How do you dispose of old tools?

Having old and worn out tools lying around the house or garage can take up a lot of space. While some old tools may still have life left in them with a bit of maintenance, others are better off being disposed of properly. Throwing old tools in the trash may seem like the easiest option, but it often isn’t the most environmentally friendly method. There are safer, more sustainable ways to dispose of old tools without harming the environment.

Why should you dispose of old tools properly?

Simply tossing old tools in the garbage can have negative consequences:

• Tools made of metal, batteries, electrical parts, and other materials can leach toxic chemicals when left in landfills. These can pollute groundwater, soil, and the air if incinerated.
• Sharp tools like knives, blades, and saws can injure waste management workers if not disposed of carefully.
• Valuable materials like metal parts are wasted instead of being recycled.
• Older tools may contain harmful materials like lead or asbestos which require special disposal.
• Plastic handles and casings can take centuries to decompose in landfills.

Properly disposing of unneeded tools is important for both human health and environmental sustainability. With some simple steps, you can give old tools a new life or dispose of them responsibly.

How to determine if a tool should be disposed of

An important first step is honestly evaluating whether an old tool is still usable or ready for disposal. Consider the following questions:

• Is the tool broken beyond repair? Are replacement parts unavailable?
• Is it outdated or obsolete? Have newer, better versions replaced it?
• Does it have safety issues like frayed electrical cords or faulty power switches?
• Would the cost of repairs exceed the value of the tool?
• Do you really need this tool or already have duplicates?

Be brutally honest – if you haven’t used a tool in years or it sits collecting dust, it may be time to part ways. Proper storage can help prevent tools from deteriorating prematurely.

Tool Condition	Action
Good condition and usable	Keep and use
Needs minor repairs	Repair and keep using
Old but works	Donate, sell, or gift
Unusable, broken	Dispose responsibly

How to donate old tools

If a tool is in decent working order but no longer needed, donating is a great option. Many organizations accept tool donations including:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStores – Take donations of power tools, hand tools, appliances, home goods, furniture and more to resell at discounted prices. The proceeds help fund Habitat for Humanity home building projects.
• Tool libraries – These community organizations lend tools for residents to use and accept donated tools in good condition.
• Community centers, schools, churches – Local organizations may have use for old tools for volunteer projects or training programs.
• Vocational training programs – Schools with shop classes or trade skills training may accept donations of usable tools for students to use.

Be sure to call any organization before donating to see if they can accept your specific tools. Inform them of any issues so they can assess if the tools are usable. Properly preparing tools helps ensure they find use instead of disposal.

Tips for donating tools

• Clean tools to remove dirt, grime, rust, and hazards like chemical residues.
• Check moving parts and repair any minor issues like stuck screws or faulty switches.
• Replace worn or frayed cords and damaged plugs on power tools.
• Ensure blades and drill bits are protected with covers during transport.
• Provide any accessories, chargers, cases, or manuals if possible.
• Label boxed tools clearly with permanent marker.

Selling or gifting old tools

If tools are in very good condition, consider selling them or gifting to friends or relatives who may get use out of them. Great options include:

• Online platforms – List tools on sites like Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp, or specialty forums. Include plenty of photos and descriptions of any defects.
• Garage sales – Group old tools together clearly priced to sell as a bundle or individually.
• Tool retailers – Some may offer cash or store credit for usable old tools.
• Friends, family, neighbors – Ask around to see if anyone you know could use your unwanted tools.

Selling usable tools recoups some value, while gifting them keeps them working instead of tossing out. Be sure to package tools securely for safe transport when mailing or use caution when arranging pickups.

How to recycle old tools and parts

Tools and hardware made from metal, plastic, batteries, and other materials often have recyclable components. Recycling helps conserve resources and prevents hazardous materials from contaminating landfills. Check for any local hazardous waste collection events or locations to properly handle dangerous chemicals and substances on old tools.

Metal tool recycling

Steel, aluminum, and other metals can be recycled repeatedly. Here are some recycling options:

• Scrap metal yards accept scrap steel and metal tools for recycling. Remove any non-metal parts first.
• Drop off metal tools and parts at recycling drop off centers if your local waste service accepts them.
• Some retailers like hardware stores offer metal recycling programs, sometimes for store credit.
• Contact local reuse organizations like Habitat for Humanity for metal tool recycling.

Preparing metal for recycling means removing any non-metal parts like plastic handles, batteries, motors, or electronics. Metals like copper and aluminum have the highest scrap value.

Plastic tool recycling

While not all curbside recycling accepts plastic tools, some options include:

• Whole plastic tools can go in designated plastics recycling bins where accepted.
• Take plastic components apart and recycle by plastic type (check for recycling numbers).
• Drop off clean plastic pieces at specialty plastics recycling locations.
• Upcycle by reusing plastic handles and knobs for other DIY projects.

Proper sorting by plastic type improves the recycling process. Avoid putting plastic that contains metal or electronics parts in curbside bins.

Battery and electronics recycling

Old power tools, batteries, chargers and other electronics require special e-waste recycling. Options include:

• Drop off at waste management hazardous material facilities or recycling events.
• Mail in battery and electronics recycling programs through retailers or manufacturers.
• Return to store programs at retailers like Best Buy for electronics.
• Contact local and municipal household hazardous waste departments.

Safely remove any batteries from tools and dispose separately from metal portions. Handle batteries carefully and avoid puncturing, crushing or exposing internal components.

How to dispose of unusable and broken tools

For tools that are truly ready for retirement, proper disposal helps avoid health and environmental issues. Follow these tips:

Drop off at waste management facilities

• Bring old tools to local waste transfer stations, recycling centers, or landfills. Inform staff of any hazardous components needing special disposal.
• Dispose of tool parts in their designated sections such as scrap metal piles or electronics.
• Inquire about any tool disposal fees before dropping off materials.

Arrange waste pickups for larger tools

• Schedule bulky item trash pickups for large appliances, power tools, or exercise equipment.
• Utilize pickup services for hauling away scrap metal from your property.
• Rent a dumpster to consolidate and contain all unwanted tools before proper disposal.

Seek out specialty disposal for hazardous materials

• Safely contain any leaking batteries, oils, or fuels to avoid spills and soil contamination.
• Look for local hazardous waste collection events for safe chemical, liquid, and battery disposal.
• Contact waste management about proper disposal methods for asbestos, lead, or other toxic tool components.

Avoid putting hazardous chemicals from old tools directly into the trash or dumping down drains. Seek out responsible disposal methods that won’t endanger human and environmental health.

Creative ways to repurpose old tools

Before declaring a tool totally unusable, explore ways to give it new life with some DIY creativity. Here are some ideas:

• Use an old tool box as storage for other items like outdoor supplies.
• Turn tools like hammers or clamps into hooks to hang coats, keys, pots and pans.
• Display antique or unique looking tools as wall decor in a workshop or garage.
• Upcycle clamps, vises, and pliers into quirky candle holders.
• Paint or engrave tools to personalize them as gifts like personalized screwdrivers.
• Make a wind chime from old metal wrenches, screwdrivers, nuts and bolts.

Check Pinterest, Etsy, and DIY blogs for endless examples of tool repurposing and upcycling. With some creativity you can give unneeded tools new life.

Storing tools properly to prolong usefulness

Taking steps to store tools well keeps them in good condition longer, preventing premature disposal. Follow these storage tips:

• Keep tools clean – Wipe dirt and debris off after each use to prevent rust.
• Dry off any moisture – Prevent mold and corrosion from water damage or other liquids.
• Use tool boxes – Protect in sturdy cases and cabinets to prevent damage.
• Store safely – Install hooks, racks, and organizational systems to avoid hazards.
• Keep sharp tools covered – Sheath blades, bits, and points to prevent injury and dulling.
• Oil metal surfaces – A light coat of machine oil prevents rusting.
• Check condition frequently – Inspect for any issues like rust or cracked handles needing repair.

A well-organized workshop or garage makes it easier to care for tools after each use. Invest in high quality storage solutions to extend the lifespan of your tools.

Safety tips for handling old tools

When working with old tools that may be damaged or contaminated with chemicals, proper handling protects your safety:

• Wear thick work gloves when handling sharp tools to avoid cuts.
• Use eye protection like safety glasses if dismantling tools.
• Avoid powering on any old tools – assume damaged electronics are unsafe.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when dismantling gasoline powered tools to dissipate fumes.
• Use a face mask or respirator when handling tools containing hazardous dust or chemicals.
• Disinfect tools that appear moldy or corroded with a bleach solution before handling.

Examine tools carefully before handling and transport. Seek immediate medical attention for any accidental cuts, burns, inhalation of fumes or other safety incidents.

Disposing of old tools sustainably

With some thought and effort, worn out and unwanted tools can be given new life or disposed sustainably. Follow these principles:

• Reduce – Avoid collecting duplicate or unneeded tools that will eventually need disposal.
• Reuse – Repair, repurpose, donate, re-gift, or resell usable tools.
• Recycle – Recover any recyclable metals, plastics, parts, and materials.
• Dispose – Follow local waste management guidelines for any tools that truly have no use left.

Think carefully before throwing damaged or worn tools in the trash. With some creativity and thought, your old tools can benefit someone else or avoid a trip to the landfill.

Conclusion

Responsibly disposing of old and unusable tools takes a little extra thought and effort, but pays dividends through environmental protection, public health and safety. Avoid thoughtlessly trashing tools which puts a burden on waste management while wasting resources that could be recovered. With some maintenance and creativity, you can prolong the useful life of many tools. For those that are truly ready for retirement, utilize recycling programs and safe hazardous material disposal. Keep hazardous chemicals and materials out of landfills and seek ways to repurpose or donate unwanted tools before disposal. Practicing sustainability and safety is key when dealing with old tools no longer needed in your personal workshop. With proper handling, maintenance and disposal, the tools that have served you well can move on to benefit someone else.