Disposing of old metal file cabinets can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Here in Cary, NC, there are several easy and environmentally-friendly ways to get rid of your old metal cabinets so you can declutter your home or office.
Evaluate if You Can Donate or Resell Your File Cabinets
Before immediately junking your old metal file cabinets, consider if they are still usable or have resale value. Many secondhand stores, thrift shops, and reuse centers may accept lightly used file cabinets if they are in decent shape. This keeps them out of the landfill a while longer.
You can also try selling file cabinets on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or at a yard sale. If the cabinets are higher quality or vintage models, you may be able to get $50-100 for them. Just make sure to advertise that they are for local pickup only.
Break Down File Cabinets for Curbside Bulk Pickup
Most municipal garbage services in Cary offer occasional bulk trash pickup days where you can leave large items at the curb. However, they typically require that any metal items like file cabinets be broken down into smaller pieces first.
Start by emptying out the file folders and drawers completely. Then use a hammer or crowbar to bend and break the thin metal sides and remove the drawers from the cabinet frames. This will flatten the pieces so they don’t take up as much room in the garbage truck.
Just double check the bulk trash pickup dates in your neighborhood and any requirements for metal items with your city’s sanitation department. Avoid leaving broken metal pieces at the curb outside of the designated pickup windows.
Hire Junk Removal Companies to Haul File Cabinets Away
For fast and convenient removal, consider hiring junk hauling companies like College Hunks Hauling, Junk King, or 1-800-GOT-JUNK. Tell them upfront you need old metal file cabinets removed.
The companies will send a team to your home or office to load up the cabinets and dispose of them properly. Prices vary but tend to average $100-200 depending on the number of cabinets and any additional junk items you need hauled away.
This is quicker than breaking down cabinets yourself, but more expensive than curbside pickup. Call around for price quotes to find the best rates.
Bring File Cabinets to a Local Metal Recycling Center
For eco-friendly disposal, you can bring old metal file cabinets to a metal recycling center. The cabinet bodies and drawers will be shredded and the metal repurposed.
Places like Mid-Carolina Metals or Cary Metal Recycling accept scrap metal like file cabinets for free drop-off recycling. You may even get a small cash payout depending on the weight and metal value.
Be sure to remove any paper, plastic, or non-metal pieces from the cabinets first. Call ahead to verify requirements and hours for metal recycling drop-offs near you.
Useful Tips for Removing File Cabinets
Here are some handy tips to make getting rid of metal file cabinets more manageable:
- Empty the cabinets fully and disassemble as much as possible beforehand. This reduces weight and makes them easier to handle.
- Use an appliance dolly or furniture sliders to move heavy cabinets across floors. Get a friend to help lift and stabilize.
- Protect floors by laying down plywood or cardboard sheets when breaking down cabinets.
- Wear safety goggles, thick gloves, and close-toed shoes when breaking apart metal pieces.
- Go slow when bending metal with hammer strikes and leverage. Let physics help do the work.
- Schedule junk pickup appointments or recycling drop-offs for weekday mornings when sites are less busy.
Questions and Answers About Disposing of File Cabinets in Cary
How much does it cost to have old file cabinets removed?
If you hire a junk removal company, expect to pay approximately $100-250 to have a few old metal file cabinets hauled away. Rates vary by company and how many total items are being removed.
Can I leave file cabinets on the curb for free pickup?
Some cities offer free bulk trash pickup days where you can leave large items at the curb. However, metal items usually must be broken down first. Check with your municipal waste department about requirements in your neighborhood.
Is it better to donate, sell, or recycle metal file cabinets?
Ideally it’s best to donate or resell usable file cabinets if possible. Recycling through scrap metal centers is the next best option. Only use curbside pickup or junk haulers as a last resort.
What is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of old file cabinets?
Taking metal file cabinets to a scrap metal recycling center is the greenest option. The metal gets shredded and reused rather than sitting in a landfill.
Can I put small file cabinets in my regular trash bins?
You typically cannot dispose of metal file cabinets in your household garbage bins. Even small ones should be recycled, donated, or taken to a specialty junk removal service.
Final Tips on Removing File Cabinets in Cary, NC
Discarding old metal file cabinets takes a bit of time and elbow grease. But with these disposal options, you can declutter your space and prevent useful metal from ending up in a landfill.
Be sure to plan ahead and call around as needed to make the process go smoothly. With the right tools and help, those heavy old cabinets don’t stand a chance. Your home office or workspace will look cleaner and more organized in no time.