Getting rid of old metal filing cabinets in New Milford can seem like a daunting task. However, with some planning and effort, it is possible to responsibly dispose of or recycle your old metal filing cabinets. Here is a detailed guide on how to get rid of old metal filing cabinets in New Milford.
Evaluating Your Old Metal Filing Cabinets
The first step is to evaluate your old metal filing cabinets. Determine if they are still usable or if they are ready for disposal.
Consider the following:
- Condition – Are the filing cabinets structurally sound or are they falling apart? Do the drawers slide properly? Is the metal rusted or badly dented? Assess both functionality and appearance.
- Contents – Do the filing cabinets contain important documents or records that need to be retained? These will need to be properly archived before discarding the actual cabinets.
- Space – Do the metal cabinets take up valuable real estate in your home or office? If you no longer have a need for so much filing space, it may be time to downsize.
- Age – Have the filing cabinets simply become outdated? Metal office furniture tends to have a long lifespan, but changing workplace norms may make older styles obsolete.
Once you’ve evaluated your metal filing cabinets, you can decide whether to try selling or donating them, recycling them, or simply disposing of them.
Selling or Donating Old Metal Filing Cabinets
If the filing cabinets are still usable and you no longer need them, consider selling or donating them. Here are some options to explore in the New Milford area:
- Classified ads – Place an ad in local papers or websites like Craigslist to see if anyone in the New Milford area is looking for used metal filing cabinets. Pricing will depend on size, condition, etc.
- Thrift stores – Some resale shops may accept donated filing cabinets if they are in good shape. This allows someone else to get use out of them. Call ahead to verify donation policies.
- Office furniture recyclers – Companies like Green Office Solutions specialize in picking up and reselling used office furniture in the tri-state area. Get a quote for your old filing cabinets.
- Schools or nonprofits – Local schools, churches, or nonprofit groups may be able to put gently used metal filing cabinets to good use. Reach out to organizations directly.
Selling or donating the cabinets keeps them out of the landfill while also earning you a little extra money or a tax deduction.
Recycling Metal Filing Cabinets in New Milford
If your old filing cabinets are showing signs of wear, recycling the metal is a greener alternative than simply throwing them in the trash. Here are some metal recycling options in New Milford:
- Scrap yards – Several scrap yards and metal recycling centers in the area accept scrap metal to repurpose. Load up the filing cabinets and get quotes on current scrap prices per pound.
- Curbside pickup – Some residential curbside recycling programs will collect metal items like filing cabinets on special pickup days. Contact your local waste services to ask about accommodating a bulk metal pickup. There may be an extra charge.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore – The Danbury ReStore accepts metal furniture donations in any condition as they can salvage and recycle what they can’t sell. Arrange a time for Habitat to collect the cabinets.
- Metals recycling event – New Milford sponsors annual electronics recycling events where metal items are also accepted. This occurs each June at the municipal center.
Properly recycling old metal filing cabinets keeps them out of the solid waste stream while gathering valuable metal materials for reuse.
Safe Disposal of Metal Filing Cabinets in New Milford
For filing cabinets in poor shape or that contain sensitive documents, safe disposal is likely the best option. Here is how to properly dispose of metal filing cabinets in New Milford:
- Remove documents – Be sure to remove all records and documents first if disposing of the entire cabinet. Shred or incinerate sensitive paperwork.
- Break it down – Dismantle the cabinet to make it easier and safer to handle. Remove drawers and hardware.
- Rent a dumpster – For multiple cabinets or large volume, renting a dumpster from a company like Mr. Rubbish is convenient for disposal.
- Contact waste services – Arrange for a special pickup from your residential or commercial waste company. There may be an added fee for bulk item pickup.
- Transport to a transfer station – Haul the broken down filing cabinet yourself to a local transfer station for standard disposal. This costs a small flat fee based on weight.
- Hire a junk hauler – Junk removal companies like Junkluggers of Danbury can conveniently transport and dispose of old metal filing cabinets if needed.
By carefully preparing old metal filing cabinets prior to disposal, you can ensure no sensitive materials end up in the wrong hands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disposing of Old Metal Filing Cabinets in New Milford
Here are some common questions about getting rid of old metal filing cabinets in the New Milford area:
Where can I donate used metal filing cabinets in New Milford?
Some options to donate old but usable metal filing cabinets include local thrift stores like Goodwill, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or nonprofits like schools, churches, and community organizations.
Does New Milford have curbside metal pickup?
New Milford does not offer regular curbside collection of metal items. You would need to bring cabinets to a scrap yard or recycling center yourself or arrange a special bulk pickup for a fee through your waste disposal company.
What is the best way to get rid of old metal cabinets containing private documents?
The best way is to first properly destroy any confidential documents, then break down the cabinets into scrap metal components before bringing them to a recycling center or transfer station for standard disposal.
Can I put old metal filing cabinets out with regular garbage collection?
You typically cannot dispose of bulk metal items like filing cabinets through standard residential garbage pickup in New Milford. The metal could damage garbage trucks.
Is there a cost to recycle metal filing cabinets in New Milford?
There is often no charge to drop off metal filing cabinets at a recycling center, though you may get money back if the scrap metal has value. Special pickups usually involve an added fee for collection and disposal.
Conclusion
Getting rid of old metal filing cabinets in New Milford requires a bit of time and effort. Your first step is properly evaluating your used filing cabinets to determine if they can be reused, recycled, or require disposal. Selling or donating usable cabinets is one option. For old cabinets with no reuse value, recycling the metal through scrap yards or a special pickup is the most eco-friendly solution. As a last resort, carefully prepare the cabinets for proper disposal at a transfer station or via a junk removal service. With planning and diligence, you can responsibly get rid of any old metal filing cabinets cluttering up your New Milford space.