Repair or Replace it? Beating the Temptation to Toss.

My coffee was tasting metallic two weeks ago when I decided that it was time to invest in a new coffee maker. All of the sudden my head filled with questions I did not know how to answer. My hardy little 4-cupper had been mine for over a year, and a friends for 2 years before that. But was it really time to send her to the electronics graveyard in the sky? And where do I lay her to rest? Was I really making the right decision, or should I put up with the I've-got-a-penny-in-my-mouth taste for a while longer and take one for the recycling team? Sometimes the nasty happens. Inconveniently, your appliance goes up and it leaves you pulling a Chinese dinner outing 'Christmas Story' style... always at the wrong time. It has happened to the best of us but what are we to do? With the growing importance of recycling in today's culture, is it better to fix it, or should you bite the bullet (wait, that tastes metallic too?) and upgrade. Well, there are a few simple rules you can follow:

REPLACE
The cost of fixing the appliance is more than half or what you paid for it.
The cost of fixing the appliance is more than half of what you would pay for an new upgraded model.
Your appliance is out of warranty.
The benefits of upgrading to a better or more energy efficient model outweigh the costs of repairing your current model.
Current appliance has been repair prone.

REPAIR
Said product is totally retro and holds nostalgic value.
You already have the pricey, high-end model.
Current model cost you over 150 big ones.



"Honey, I hope you labeled
that hot dog casserole!"












And About Repairs:
Sometimes even if your appliance is no longer under warranty, the parts within it may be. For this reason you should still contact a factory-authorized repair shop and inquire- it could score you a free repair.
The road to professional repairs can be full of roadblocks. If this is the case, you may just have to bag it all together. But don't trash bag it! Recycle it!

Just like old paints, scrap metal, and grease (I love bacon), you can not just go dumping your nasties into the landfill. Well, you can... but that wouldn't be the environmentally friendly thing to do! In many cities there are recycling centers that you can either take your items to, or sometimes they have scheduled pick ups at local schools and firehouses. Google your local town electronic recycling center for more information. If you are in Savannah, check out this list, or take it to the new Eisenhower Drive Drop Off. They take hard to recycle items such as: used motor oil, electronics, lead acid batteries, Rechargeable batteries, CD/DVD's, Toner and ink cartridges, as well as the common items. Don't forget that you can also drop off used toner and ink cartridges any time at the entrance to any Best Buy.

Yes. It is great to upgrade to the newest energy efficient and Eco-friendly model, but sometimes you just can't... or don't want to. Do what I did with my coffee maker. Take it off someone elses hands! There are many places in Savannah where you can pick up used appliances for a fraction of the price and often times these models have a warranty from the new sales location. This is also a great way to do your part!

Consumer Reports has a load of valuable information on this subject and tips about different types of electronic recycling and repairing options and advise.

I've got my own little pile of electronics to take to Eisenhower this week, my beloved pot, the worst DVD player ever created, and my favorite hand held boom box I have been rocking out too since I was in 5th grade. I tried to fix it myself, but my step-dad told me it was a lost cause.

See you there!!
Jessie