How to get rid of a dehumidifier in an eco-friendly way?

Are you looking for a simple and eco-friendly solution to get rid of your old dehumidifier in Quebec? This article offers three practical tips to ensure the responsible recycling of any type of household dehumidifier, whether it’s installed in your basement, bathroom, bedroom or crawl space.

Why recycling your old dehumidifier is important

Every year in Quebec, 300,000 cooling appliances, including dehumidifiers, are left by the side of the road.

If these appliances are not recycled responsibly, each one generates an average of one ton of greenhouse gases (GHGs). This massive emission is equivalent to more than 100,000 extra vehicles on the province roads every year.

Ready to take meaningful environmental action? Here are three tips for getting rid of an old dehumidifier responsibly.

1. Repair your old dehumidifier

Is your dehumidifier freezing up, frosting over, leaking or no longer collecting water? Before throwing it out, consider having it repaired. This extends its lifespan, reduces your carbon footprint and prevents the need to manufacture a new appliance.

Find a dehumidifier repair technician in Quebec

Many certified appliance repair technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and fix your dehumidifier. To find a reliable technician near you, you can:

• Consult the directory of certified appliance repair technicians in Quebec.
• Search Google Maps using the keyword “dehumidifier repair” and read customer reviews.
• Ask your family, friends and co-workers for recommendations.

Repair your dehumidifier yourself

For minor repairs, such as cleaning the filter, it’s possible to do it yourself. Here are a few tips:

• Always unplug your device before any maintenance.
• Order replacement parts from a specialty store.
• Check your appliance’s user manual to see what repairs you can do on your own.

For other issues with your dehumidifier (e.g., freezing, faulty compressor), it’s essential that you contact a professional refrigeration technician.

2. Sell or give away your used dehumidifier

If your dehumidifier is still working, consider selling or giving it away to give it a second life and support the circular economy.

Sell your used dehumidifier

Several classified ad websites allow you to quickly sell your appliance, such as:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Kijiji
• LesPAC
• Craigslist

To maximize your chances, use keywords like “used dehumidifier” or “dehumidifier for sale,” and include clear photos along with the dehumidifier’s dimensions and features.

Give away your old dehumidifier

If you want to get rid of your appliance quickly while helping someone out, you can:

• Give it to a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance.
• Contact a community organization or donation centre that accepts this type of appliance. Some even offer a free home pick-up service.

3. Recycle your dehumidifier for free in Quebec

Has your dehumidifier died or reached the point where nobody wants it? Giving it to GoRecycle so that it is recycled properly is one of the most powerful steps you can take to fight climate change.

Drop off your dehumidifier at a GoRecycle drop-off point near you

GoRecycle offers through nearly 400 drop-off points (ecocentres, recycling centres and sorting centres) across Quebec to ensure that your dehumidifier is recycled responsibly. The service is free and gives you the flexibility to choose the time that suits you best.

Le recyclage de votre déshumidificateur est gratuit et vous offre de la flexibilité en permettant de choisir le moment qui vous convient le mieux.

Before heading out:

• Check that the drop-off point accepts dehumidifiers.
• Confirm the conditions (residency requirements, annual visit limits and opening hours).

👉 Consult the GoRecycle locator to find the nearest drop-off point.

Take advantage of free home pick-up for dehumidifiers

Laval

If you live in Laval, GoRecycle offers free home pick-up for dehumidifiers. This eco-friendly service makes it easy to dispose of your old dehumidifier while ensuring it is recycled responsibly.

Other municipalities

You don’t live in Laval? Many municipalities also offer home pick-up for old dehumidifiers.

Check the GoRecycle directory of participating municipalities to see if your city is included, or simply enter your postal code in the online tool to find out what services are available near your address.

Please note that each municipality has its own terms and conditions. Be sure to verify the details via the link provided under your municipality’s name in the directory.

Proof of residency will also be required to access the service.

To conclude

Getting rid of a dehumidifier in an eco-friendly way in Quebec is easy and accessible to everyone.

Whether you choose to repair, resell or recycle it for free through a GoRecycle drop-off point or municipal home pick-up, every action counts when it comes to the environment!