Introduction

Metal filing cabinets have been a staple in offices and homes for decades, used for organizing and storing important documents and records. However, with the rise of digital records and cloud storage, these once ubiquitous metal cabinets are becoming obsolete. Many people are left wondering what to do with their old metal filing cabinets, especially in a place like Tarrytown, NY that likely has countless such cabinets collecting dust in basements, garages, and storage spaces.

There are actually several good options for repurposing, reusing, or responsibly disposing of old metal filing cabinets. With some creativity and effort, those old dusty file cabinets can find new life. This guide will explore the pros and cons of various options specifically for communities like Tarrytown, NY so you can make an informed decision about what to do with metal filing cabinets.

Evaluate Condition and Value

The first step is to take a close look at the filing cabinets you’re looking to get rid of. Evaluate their physical condition, functionality, and monetary value if sold.

Assess Physical Condition

Are the cabinets structurally sound? Or are they very worn with rust, dents, missing handles, or parts that are broken or sagging? Assess how much restoration work would be needed to make them usable. If they are too far gone, recycling the metal may be the best route.

Test Drawers and Functionality

Do the drawers slide smoothly? Are the rails or slides broken or detached? Test if the drawers securely close and lock if they have locking mechanisms. Damaged drawer parts like slides can often be replaced, so minor issues may not rule out restoration.

Estimate Monetary Value

What is the make, model, size, and material (steel vs aluminum)? Vintage all-metal cabinets in good condition by brands like Hon, FireKing, or Shaw-Walker have the most value for resale. Check prices for comparable items on sites like Craigslist or eBay to gauge potential selling price. Popular sizes like 2, 3, or 4-drawer letter or legal width can sell for $50 to over $200 depending on condition. Rare or antique cabinets can sell for much more to collectors.

Once you’ve assessed condition and value, you can better decide if it’s worth restoring, selling, repurposing, or recycling your specific filing cabinets.

How to Repurpose Metal Filing Cabinets

If the filing cabinets are in decent shape and structurally sound, they can almost always be repurposed creatively rather than sent to scrap metal recycling. Here are some popular ways to give old metal file cabinets new life:

Turn Into Storage Chest or Cabinet

Remove the internal rails, shelves, and labels, then paint or refinish the exterior to make an industrial-style storage chest or cabinet. This works well for everything from toys to workshop tools and supplies. Add caster wheels for extra versatility. Leave a few bigger drawers to hold bulkier items.

Craft Cabinet or Dresser

Similarly, with some DIY skills, old file cabinets can become unique side tables, cabinets, or dressers for any room. Get creative with paint, new hardware, and even decor items like picture frames or chalkboard paint on cabinet door fronts.

Office Storage and Organization

Revitalized metal filing cabinets can have ongoing use storing office or bill-paying supplies, craft materials like ribbons and markers, or utility closet tools and hardware. Affix new labels for your own filing system. Portable file boxes also still work in cleaned up vintage drawers.

Repurpose for Garage or Workshop Use

In good condition, metal file cabinets excel at protecting tools, shop manuals, paint cans, auto fluids, garden supplies, and more in messy garages and workshops. Clean up and label drawers and shelves for the new contents.

Add Locks for Secure Tool Storage

To safely store valuable tools, add padlocks, combination locks, or childproofing locks to a filing cabinet without preexisting locks. Use removable zip ties or velcro to attach locks.

Kitchen Pantry Storage

Kitchens can benefit from metal cabinets for dry goods, canned goods, or pots and pans. For food safety, thoroughly clean and paint the interior with watertight enamel paint. Add chef’s drawer liner. Label contents on drawer fronts.

Create Built-In Cabinetry

File cabinets with finished exteriors can be flanked by countertops, trimmed with molding, and secured to walls to look like built-in cabinetry in offices, bedrooms, laundries, and more.

Craft Custom Pantry or Closet

Similarly, slide refinished filing cabinets into a closet space and secure to walls to customize your closet or pantry. Add rods, shelves, racks and baskets for clothes or food storage. Keep slides for access.

Make a Bar Cart or Cabinet

Metal file cabinets on caster wheels are ideal small bar carts. Remove inner hardware to make open shelves for glasses. Use drawers for bar tools and spirits. Add a painted, marble, or wood top.

As you can see, with the right modifications, there are so many possibilities to give old filing cabinets new life as storage solutions all around your Tarrytown home or business.

How to Refinish and Restore Metal Cabinets

If you plan to repurpose your old metal filing cabinets, they’ll likely need some restoration work to look (and work) like new again. Here are some tips:

Remove Contents and Inner Hardware

Empty the cabinet completely. Pull out rails, follow rods, shelves, hanging file frames and any other hardware to make the drawers and interior ready for restoration.

Clean Surface Grime and Marks

Use a degreaser like Simple Green or TSP substitute to scrub off grime. Scour crayon marks or stubborn stains with Barkeeper’s Friend powder cleanser and a sponge.

Sand Down Exterior Surfaces

Lightly scuff sand sides, fronts, drawers and doors to prep the surface for new paint or stain. Start with 150 grit and work up to 220 grit for smooth results.

Patch Holes and Dents

Fill dings and holes with metal filler compound like Bondo glazing putty. Sand smooth when dry. Rust holes may need rust converter primer first.

Remove or Replace Damaged Hardware

If handles, locks or drawer slides are broken, replace them with new compatible hardware. Sand any rough edges. Upgrade slides for smooth action.

Prime and Paint Exterior

After prepping the surface, apply 1-2 coats of metal primer like Rustoleum. Then paint with metal-specific enamel in your color choice.

Paint or Stain Interior

Use watertight enamel or epoxy paint if using for kitchen storage. Or stain and seal the interior for other uses. Add new drawer liner.

Reinstall Repaired Parts

Reattach any restored drawer slides, shelves, or rails. Your filing cabinet makeover is complete!

With some elbow grease, metal filing cabinets can look factory-fresh again. Take the time to properly prepare surfaces so your paint job lasts.

Ideas for Selling or Donating Old Cabinets

If you decide your old metal filing cabinets won’t be ideal for your own repurposing or storage needs, consider selling or donating them so someone else can enjoy restoring and using them.

Sell Locally Online

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp and NextDoor are all places nearby buyers may be searching for vintage cabinets to fix up. Price according to size, style and condition compared to similar local listings.

Pros

• Can potentially earn a decent amount for higher value items depending on market demand.
• Avoid hefty seller fees of auction platforms like eBay.

Cons

• Need to coordinate pickup or delivery with buyers.
• Low value or highly damaged items get little interest.

Consign at Used Office Furniture Stores

Some used office furniture shops will gladly accept old metal filing cabinets to refurbish and resell, especially in bulk if you have multiples to clear out of an office. It saves them acquisition costs.

Pros

• Much easier than selling individually online.
• Pay is for weight of metal rather than cabinet usability.
• Don’t have to handle any refurbishing or listings yourself.

Cons

• More damaged cabinets get less money.
• No choice over selling price.
• Must transport cabinets to the dealer.

Donate to Non-Profits

Consider places like Habitat for Humanity, housing non-profits, vocational programs, or community colleges if they can make use of near-future metal file cabinets in their own office spaces or training programs after some DIY restoration.

Pros

• Tax write-off for estimated value.
• Satisfaction of donated goods reused.
• Convenient pickup often available.

Cons

• No cash payout for the goods.
• Must find recipient able to reuse cabinets.

Recycle and Dispose at End of Life

When metal filing cabinets are too far gone for restoration or reuse, the final option is to dispose of them properly so the metal materials can be recycled rather than landfilled. Here are tips for Tarrytown, NY residents to responsibly recycle old filing cabinets:

Remove Non-Metal Parts

Pull out any shelves, rods, rails, or hardware made of wood or plastic first. These can go in normal garbage rather than metal recycling.

Transport for Curbside Pick Up

In Tarrytown, any large appliances or metal furniture can be collected curbside on your regular residential garbage pickup day. Just contact the Tarrytown Department of Public Works ahead of time to schedule the bulk item pickup.

Bring to a Metal Recycler

Alternatively, bring smaller metal cabinets directly to a metal recycling or scrap yard facility. Ask if they have a drop-off area or require advance notice for accepting metal furniture items.

Recycling Centers Near Tarrytown, NY:

• City Carting & Recycling – Elmsford, NY
• Sani Pro Recycling – Yonkers, NY
• Spector Metal – Yonkers, NY

Never Send to Landfill

Check that any junk removal or disposal company you hire recycles metal rather than dumps it. Metals like steel should never end up in a landfill.

Conclusion

We hope this guide offered you solid direction on the best practices for handling old metal filing cabinets, whether to responsibly recycle them or ideally give them new life through repurposing or selling. With some creativity and elbow grease, those old office workhorses can have a rewarding second act as fun furniture or organizing solutions. And if the cabinets truly are ready for retirement, be sure to recycle them properly to benefit our planet. Contact Tarrytown, NY disposal and recycling resources for any help disposing of end-of-life metal items.

FAQ About What to Do With Metal Filing Cabinets in Tarrytown

Is it worth trying to sell old metal filing cabinets?

It can be, especially if they are vintage, still usable, and in decent cosmetic shape. Mid-century all-metal office file cabinets by brands like Hon, Shaw Walker, or Cole can sell for $50-200+ locally depending on size, style and condition. Rarer wood + metal combos or early 1900s antiques can sell for even more.

What are the most popular ways to repurpose old filing cabinets creatively?

Some of the best ways to repurpose old metal filing cabinets include turning them into storage chests/cabinets, hacked dressers or side tables, built-in cabinetry, kitchen pantries, garage/tool storage, office organization, bar carts, and more.

What supplies do I need to refinish a metal filing cabinet?

Typical supplies needed are degreaser or TSP for cleaning, sandpaper and metal primer for prepping, metal-specific enamel spray paint for color, and potentially Bondo or wood filler for repairing dents and holes. New hardware like slides or handles may also be needed.

Can places like Goodwill or Salvation Army take old filing cabinets?

Unfortunately most will not accept them as they have limited space and low demand for old office furniture. Best to check if any local housing non-profits, vocational programs, or community colleges can make use of donated filing cabinets first.

How much does it cost to recycle metal filing cabinets in Tarrytown, NY?

If placing curbside for pickup by the Tarrytown Department of Public Works, there is no extra fee beyond normal residential garbage collection costs. At area metal recycling centers you may have a small drop-off fee, but they often pay by the pound for scrap cabinet metal.

Is there someone I can hire to remove and dispose of old filing cabinets?

Yes, junk removal services and some moving companies will haul away metal furniture and properly recycle it rather than sending items to landfills. Ask for their recycling policies before booking. Senior move managers can also help handle the entire process.

This covers the key questions people have about how to handle discarding or repurposing old metal filing cabinets, particularly for those located in Tarrytown, NY needing specific local disposal and recycling resources. Let us know if you have any other questions!