At the end of November, many households renew their appliances after sales, seasonal changes, or simple pre-Christmas cleaning. Before bringing old appliances to be recycled, it is important to prepare them correctly to ensure safe treatment and facilitate their management at the plant. These small steps help protect the environment, avoid risks, and promote the recovery of valuable materials.
At Reciclajes y Metales Pérez, we receive these types of appliances on a daily basis and treat them in accordance with established environmental protocols. Preparing them properly before delivery makes the entire process faster and more efficient.
1. Disconnect the device in advance
It seems obvious, but it is not always done. Ideally, you should unplug the appliance several hours before moving it:
- You avoid electric shocks.
- You allow internal components to cool down.
- You make it easier to handle.
2. Remove water, liquids or internal debris
Some appliances accumulate water or debris that should not reach the plant:
- Empty the reservoirs of washing machines, coffee makers or vacuum cleaners.
- Remove trays, filters or food debris from microwaves and ovens.
- Make sure there is no liquid left in thermos flasks or humidifiers.
This reduces odours, leaks and risks when transporting them.
3. Do not dismantle the appliance yourself
Although it may seem like a good idea to dismantle an appliance to ‘save space’, it is better to hand it in complete. Dismantling it without experience can:
Damage valuable components.
Expose dangerous parts.
Mix materials that must be separated correctly.
Leave it as it is. The plant will carry out the appropriate sorting and separation.
4. Take special care with batteries and electronic components
Many modern devices contain internal batteries or electronic circuit boards that require specific handling. If the device has a battery:
- Do not attempt to remove it manually.
- Do not puncture or tamper with it.
- If it is damaged, do not attempt to charge it.
Simply hand it in as it is.
5. Secure transport
To bring the appliance to our facilities:
- Secure loose cables to prevent tripping.
- Use sturdy boxes or bags for small appliances.
- Try to keep them as stable as possible during transport.
Original packaging is not necessary, just avoid unnecessary knocks.
6. Take it directly to an authorised collection point
Disposing of electrical appliances in normal rubbish bins is prohibited and poses an environmental risk. Authorised collection points guarantee the correct treatment of:
- Metals.
- Plastics.
- Electronic components.
- Batteries.
- Refrigerant gases, in the case of refrigerators or air conditioners.
In Mallorca, you can bring your old appliances to Reciclajes y Metales Pérez, where we take care of the entire process safely and responsibly.
A simple gesture before December begins
Preparing electrical appliances for recycling does not take much time, but it makes a difference: it avoids problems, speeds up processing and allows more materials to be recovered. If you are going to replace an appliance or want to clear space before December, remember that you can bring them to our facilities.
