Getting Rid of Your Old Vacuum

Whatever you do...do not leave your vacuum by the trash dumpster or throw it away! Vacuum cleaners are not biodegradable and will not decompose under natural conditions (unless some cataclysmic event occurs). Here are a few handy tips to consider before you recycle your vacuum:

Usable?
Is your vacuum is usable? If so, consider donating it to a local charity or sell it. If it is still in good working order, there's no reason why it cannot be given away, either!

Broken?
If your vacuum is broken, take it to a vacuum repair shop. Many vacuum specialty stores can fix your vacuum at a nominal cost. However, if you want to replace your old vacuum, other options are available.

Broken Vacuums, Oh My!
What do you do with a broken vacuum? Again, do not trash your vacuum with hopes that someone will dispose of it for you or pick it up for you! Landfills are already too full and it is simply environmentally irresponsible to trash your vacuum. There are a few ways you can responsibly dispose of your vacuum.

Eco-Friendly Ways
Consider sending your broken vacuum as a donation to your local vacuum repairman. Most likely they will take your vacuum and salvage it for parts. If you cannot find a vacuum dealer, search for recycling centers that could accept it. Sometimes even that does not work, but you could also call up your vacuum cleaner's manufacturer and ask if they take back any broken units. Good luck, and please stay green!

Judy Nguyen is a copy editor at Vacuum Home.