Disposing of old metal cabinets can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information and preparation, you can easily and responsibly get rid of metal cabinets near you. Here is a comprehensive guide on where and how to dispose of metal cabinets in your local area.

Why Proper Metal Cabinet Disposal Matters

Before diving into disposal methods, it helps to understand why proper metal cabinet disposal is important:

Safety – Improperly discarded metal cabinets can pose risks to people and the environment. Dropping off cabinets randomly or leaving them curbside unattended can make them a hazard. Proper disposal helps minimize risks.
Recycling – Metal cabinets are often made of recyclable materials like steel, aluminum, or copper. Donating or recycling helps recover these valuable materials and prevents waste.
Cost savings – Recycling and reuse programs are often more affordable than outright disposal. You save money while disposing properly.
Environment – Recycling metal cabinets conserves resources and energy while limiting pollution. Much less energy is used to make products from recycled versus raw materials.
Legal compliance – Dumping metal cabinets randomly or abandoning them could violate local ordinances. Proper disposal through approved channels is sensible and lawful.

No matter your reasons, it pays to dispose of old metal cabinets thoughtfully. The next sections outline your convenient local options.

Check with Your Local Waste Collection Provider

The easiest metal cabinet disposal solution is often through your local waste hauler or municipality. Many offer special collection services for bulky items like cabinets.

Start by calling your regular trash and recycling company. Ask the following questions:

Do you offer bulk item pickup services? What are the requirements for pickup?
Is there a separate fee for bulky item pickup versus regular trash collection?
Are there restrictions on the number, size, or type of items you’ll collect?
Do you offer pickup for metal cabinets specifically?
When is my next available pickup day for large items? Do I need to schedule this pickup in advance?

Some waste collectors will take metal cabinets on regular trash days if they are broken down into pieces small enough to fit inside standard containers. Others designate special bulk collection days monthly or quarterly. There may be caps on the number or total size of items collected.

If your waste company does not handle metal cabinet removal, ask if they can recommend other local disposal options. They likely work with metal scrap yards or recyclers that serve your community.

Tip: Check if you can place metal cabinets curbside the night before your designated bulk pickup day. This saves you from having to haul them outside again on collection day. Just be sure to abide by any requirements on cabinet condition or placement.

Utilize Your Local Dump, Transfer Station, or Recycling Center

If your waste collector cannot help you get rid of metal cabinets, your next stop should be the nearest dump, transfer station, or recycling center.

Start by contacting your local solid waste management department or recycling coordinator. Ask the following:

Do you accept scrap metal drop-offs from residents? What types of metals can be disposed of?
Are there restrictions on who can use your metal disposal services or where they must reside?
What are your hours for dropping off metal? Do you require appointments?
Are there limits on how much metal you can bring in per visit? Is there a weight limit?
Do you charge metal disposal fees? What is the rate?
Can metal cabinets be discarded along with other scrap metals?

Some municipalities allow residents to drop off metal free or at very low cost. Others restrict use to local residents only or have strict limits on volumes accepted. Make sure to confirm any requirements before hauling cabinets over.

When visiting a recycling center, be prepared to provide identification or proof of residency if requested. Fees are typically calculated by weight, so have an estimate of the cabinets’ total poundage. You will likely need to haul the cabinets from your vehicle yourself.

List Metal Cabinets for Curbside Bulk Pickup

Many towns and cities offer periodic curbside bulk trash collection days where residents can dispose of unwanted furniture, appliances, and other large items. Metal cabinets can often be included for pickup on these designated days.

Check your municipal website or call your local public works department to find out about curbside bulk pickup policies in your area. Common requirements include:

Placing cabinets curbside either the night before or by 7am on the scheduled collection day.
Breaking down cabinets into pieces below a certain size and weight, for example 4 feet high by 6 feet wide and under 50lbs per piece.
Limiting the number of bulk items set out for pickup, for instance no more than 3-5 pieces.
Obtaining any required bulk pickup permit and displaying it on cabinets set curbside.
Keeping cabinets and other items away from power lines, poles, fire hydrants, and other obstructions.
Avoiding blocked driveways and sidewalks.

Follow all rules closely to ensure your metal cabinets are collected as expected.

Sell or Donate Usable Metal Cabinets

Before trashing metal cabinets, consider opportunities to donate or sell them instead. Gently used cabinets might find new life with non-profits, reuse stores, or other community members.

Try these options to responsibly rehome usable metal cabinets:

Sell online – List cabinets on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. Take clear photos and accurate measurements to attract buyers. Disclose any defects or damage upfront. Offer local pickup or work out delivery logistics.
Donate to reuse stores – Non-profits like Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill gladly take cabinet donations they can resell or use. Reach out to arrange dropoff or pickup. Get receipts for potential tax deductions.
Give to individuals – Friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, or other community contacts may want your leftover cabinets. Advertise availability through word of mouth, mailings, or social media.
List for free pickup – Online sites like Freecycle allow listing usable items for free pickup. Describe cabinets accurately and responsibly plan handoffs.
Offer to local groups – Schools, churches, makerspaces, community centers, or theaters may be able to use cabinets for storage or other needs.

Locate a Nearby Scrap Metal Buyer or Recycler

If selling or donating isn’t viable, your cabinets still hold worth for their metal content. Scrap metal yards will pay cash for the steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals contained in old cabinets. Here’s how to find and use a local metal recycling facility:

Search online – Look for “scrap metal recycling near me” or “[city] metal recycling.” Reviews and proximity both matter.
Check directories – Industry groups like the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) list registered metal recyclers online.
Ask around – Neighbors or friends may have recommendations for reputable recyclers they’ve used before.
Call ahead – Confirm the facility accepts old cabinets before making the trip over. Ask what metals they recycle and current rate prices.
Prepare cabinets – Remove non-metal parts like glass, shelves, or hardware. Take doors off hinges. Break down into manageable pieces if possible.
Transport safely – Use a truck or trailer to securely contain the metal pieces. Prevent shifting, sliding, or spilling during transit.
Weigh materials – The recycler will likely weigh your metal when you arrive to calculate payment. Fees may apply for processing.
Get paid – Most recyclers pay cash on the spot for scrap metal. Others issue checks or make electronic payments if you have an established account.

Selling scrap metal isn’t hugely profitable, but it can help offset a bit of the time, energy, and gas spent on proper disposal.

Other Tips for Metal Cabinet Removal

Here are a few other pointers to keep in mind when getting rid of old metal cabinets:

Break cabinets into manageable pieces before moving them outside your home. This makes hauling safer and easier.
Wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, closed toe shoes, and long sleeves when dismantling cabinets. Look out for sharp edges and protruding nails or screws.
Make sure to disconnect cabinets from any installed plumbing or wiring before attempting removal to avoid system damage.
Photograph each cabinet before taking it apart or removing doors and drawers. This provides useful references later for trying to sell or reuse components.
Set aside small parts like hinges, latches, knobs, and screws for reuse or metal recycling rather than trashing them.
Use hand tools like pry bars, hammers, and screw drivers to take cabinets apart. Power tools can speed up the work but are riskier for injuries.
Check for asbestos warnings before cutting into older cabinet materials. Asbestos requires special handling and disposal protocols. When in doubt, play it safe.
Follow the disposal requirements outlined by your specific city, county, or hauler. Failure to comply can result in fines or refusal of service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Cabinet Disposal

Here are answers to some common questions on properly getting rid of metal cabinets close to home:

Where exactly can I bring old metal cabinets near me for disposal?

Start with your city or county waste management department to find your closest municipal dump, transfer station, or recycling center accepting metal scrap. Search “metal recycling near me” if those are unavailable or inappropriate for cabinets.

What should I do if my cabinets contain lead paint?

Lead paint requires special disposal methods to avoid contamination. Contact your local household hazardous waste facility to ask about proper lead paint disposal. Separate lead painted portions before recycling non-contaminated metals.

How do I find curbside bulk pickup days in my neighborhood?

Check your city or town’s sanitation department website, or call them to ask about bulk pickup policies for your street. Make note of the schedule for future reference.

Can I just leave usable cabinets on the curb for someone to take?

Simply abandoning cabinets on the curb is usually prohibited by local ordinances. Remove doors first if concerned about kids getting trapped inside. Better options are donating, selling, or offering cabinets through approved channels.

What are signs my cabinets contain asbestos?

Asbestos is only a concern in older cabinets installed before the 1980s. Look for a sticker on the inside warning of asbestos content. Crumbly, brittle, or flaking material may also indicate asbestos. Play it safe and call an asbestos abatement company if unsure.

What do I need when dropping off metal cabinets at a recycling center?

Bring ID to verify local residency if required. Know the approximate total weight of cabinets to calculate disposal fees. Make sure cabinets are broken down into manageable pieces before unloading.

What should I do if a cabinet is too heavy for me to move?

Enlist a few friends to help lift and haul oversized metal cabinets. You can also hire professional assistance from junk haulers or moving companies if needed. Take proper precautions to avoid injury.

How can I donate kitchen cabinets or other used metal cabinets?

Start by calling local ReStore locations run by Habitat for Humanity. They often accept cabinet donations in good shape. Your local Goodwill or Salvation Army may also take cabinets if usable. Offer cabinets in local online groups as well.

What steps should I take before removing installed kitchen cabinets?

Turn off electrical and water supply lines before removal. Take off cabinet doors and empty out all contents beforehand. Remove any attached hardware and countertops. Unscrew from the wall studs starting at the top.

Key Takeaways on Metal Cabinet Disposal

To recap, these are some key pointers for properly discarding old metal cabinets close to home:

Contact your waste management provider first to ask about bulk pickup services. This is often the simplest disposal solution.
Utilize municipal dumps, transfer stations, or recycling centers if available and approved for cabinet disposal.
Consider donating, selling, or repurposing usable cabinets before trashing them.
Research local scrap metal buyers and recyclers to potentially offset some costs.
Prepare cabinets appropriately by removing contents, doors, and hardware plus breaking into smaller pieces.
Comply fully with any disposal rules and restrictions specified by your local authorities.
Exercise safety through every step of the process from dismantling to transporting cabinets.

With the right information and preparations, you can keep excess metal cabinets out of landfills and dispose of them affordably and responsibly. Just be sure to explore all the convenient options available in your area.

Conclusion

Properly disposing of old metal cabinets takes a bit of time and effort, but it’s important for safety, recycling, cost savings, and legal compliance. The good news is that with the right planning, you have many responsible disposal options to choose from locally. Your waste management provider, nearby scrap recyclers, municipal disposal sites, and donation opportunities can all help minimize waste while removing unwanted cabinets from your space. Just be sure to handle any safety considerations first when dismantling cabinets. With the resources above, you can develop a plan to sustainably get rid of metal cabinets near you.

Where Can I Dispose of Metal Cabinets Near Me?