What to Do With Old Metal File Cabinets
Metal file cabinets have been a staple of offices and organizations for decades. Sturdy and secure, they provide an efficient way to store and organize paper documents. However, as more records become digital, many businesses find themselves wondering what to do with their old metal file cabinets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various options, from repurposing to recycling, selling, donating, and disposing of old metal file cabinets.
Repurposing Old Metal File Cabinets
One of the best ways to extend the life of an old metal file cabinet is to repurpose it for another use. With some creativity, these vintage office pieces can be given new life around the home or workshop. Here are some ideas for repurposing old metal file cabinets:
Turn into a Bookshelf or Display Case
Remove the inner rails and hardware so the drawers operate as open boxes. Paint or stain the cabinet for a fresh look. The former file drawers make perfect bookshelves for an office, living room, or bedroom. Display collectibles in them like plants, photos, or souvenirs. Add adjustable shelves inside to multiply storage possibilities.
Create a Craft Storage Unit
Old metal file cabinets are ideal for corralling art, craft, sewing, and hobby supplies. Use them to organize everything from yarn and fabric to paints, beads, scrapbooking items, and more. Label the drawers to keep your stash tidy.
Build a Tool Chest or Garage Storage
In the garage or workshop, metal file cabinets lend themselves nicely to holding tools, hardware, automotive fluids, or other supplies. Mount them on casters for mobile storage. Install a wood top to create a workbench surface. The sturdy steel construction stands up well to heavy-duty use.
Make a Kitchen Pantry Cupboard
Utilize an old file cabinet in the kitchen for storing pantry goods or cookware. Clean thoroughly inside first. Then remove any clunky sliding rails from the drawers. Now it’s ready to hold canned goods, baking supplies, or pots and pans while keeping them organized and accessible.
Create Retro Office Furniture
For a cool, vintage vibe in a home office, upcycle a classic metal file cabinet. Paint or stain it, replace handles, add new drawer liners, set on casters or legs, and top with a wood countertop. This makes a custom desk or workstation with personality and charm.
Recycling Old Metal File Cabinets
If repurposing a well-worn metal file cabinet isn’t feasible, recycling it is the next greenest choice. Steel filing cabinets can typically be recycled, fragmented, and reused, keeping the metal out of landfills. Here’s how to recycle old metal file cabinets:
Check with Your Local Recycling Center
Contact your city or county recycling program to ask about metal recycling options in your area. Some municipal recycling centers accept scrap metal like old file cabinets. They may require you to transport the cabinets to their facility.
Use a Scrap Metal Recycler
Look for privately run scrap yards or metal recycling companies nearby. They purchase all types of scrap steel and metal by the pound and accept drop-offs or pickup heavy items. Call ahead to ask about their processes.
Remove Non-Metal Parts
Before recycling, disassemble the file cabinet to separate all non-metal components. Remove and recycle plastic or wood separately. Proper sorting helps streamline the metal reclamation process.
Prepare the Cabinet Shell for Transport
With only the steel body remaining, consider flattening or dismantling the main frame so it takes up less space in your vehicle. This also makes it easier to maneuver for the recycling center.
Receive Compensation for the Scrap Metal
Scrap metal recycling centers will weigh your file cabinet shell and pay you per pound based on current metal values. While not a huge amount, it’s a nice return for an item you no longer need.
Recycling metal file cabinets conserves natural resources and reduces energy consumption vs. producing brand new metal products. So it’s an eco-friendly way to dispose of old office furniture.
Selling Used Metal File Cabinets
Rather than recycling, consider the sales potential of your used metal file cabinets. Vintage office furniture is trendy again. With some sprucing up, these steel cabinets can sell for a decent return. Here are tips for selling used metal file cabinets:
Clean Thoroughly Inside and Out
Give the file cabinet a deep clean before listing it for sale. Remove all old paper, dust, grime, and sticky spots from the interior. Scrub the outer surfaces. Make it shine to show off its attractive mid-century style.
Touch Up Paint or Finish
Freshen up the look with spray paint on the metal body or new stain on the wood trim, if applicable. Address any chips, scratches, or faded spots. Even minor cosmetic improvements can boost resale value.
Replace Broken or Missing Hardware
Examine drawer slides, handles, locks, and other hardware. Repair or replace anything that’s visibly damaged or missing. Test all moving parts for smooth operation. Fix any hiccups that could detract buyers.
Take Clear, Well-Lit Photographs
Take photos that accurately showcase the file cabinet’s retro charm and functionality. Get plenty of angles, details, and close-ups. Good pictures do the hard selling for you online.
List on Classified and Auction Sites
Create ads on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and other online platforms popular in your area. Make sure to note details like dimensions, manufacturer, materials, and condition.
Vintage office furniture is trending, so capitalize on this demand. With some strategic spruce-ups and savvy online listing practices, selling your used metal file cabinets can be quite lucrative.
Donating Old Metal File Cabinets
For those less concerned with making money off old file cabinets collecting dust in the corner, donating them is an option that pays forward. Many charitable organizations accept contributions of used office furniture and redistribute items to schools, nonprofit groups, small businesses, and individuals in need. Here are some pointers on donating old metal file cabinets:
Find Recipients in Your Local Community
Start by calling community assistance programs, vocational rehab centers, youth organizations, religious groups, and social clubs in your city or county. They often know smaller groups happy to receive office supply donations.
Check with National Charities
National nonprofits like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and Salvation Army accept some furniture donations. Reach out to local chapters to see if they can take metal file cabinets.
Match Donations to Specific Programs
Consider the demographics a charity serves, like job trainees, refugees, formerly incarcerated, or elderly. Ask if they have participants who could benefit from office furniture. It helps ensure your donated cabinets directly support their mission.
Transport Items Directly to Recipients
Rather than dropping off at goodwill unannounced, contact groups first to confirm their needs and delivery procedures. Schedule a time and date to transport cabinets directly. This saves them labor and overhead costs.
Provide Ample Documentation
Create a detailed donation receipt for your records indicating the item(s), recipient, date, and estimated dollar value. Get a signed letter from the charity for additional documentation.
Repurposing or recycling aren’t the only eco-friendly options. Donating reusable items like metal file cabinets also keeps them circulating to support community programs.
Disposing of Old Metal File Cabinets
For file cabinets that are broken, severely rusted, or otherwise unsalvageable, disposal is the last recourse. While not the greenest choice, proper disposal is preferable to illegal dumping which can contaminate soil and waterways. Here are some responsible tips for disposing of old metal file cabinets:
Verify Cabinet Cannot Be Salvaged or Recycled
Before discarding, thoroughly inspect for any way to repurpose, donate, or recycle the file cabinet. Be absolutely certain the condition warrants disposal rather than reuse or recycling.
Remove and Recycle Any Non-Metal Parts
If you must dispose of the cabinet, first dismantle and remove plastic, wood, foam, or other non-metal components that may still be recyclable. Sort these properly.
Break Down the Steel Shell
Use a hammer, crowbar, or sawzall to break apart the remaining steel shell into smaller fragments. Flatten any intact sections. This aids waste haulers in loading and compacting the metal pieces.
Rent a Dumpster for Large Disposal Projects
If disposing of multiple old file cabinets or other bulky waste, consider renting a temporary dumpster. Load the broken-down metal into it and schedule a haul-away when full.
Transport Smaller Quantities to the Landfill
For just one or two old file cabinets to dispose of, you can haul the flattened metal pieces yourself to the local municipal solid waste landfill. Pay any tipping fees for non-household commercial waste.
Ideally old file cabinets are reused or recycled whenever possible. But responsible disposal is better than illegal dumping. Abide by all local waste ordinances and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common questions about old metal file cabinets:
What are typical sizes of old metal file cabinets?
Vintage metal file cabinets are available in a range of sizes:
- 2-drawer: About 36″ tall x 15″ wide x 25″ deep
- 4-drawer lateral: Around 62″ wide x 18″ deep x 28″ tall
- 4- or 5-drawer vertical: Roughly 52-60″ high x 15″ wide x 25″ deep
- Commercial sizes go even larger
What are metal file cabinets typically constructed from?
Old file cabinets are predominately made of cold rolled sheet steel for the chassis and drawers. Some have wood or laminate edges or trim pieces. Drawer slides are metal.
How much does an old metal file cabinet weigh?
An average 4-drawer vertical file cabinet weighs 115-150 lbs. Larger lateral wide models can weigh 300+ lbs. Weight varies based on size and gauge of steel used.
Are old metal file cabinets worth money?
Mid-century vintage metal file cabinets can sell for $50-$300 depending on size, style, condition, and desirability of manufacturer. Best resale value is for well-known brands like Hon, Cole, or Shaw Walker files.
Can you paint an old metal file cabinet?
Yes, metal file cabinets can be painted with proper preparation and primer. Scuff the surface with sandpaper, then use metal primer before spraying on paint. Enamel spray paint works well for a smooth finish.
What safety precautions should be taken with old file cabinets?
Use caution when moving very heavy old cabinets. Wear gloves when dismantling to avoid sharp edges. Prop open drawers so they can’t slam shut while working inside the cabinet. Ensure cabinets are empty and handles removed before recycling or disposing.
Conclusion
There are many great options beyond the trash bin for old metal file cabinets that have reached the end of their usefulness. With some sweat equity, they can be transformed into handy home storage units or trendy DIY furniture. Selling vintage cabinets to eager buyers is also a possibility. And recycling keeps their steel construction circulating in the economy. When all else fails, mindful disposal beats dumping. Just be sure to thoroughly explore repurposing, donating, or selling before taking old file cabinets to a landfill. With a little creativity, that old dusty cabinet in the basement can live on.
