Donate: Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, and other charities accept small appliances (toasters, mixers) in working condition. Policies on accepting large appliances (washers, dryers) vary by location; check with local branches. Or inquire with local nonprofits that run group homes about large-appliance donations.

Trash: Call your sanitation department or check its website to find out about large-item pickup and local dump sites. Or go to www.recycle-steel.org to find a large-appliance recycler near you.

Tip: Test all electrical equipment and battery-operated items before donating, and check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website (www.cpsc.gov) to make sure you don't have any unsafe or recalled items (halogen torcheres without wire guards, blow-dryers with no electrocution protection).