How to Donate a Used Appliance to Charity

If you purchase new appliances, you might wonder what to do with your used appliances. You might consider giving them away to family or friends, but most likely they already have those appliances and do not need any additional. The best alternative to remove your unwanted appliances is to give them to a charity to help your fellow neighbors.

Things you will need:

• Telephone


• Appliances

1. Make sure your used appliances are functioning properly before you give them away. So, plug all your appliances into your electrical outlet first. Look for any small parts and attachments for your small appliances such as blades for your food processors.


2. Clean your used appliances inside out before you make your donation. Often, charitable organizations do not have the resources to clean donated items, and it is also sanitary to give clean equipment away as well.


3. Match your used appliance with the right organization to ensure the charity reap the greatest benefit. A women's shelter will appreciate donated items such as toasters, microwaves and food processors because they are useful for families furnishing their apartment.


4. Inquire about charitable donation pick up. Do this if you have large appliances such as refrigerator, washing machine etc. Most charities have a pick schedule, and they will be happy to pick your items up.


5. Verify with the agency that they need the appliances that you have available. If a charity agency indicates they have a huge supply of televisions, give the television to another charity that may have a limited supply.


6. Research at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website the guidelines to obtaining a charitable deduction on your tax return. Some charitable donations are eligible for a tax write-off on your federal taxes, but the amount depends on the value of the item and the status of the charity that receives the donation. Make sure you receive a receipt from the charity when you drop off your donation. This way you have documentation to substantiate your tax deduction.