How to Get Rid of Metal Filing Cabinets

Metal filing cabinets have been a staple of offices and storage rooms for decades. While they served an important purpose in the past, many people now want to remove these large, bulky pieces of furniture and free up some space. Getting rid of metal filing cabinets requires some time and effort, but it can be done through selling, donating, recycling, or disposing of them.

Evaluate What You Have

Before deciding how to get rid of your metal filing cabinets, take stock of what exactly you have. Make notes on:

• The number of filing cabinets you need to remove. Are there just one or two, or do you have a whole room full?
• The size and style. Vertical file cabinets take up less floor space than lateral ones. Four or five-drawer cabinets are larger than two or three-drawer ones.
• The condition. Are the cabinets sturdy and usable overall or are they very worn or damaged?
• If they are still full of files or empty. The contents may determine the best way to get rid of them.
• If they have locks and keys. Locks may make some disposal options difficult.

Knowing these details will help you decide the best approach.

Sell Metal Filing Cabinets

One option for getting rid of metal filing cabinets is to sell them and make a bit of money in the process. Selling works best for cabinets that are still usable and in decent shape. Possible selling avenues include:

• Classified ads – List the filing cabinets on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Include measurements, details on condition, and photos. List vertically for a quick sale.
• Consignment shops or antique stores – Vintage or mid-century filing cabinets may be accepted for resale at local consignment retail stores.
• Office furniture liquidators – Businesses that buy and sell used office furniture may buy metal filing cabinets from you.
• Auctions – You can auction filing cabinets through online auction sites. Pickup needs arranging.
• Scrap metal yards – Even old beat-up cabinets contain metal worth some cash for recycling. Remove drawers before taking to scrapyard.

Selling requires more effort but brings in money to offset removal costs. Price filing cabinets reasonably to attract buyers.

Donate Metal Filing Cabinets

Donating metal filing cabinets clears out clutter while benefiting others. Donation options include:

• Schools and youth programs – Public schools often accept donated filing cabinets for office use. Check if pickup is offered.
• Nonprofit organizations – Charities, religious groups, and other nonprofits may need metal filing cabinets for storage.
• Small businesses – New startups and other local small companies may accept donated filing cabinets.
• Thrift stores – Some charitable thrift stores take donations of metal filing cabinets to sell. Call ahead about acceptability and pickup.
• ** barometerHabitat for Humanity ReStores** – Habitat for Humanity accepts some furniture donations for resale. Check requirements.

Donating filing cabinets comes with the benefit of a potential tax deduction for the donation value. Be sure to get a receipt from the organization.

Recycle Metal Filing Cabinets

If selling or donating filing cabinets is not an option, recycling the metal is an eco-friendly way to get rid of them. Start by checking for any recycling labeling on the cabinets. Steels with higher percentages of recycled content are marked. Then look into these recycling options:

• Curbside pickup – Some municipalities allow metal filing cabinets to be left at the curb for recycling collectors if marked accordingly.
• Scrap metal yards – These businesses pay cash for scrap metal from filing cabinets and other sources. Remove any non-metal parts first.
• Metal recycling centers – Look for recycling centers that take metal cabinets, appliances, etc. and redeem them for cash.
• Manufacturers – Contact cabinet manufacturers to see if they will take back old filing cabinets for recycling.
• Waste management facilities – If the metal can’t be recycled, some waste sites accept metal filing cabinets for standard disposal. Fees may apply.

Recycling through scrap yards or pickup services helps recover valuable metal resources while keeping bulky cabinets out of landfills.

Hire Junk Removal Services

If you want to skip the work of removing metal filing cabinets yourself, consider hiring professional junk haulers. Look for services that:

• Offer filing cabinet and office furniture removal specifically.
• Provide free estimates for full costs.
• Have strong reviews and experienced staff.
• Are licensed and insured.
• Can provide receipts for tax deductions if items are donated.
• Recycle as much as possible.

Junk removal may cost $100 to $400 depending on volume and distance. Weigh costs vs. effort saved. Some companies also purchase metal cabinets directly.

Dismantle and Dispose at Landfill

If other options don’t work, a last resort for getting rid of metal filing cabinets is to dismantle them and transport to a landfill or waste management facility. To prepare them:

• Empty all contents and clean thoroughly.
• Separate and remove any non-metal parts like handles or locks.
• Detach drawers from the main cabinet carcass. Bend off drawer slides.
• Break down into pieces small enough to transport and fit compactly into a dumpster or truck bed for disposal.

Use hammers, pry bars, screwdrivers, and power tools to take the filing cabinets apart. Wear protective gear. Be sure to dispose only at approved waste management sites, not illegally dumped. There may also be disposal fees to consider.

Questions and Answers

What is the easiest way to get rid of old metal filing cabinets?

The easiest options are usually selling on classified sites if the cabinets are usable, donating if you can find a taker, or calling for junk removal services to haul them away. Taking cabinets apart to recycle or dump pieces requires much more effort.

How much space do metal filing cabinets take up?

The amount of floor space filing cabinets occupy depends on their size. Common lateral 2-drawer models take up around 28 x 18 inches. Standard 4-5 drawer vertical cabinets are about 15 x 25 inches. Large format models can be 36 x 48 inches or more.

Can you sell used metal filing cabinets?

Yes, it is possible to sell second-hand metal filing cabinets through classified listings, consignment stores, used office furniture dealers, and auction sites. Vintage or retro cabinets in good condition tend to get the most interest and higher prices.

What charities take metal filing cabinet donations?

Some charities that may accept donated metal filing cabinets include Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations, schools, churches, nonprofit community organizations, and thrift shops. Contact local groups to find out their donation requirements.

Can metal filing cabinets be recycled?

Metal filing cabinets can often be recycled through scrap metal yards, metal recycling programs, special pickup, and manufacturers buy-back programs. Any locks, handles, slides, or other non-metal parts need to be removed first.

Conclusion

Getting rid of old metal filing cabinets takes some planning and effort. Start by evaluating what you have and then explore your options – selling, donating, recycling, or disposing. Selling provides money in return for your work. Donating clears up space while helping a good cause. Recycling is the most environmentally responsible option. Or you can hire junk haulers and be done with it. Just be sure to thoroughly empty and clean the cabinets first. With a bit of strategic thinking, you can say goodbye to old metal filing cabinets cluttering up your space.