How to Get Rid of Old Metal Cabinets and Desks

Dealing with old metal cabinets and desks can be a hassle. Over time these large furniture items can take up valuable space, become damaged or outdated, or simply no longer fit your needs. Getting rid of metal cabinets and desks requires some planning and effort, but it can be done through various disposal, donation or selling options. Here is an in-depth look at effective ways to remove old metal cabinets and desks from your home or office.

Assessing Your Old Metal Cabinets and Desks

Before deciding how to get rid of your old metal cabinets and desks, take some time to properly assess them. Here are some key things to consider:

• Size and Weight: Measure how big and heavy the cabinets and desks are, as this will impact your ability to move them and your disposal options. Larger, heavier items may need to be disassembled or professionally removed.
• Condition: Check the current condition of the metal cabinets and desks. Are they structurally sound, or are they damaged? Can any dents or rust spots be repaired? Condition will affect what disposal methods may work.
• Features: Note any features like locks, drawers, shelving, etc. Useful features may make the items worth selling or donating, versus scrapping.
• Composition: Verify if they are made 100% of metal. Metal composite pieces may require special disposal methods.
• Value: Assess if the cabinets or desks have any antique, vintage or sentimental value that makes them worth selling privately.

Carefully checking over your old metal cabinets and desks allows you to choose suitable and legal disposal methods.

Cleaning and Preparing Metal Cabinets and Desks

Before getting rid of old metal cabinets and desks, some cleaning and preparation can make the process easier:

• Remove all contents: Completely empty out the cabinets and desks and dispose of any unwanted contents appropriately.
• Clean surfaces: Wipe down the inside and outside surfaces to remove dirt, grime, dust and debris. Clean items are more appealing for selling or donating.
• Check for personal information: Ensure no sensitive documents are stuck in drawers or cabinets before disposal.
• Repair minor damage: Use sandpaper to smooth dents or scratches, and touch up paint if needed. Addressing damage can raise value.
• Disassemble if needed: Take apart larger cabinets and desks into manageable components if they are too big to transport as is.

Taking these steps eliminates hassles later on and opens up more disposal possibilities.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Metal Cabinets and Desks

When your old metal cabinets and desks are prepped for removal, you have several good options to get rid of them sustainably:

Sell Privately

Selling quality metal cabinets and desks privately can recover some of their value. Here are tips for successful private sales:

• Price fairly: Research comparable items on classified ad sites to set a fair asking price based on age, size, condition, features and materials.
• Advertise online: Create posts with photos and full details on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other sites to attract buyers.
• Highlight benefits: Emphasize useful features like locking drawers, adjustable shelving and good condition from an office environment.
• Offer delivery: Offering low cost local delivery can boost your chance of sale.
• Accept cash only: To avoid scams, meet buyers in person and only accept cash as payment. Meet in public for safety.

Selling privately takes more time and effort, but returns cash versus disposal fees. Be flexible on pricing to sell quicker.

Donate to Charitable Organizations

Donating usable quality metal cabinets and desks is an easy, socially responsible disposal method. Here are top options for donating:

• Homeless shelters often furnish housing with donated furnishings and can make good use of cabinets and desks.
• Schools and libraries may want metal cabinets and desks to expand student resources on a tight budget.
• Youth clubs, churches and nonprofits frequently accept donated furniture to equip their facilities.
• Veterans organizations have programs providing household items to struggling veterans who can benefit from basic cabinets and desks.
• Women’s shelters aim to create comfortable environments and appreciate donated furnishings.

Be sure to call ahead to confirm donation guidelines, delivery instructions and any item condition requirements. Get a receipt for tax deduction purposes.

Hire Junk Removal Companies

For problem-free disposal, hiring professional junk haulers to remove and dispose of old metal cabinets and desks is convenient:

• Provide curbside pickup: Leading haulers like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? offer to collect items from your curb or loading area. No rental trucks required.
• Safely load and transport: Experienced junk removal teams properly load and securely transport your heavy, bulky cabinets and desks. No risky DIY transport needed.
• Recycle and dispose legally: Reputable companies recycle any eligible metals and responsibly dispose of non-recyclable remnants under all local regulations.
• Offer flexible service: Choose one-time pickups or regular service; some companies even buy salvageable vintage items.

While pricier than DIY disposal, professional removal services reduce risks of injuries, fines and legal violations.

Sell for Scrap

Selling old metal cabinets and desks to scrap metal recyclers can provide a bit of cash to offset new furniture costs. To begin, research local metal recycling companies and get quotes for:

• Steel: Steel is the most common scrap metal and widely recycled. You’ll get quotes based on weight and markets.
• Other metals: Copper, aluminum and other nonferrous metals may have higher scrap value. Bring smaller items in.
• Mixed metals: For composite pieces, ask about scrapping as shredder or mixed metal.
• Scrap prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. Weigh cost vs. convenience if quotes seem low.

Unethical businesses may try to underpay – deal only with reputable licensed recyclers to get fair value.

Give Away on Free Cycle Sites

For usable metal cabinets and desks you can’t sell or donate, free online exchanges like Craigslist and Nextdoor make it easy to give them away locally:

• Post a “Free” ad with measurements, photos and condition details to generate interest.
• Offer curbside pickup for bulky items you cannot deliver yourself.
• Ask interested parties to bring along an able-bodied helper and tools to disassemble if needed.
• List for quick pickup as first-come, first-served for a fast hand off.
• Remove the listing once an individual claims the items so you aren’t overwhelmed with calls.

Just be sure no major repairs are needed before offering items up for free.

Rent a Dumpster

For bulk removal jobs, renting a temporary dumpster can simplify large-scale disposal of old metal cabinets and desks.

• A 10-15 yard dumpster is ideal for large haul-aways. Get a price quote inclusive of delivery, rental and debris disposal costs.
• Schedule a weekend rental to have ample time for safe DIY loading of the heavy furniture pieces.
• Load carefully, keeping weight evenly distributed and preventing tipping hazards.
• When finished with cleanup, arrange dumpster pickup and return.

Though pricier and more labor-intensive than junk hauling, dumpster rental gives you complete control over the disposal job.

Use Curbside Bulk Pickup

Many municipal trash services offer occasional curbside bulk pickup for large, bulky items that won’t fit in normal trash receptacles. Old metal cabinets and desks are ideal bulk pickup items.

• Verify your scheduled date for bulk pickup and set items at the curb 1-2 days prior.
• Check any restrictions on number of items allowed or prohibitions on commercial, hazardous or oversized items.
• Call to schedule an extra pickup if needed; additional fees may apply.
• Remove doors and drawers to lighten items if weight is an issue, while still leaving cabinets intact.

Bulk curbside pickup is free, but is limited to your area’s specific schedule and policies. If you miss the pickup window, you’ll have to pursue other disposal options.

Dismantling and Transporting Old Metal Cabinets and Desks

When selling, donating or disposing of metal cabinets and desks yourself, proper dismantling and transport is crucial:

• Use hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers to take apart larger cabinets and desks into manageable components.
• Prevent sharp edges by sanding down exposed rough or pointed metal areas after disassembly.
• Wear heavy work gloves to protect hands when carrying sharp, heavy metal pieces.
• Bring help for moving extra large or bulky cabinets and desks. Get furniture sliders or dollies to ease the load.
• For any cabinets or desks you are keeping intact, empty all contents first to lighten weight.
• Carefully load into a vehicle with adequate cargo space, securing items so they don’t shift and damage the vehicle or occupants.

Renting an appliance dolly, van or pickup truck can provide an easy, safe way to transport multiple large metal pieces.

Alternative Uses to Repurpose Metal Cabinets and Desks

With a little creativity, old metal cabinets and desks can often be adapted into useful alternative items instead of being disposed of:

• Sturdy cabinets make great inexpensive tool caddies for organizing garage or workshop gear. Just add shelves, pegs and containers.
• Office cabinets with drawers repurpose well as kitchen pantries for expanded food and dish storage.
• Use an old filing cabinet to neatly store sports equipment like balls, helmets and pads. Add hooks on top for hanging items.
• An old desk becomes a handy potting table or outdoor gardening work station when topped with weatherproof wood.
• Flip a desk on its back to create a great kids’ chalkboard or craft station on the smooth desktop surface.
• Add shelves inside a metal cabinet carcass to build a rolling utility cart or recycling station.

With minimal time and money, you can reinvent old metal cabinets and desks rather than disposing of them.

Safe, Eco-Friendly Disposal of Metal Cabinets and Desks

If your old metal cabinets and desks simply can’t be reused or repurposed, dispose of them in a safe, eco-friendly manner:

• Separate all metal and non-metal parts for proper recycling and disposal. Metal can often be recycled.
• Avoid illegal dumping which poses environmental hazards and risks hefty fines. Only use authorized disposal sites and services.
• Check for hazardous components such as lead paint or asbestos which require special disposal. Ask your local environmental agency for guidance.
• Confirm any appliance recycling requirements for more complex furniture like file cabinets. Some have refrigerants that must be removed first.
• Request documentation from waste management services proving your items were disposed of legally and responsibly.

Being thoughtful about disposal protects the earth from contamination and improper waste accumulation.

Questions and Answers About Disposing of Old Metal Cabinets and Desks

If you are wondering about the specifics of removing old metal cabinets and desks from your home or office, here are helpful answers to common questions:

Q: How much does it cost to have old metal cabinets and desks hauled away?

A: Junk removal costs average $100-$250 for a few average-sized metal cabinets and desks, depending on location, haul distance and other service factors. Get free estimates from haulers like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to compare prices.

Q: Can I just put old metal cabinets at the curb for normal trash pickup?

A: Most residential trash services do not collect large, bulky metal furniture like cabinets and desks. You need to arrange special bulk pickup, use a dumpster or hire a junk hauler.

Q: Is it better to donate, sell or trash old metal office furniture?

A: Donating is best for decent quality cabinets and desks to help charity causes. Selling can provide cash back. Trashing is last resort for broken or soiled items with no reusable value.

Q: What are risks of doing DIY removal of old metal cabinets and desks?

A: Risks include back injuries from heavy lifting, damaged walls and floors, exposure to rust and debris, and legal issues if dumping illegally. Consider professional junk hauling services to avoid these hazards.

Q: Can I toss old metal cabinets and desks in recycling bins?

A: No – most curbside recycling programs do not take bulky metal furniture. You need to call metal recycling companies to properly scrap cabinets and desks based on their materials.

Q: How can I tell if an old filing cabinet or desk contains hazardous materials?

A: Look for labels indicating lead paint, asbestos or other hazards. If uncertain, request an inspection by licensed environmental technicians to identify any risks before disposal.

Conclusion

Removing old metal cabinets and desks requires a bit of planning, preparation and labor. But following this guide’s recommendations helps streamline the process while ensuring safe, legal and environmentally responsible disposal. Wherever possible, consider repurposing or donating quality used metal furniture to cut down on waste. And be sure to utilize professional junk removal services for any aspects of the project you are unable to handle on your own. With the right approach, you can eliminate outdated and unneeded metal cabinets and desks from your space quickly and affordably. Just be sure to thoroughly assess your needs and research all available options in your local area.