 Upcycle

Last, but certainly not least, upcycling is a great way for you to recycle a kettle. Upcycling will help you do something for the environment. It will also allow you to unleash your creative side. 

So, you have an old kettle knocking about. What can you do with it? Here are some of my favorite upcycling kettle ideas. 

• Drill holes into the bottom and use it as a planter. The older and more rustic the kettle the better!
• Remove the lid, base, and electrical irons and use it to house large cooking utensils
• Spray paint the kettle then use it to home flowers. Faux or real. 
• Spray paint it then use it for storage. This could be a great place for teabags.
• Decorate it and use it as an ornament in the garden. This will work especially well if you have a teapot rather than an electric kettle. 

Stuck for ideas? Then take a look at some of these kettle upcycling creations.

Conclusion

Throwing away or recycling your old kettle might seem like hard work as you cannot put it in your home waste. But as the 7 options in this article have shown you, recycling yours can be simple. I’m sure you have been able to find the sustainable recycling option that’s best for you among the list. 

Has this article been helpful to you? Then why not check out some of our other articles and free guides? You could even sign up to our email list. 

Have a great day!

-Craig