Introduction

Metal file cabinets have been a staple of offices and organizations for decades. Sturdy and secure, they provide an efficient way to store paper documents and files. However, as more workplaces go paperless, many businesses find themselves with a surplus of old metal file cabinets taking up valuable space. Getting rid of metal file cabinets requires a bit more effort than tossing them in the trash. Depending on your local regulations, you may need to take certain steps to dispose of them properly. This guide will walk you through the best practices for responsible metal file cabinet disposal.

Assess the File Cabinets’ Condition

Before choosing a disposal method, take stock of the condition of your used file cabinets. Determine whether they are in a state where they can be reused or repurposed. Consider the following:

Structural Integrity

Inspect the cabinets for any damage, rust, or other defects that would compromise their structure and function. Cabinets with broken or warped drawers that no longer slide properly are likely not suitable for reuse as-is.

Locks

Test all locks to confirm they are still fully functional. Broken locks will limit the security of the cabinets contents.

Drawer Slides

Evaluate the drawer slide mechanisms. They should open and close smoothly without catching or loose parts.

Scratches, Dents, Peeling Paint

While minor cosmetic flaws don’t affect function, badly damaged or weathered cabinets have a more limited reuse potential.

If the file cabinets are structurally sound with only minimal wear, you may be able to directly reuse or repurpose them. Heavy damage or dysfunction limits direct reuse but does not preclude recycling.

Clean Out File Cabinet Contents

Before disposing of any file cabinets, properly clear out all contents. Here’s what you need to do:

• Remove all files, folders, and paper materials. Recycle or shred as needed to protect sensitive information.
• Clear out all office supplies or personal items stored in the cabinets.
• Vacuum out any dirt, dust, or debris accumulated within the drawers and cabinet bottom.
• Wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces with a mild cleaner and dry completely.

Double check every drawer to ensure no stray items get left behind. It is also wise to jot down any lock combinations before discarding day-to-day use cabinets.

Options for Reusing Metal File Cabinets

If structurally sound, metal file cabinets can almost always be reused, either for their original purpose or repurposed in various ways. Reuse keeps them out of landfills and saves the energy and resources needed to manufacture new products. Consider donating or reusing your metal cabinets in the following ways:

Sell or Donate to Secondhand Retailers

Some thrift stores, antique shops, used office furniture dealers, and habitat for humanity reuse stores accept donated metal file cabinets in good condition. These retailers can resell quality used cabinets at affordable prices to schools, non-profits, startups, and individuals in need. Call ahead to see if a nearby secondhand retailer will take cabinets. Some may even offer to pick them up.

Post on Local Classifieds Sites

You can also post the file cabinets on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to find someone local who could reuse them, either as-is or creatively repurposed. Lots of artists and do-it-yourselfers look for old file cabinets to convert into furniture, storage, or other upcycled goods.

Reuse Internally

Before getting rid of office file cabinets altogether, consider whether another department could get continued use out of them. Storage rooms, mail rooms, and company archives are areas that may benefit from extra organized storage space.

Repurpose for Home Use

Metal file cabinets are handy for storing tools, arts and craft supplies, home office files, pantry goods, and more. Add wheels for rolling tool cabs or paint and stencil for unique furniture. Get creative adapting them to serve new functions in your home.

Recycle Metal File Cabinets

If your used file cabinets are damaged or unsuitable for reuse, recycling recovers valuable materials to make new metal products. Recycling prevents cabinets from ending up in landfills and eliminates waste. Here are some recycling options to consider:

Scrap Metal Yards

Many scrap metal recycling facilities accept old file cabinets, usually for a small drop-off fee. Call your local yard to ask about requirements. You’ll need to transport the cabinets to their site yourself. Scrap yards dismantle and shred the metal to supply steel mills and metal manufacturers.

Curbside Bulk Pickup

Some municipal waste management departments offer curbside bulk trash collection for large household items like appliances, furniture, and file cabinets. This pickup service is free or low cost. Check your local sanitation department’s website for schedules and restrictions. They may require cabinets doors be removed for safety.

Electronic Waste Collection Sites

In some areas, used file cabinets can be dropped off at e-waste collection sites, which send metal products to recycling facilities. However, call ahead as not all sites accept metal-only items like cabinets. There may also be small drop off fees.

Junk Removal Companies

For convenience, you can hire professional junk haulers to come to your location, pick up the old file cabinets, and properly recycle them offsite. Compare rates as prices vary significantly between junk removal companies.

Online Recycling Services

A few web-based companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK and Junkluggers provide metal recycling pickup services. After entering your details online, they dispatch a truck to remove and recycle the file cabinets. This adds costs but saves you time and labor.

Dismantle Prior to Disposal

Some disposal methods may require or recommend removing doors and/or drawers from old metal file cabinets prior to pickup or drop-off. This prevents their reuse and reduces risk of contents being accessed after disposal. Use a screwdriver or power drill to detach doors and remove drawer slides and handles. Verify ahead of time if the recipient wants cabinets whole or dismantled.

Data Security Best Practices

When disposing of old office file cabinets, it’s critical to ensure any sensitive documents or data contained within them cannot fall into the wrong hands. Follow these vital data security steps:

• Completely empty and shred/recycle all paper records per your company’s document retention policies
• Use a degausser magnet to erase data on portable media like floppy disks, tapes, or external hard drives stored in the cabinets
• Erase and reformat hard drives from any computers previously kept in the cabinets
• Remove and destroy all labels or markings that identify the business, department names, addresses etc.
• Lock disconnected electronic waste like computers and monitors until proper e-waste disposal

Following careful data sanitization processes protects your business and customers when metal file cabinets change hands after use.

Questions People Commonly Ask About Metal File Cabinet Disposal

Disposing of old metal file cabinets prompts some frequent questions. Here are answers to some of the top FAQs:

Are used metal file cabinets worth any money?

Used file cabinets in very good condition can sell for $50-200+ to the right buyer. However, more common prices for people just looking to get rid of old cabinets are $0-50. If selling or donating, highlight features like antique style, vault-grade locks, and scratch-free condition to maximize value.

Does Goodwill take old filing cabinets?

Some Goodwill locations accept metal cabinet and shelf donations in clean, working order. However, policies vary regionally, so check with your local store first. Goodwill may send unsalable cabinet donations to recycling facilities.

Can you put file cabinets out for bulk trash pickup?

Rules differ between municipalities, but many bulk trash services will collect metal file cabinets set out curbside. Yet some have restrictions against metal items, considering them scrapyard material. Always verify with your sanitation department. You may need to schedule a special pickup.

What can you do with old lateral filing cabinets?

These wider cabinets with drawers that extend sideways have lots of creative reuse potential. Repurpose laterals as bookshelves, TV stands, kitchen pantries, toy organizers, crafting stations, bar carts, room dividers, storage lockers, shoe cabinets, and under-bed drawer units.

Can you throw away a file cabinet with a lock?

It’s best practice to remove locks from old cabinets no longer in use so no confidential data can be locked inside. But if unable or unwilling to dismantle, drilling out the lock cylinder renders it non-functional while still attached. Just be sure to thoroughly empty the cabinet of contents first.

Conclusion

Transitioning away from paper-filled metal filing cabinets often leaves businesses with a surplus. But thankfully many options exist to responsibly dispose of old metal cabinets through reuse, recycling, and proper data disposal. With some planning to handle cabinets in good condition, any organization can prevent file cabinets from heading to the landfill. Carefully reusing, repurposing, or recycling metal cabinets clears out space for the modern workplace in an eco-friendly manner.

How to Clean Out Old Metal File Cabinets Prior to Disposal

Completely clearing the contents of used file cabinets before disposal is a critical first step. Follow these guidelines to properly clean them out:

Remove Files and Paperwork

Take out every folder, loose paper, note, and page from each drawer and the bottom of the cabinet. Recycle non-sensitive papers. Cross-shred or incinerate confidential documents.

Discard Office Supplies

Clear out any pens, pads, clips, post-its, tape, and other typical desk supplies stored in the drawers. Recycle these items as much as possible.

Vacuum Inside

Use a hand vacuum or shop vac to suck up accumulated dust, dirt, paper scraps, and any odd debris inside the drawers and cabinet bottom. Get it as clean as possible.

Clean All Surfaces

Wipe down the interior drawers and exterior cabinet with an all-purpose mild cleaner or disinfectant wipes. Dry thoroughly to avoid residue buildup.

Remove Detachable Drawer Pulls/Handles

Unscrew any metal or plastic drawer pulls or handles and set aside. This makes removing drawers easier and prevents snagging contents during disposal.

Verify All Drawers Are 100% Empty

Do a final check that no stray items, notes, or documents got overlooked in the very back of every drawer. Leave nothing behind.

Taking these steps to fully clear out file cabinets protects your data security and leaves the cabinets clean for reuse or refurbishing.

How to Repurpose Metal File Cabinets for the Home

With some simple modifications, discarded office metal file cabinets can be adapted into versatile furnishings and organizational tools for the home. Here are creative ways to convert them:

Filing Storage

Use wiped down old office lateral or vertical filing cabinets in your home office, workshop, or storage areas. They offer secure places to organize files, records, templates, kids’ artwork and schoolwork, manuals and warranties, bills and statements, and more. Add new drawer liner for a fresh look.

Craft Storage

File cabinets with shallow drawers are perfect for organizing arts, crafts, and hobby supplies. Use different drawers for categories like papers, vinyl and fabrics, sewing notions, knitting needles and yarn, coloring books and crayons, glue and scissors, and other small-parts craft materials.

Pantry Storage

In the kitchen, install rollers to convert short filing cabinets into rolling pantries for canned goods, baking supplies, spices, packaged snacks, and other dry foods. Add shelf liner and labels for easy access.

Makeshift Dresser

Small lateral file cabinets can double as clothing storage in a kids’ room or guest room. Use larger drawers for folded clothes and smaller ones for undergarments, accessories, socks and tights. Add drawer organizers as needed.

Curio Cabinet

To display collectibles, add glass fronts and interior lighting to a metal file cabinet. Use riser inserts to stagger shelving heights. Paint or stencil the exterior for personalized style.

Bar Cart

File cabinets on caster wheels make portable bar carts. Use them to store and serve liquor, barware, mixers, garnishes, glassware, and accessories. Stencil or apply contact paper for extra flair.

Garage Storage

In the workshop or garage, wide lateral filing cabinets with reinforced locks store tools, hardware, paints, automotive fluids, garden chemicals and parts securely. Top with plywood to make workbenches.

A bit of creativity lets old metal file cabinets live on in handy new roles around the home.

How to Sell Used File Cabinets to Receive Cash

If selling used metal filing cabinets rather than donating or recycling them, follow these tips to successfully earn cash:

Check Local Resale Value

Research online classifieds and auction sites to gauge the average local selling prices for used metal file cabinets in good condition. Vertical four-drawer cabinets tend to sell for $25-75. Lateral two to three-drawer cabinets average $50-150 based on size.

Clean and Make Repairs

To maximize resale potential, thoroughly clean cabinets, fix major dents or rust spots, replace broken hardware, and make sure all locks and slides operate smoothly. Improving appearance and function adds value.

Photograph Key Selling Points

Take clear pictures showing the cabinets from multiple angles, highlighting features like scratch-free paint, vault-grade locks, antique styling, and smoothly operating drawers and locks. Good photos attract more interest.

List Cabinets on Marketplaces

Create local classified listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and other platforms popular in your area. Include dimensions, details on condition, quality photos, and a fair asking price.

Offer Local Pickup or Delivery

Specify in your listings whether buyers must arrange pickup themselves or if delivery is available for a fee. Delivering large cabinets adds convenience that can justify a higher price.

Prepare for Viewings and Negotiation

When prospective buyers contact you, be responsive, transparent about any flaws, and willing to negotiate reasonably on price. Have cabinets staged and ready for viewing.

Following these tips helps ensure selling quality used metal filing cabinets locally is a smooth, profitable process.

Answers to the Most Common Questions About Metal File Cabinet Disposal

Getting rid of old metal file cabinets generates a lot of questions for offices. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Can I throw file cabinets in the regular trash?

No, you typically can’t place old metal file cabinets out with your regular waste and recycling pickup. Their size and material means you need to arrange separate bulk item disposal.

What is the best way to get rid of confidential documents stored in old cabinets?

Properly shredding paper records protects sensitive data. Use a cross-cut shredder for maximum security or hire a document destruction service for mass shredding.

How much does it cost to have old file cabinets hauled away?

Costs vary based on location and service type. Budget $50-150 for professional junk haulers to remove multiple large cabinets. Scrap yards charge lower drop-off fees but require self-delivery.

Is it better to donate or sell old metal filing cabinets?

If cabinets are in excellent condition with attractive styles, selling locally can earn $50-200 each. For worn cabinets, donating gets a tax deduction and keeps them out of landfills.

Can Habitat for Humanity take old metal file cabinets?

Some Habitat ReStores accept metal cabinet and shelf donations in clean, working order. Policies vary by location, so contact your local Habitat first.

How do you remove a stuck drawer from an old lateral filing cabinet?

Use a screwdriver to detach the slides, remove surrounding drawers, and slide the stuck drawer out. Lubricate sticky spots on the slides using wax paper, bar soap, or pencil graphite before reinstalling drawers.

Should I remove locks from cabinets before disposal?

For data security, remove file cabinet locks whenever possible before disposal or donation. If unable or unwilling, drill into the lock cylinder to disable the locking mechanism and prevent reuse.

Conclusion

Responsibly getting rid of old metal filing cabinets just takes some upfront planning. Focus on reusing working cabinets, recycling non-working ones, and properly destroying confidential data stored inside them. With the right information, disposing of metal file cabinets ethically is straightforward.

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