An old washing machine: saying goodbye is easy
Large electronic appliances such as the washing machine have become so common in the household that we can no longer imagine life without them. Of course, we are glad when this electronics works smoothly and does not break down. Operating long-used appliances becomes habitual, we use such items automatically and usually do not look for what could replace them. However much we might not want it, the day comes when repairing the old item no longer pays off or a new one starts to look both more economical and more functional. But where do you put the old appliance?
All it takes is a phone call or online registration
Collecting washing machines that have reached the end of their life cycle in Lithuania has long caused no difficulty for those who know the good practice. Bulky e-waste in our country can be conveniently handed over to authorised handlers. More than one organisation engaged in this activity is entitled to collect such waste from homes free of charge. One of them is the Distributors of Electronics Association (EPA), which provides free collection of e-waste from homes. To order this free service, you can call +370 695 55111 or register on www.epa.lt by filling in the form.
Collecting old washing machines in Vilnius and other major cities is no different from the service in smaller towns or villages. By phoning or registering online you can agree on a convenient time for the service. Free collection of washing machines from homes includes carrying the appliance out of the flat, taking it down the stairs or in the lift or, conversely, bringing it up from a basement – you do not need to worry about how to get a heavy item out of the building. All this is done by a reliable team of staff.
Keeping an unused machine at home is pointless
The availability of a collection service by no means implies that it is the only way to say goodbye to an old washing machine. It may well still work perfectly, or the fault that has caused you trouble may be minor and fixable at an affordable price. Perhaps you could give such a machine to those who will still use it for a long time and be happy to repair it with little effort?
We would like to point out that one of the principles of responsible consumption is to make sure that an item is used rather than standing and gathering dust somewhere in a storeroom. Surveys show that quite a few residents keep old unused electrical appliances at home as a reserve, supposedly in case they are needed when a new item breaks down. However, it is known that the longer an appliance stands unused, the less likely it is ever to be used. A completely old, long-idle appliance may not interest even people who have somehow been left without a washing machine. After all, it becomes clear that the electronics of earlier generations usually consume a lot of electricity or water, have very few functions or are very noisy. In addition, if kept for a long time in unsuitable conditions, electronics can not only break down but also release harmful substances into the environment and lose their good appearance.
Having weighed many circumstances, we could easily be convinced that, in any case, it is not good practice to keep an old unused appliance at home.