Appliance Depot will begin offering free job site removal of old appliances to contractors working on laundry and kitchen remodel projects.  The job training business is seeking washers, dryers, ranges, fridges, and freezers to support its nonprofit mission of creating jobs from waste, according to a recent announcement.

“There’s a double benefit for remodel projects,” said Duane Jager, the Depot’s executive director, in a press release. “By making one phone call, the contractor can avoid hauling expenses, and the homeowner can get a tax deduction for the donation.”

The donated appliances provide work for Appliance Depot’s low-income clients who help run a business where appliances are tested, repaired, cleaned and sold to low-income households at about half the cost of new appliances.

Appliance donations are welcome regardless of condition. Units that cannot be saved for reuse are stripped for parts and then recycled. A Freon recycling fee is charged for fridges and freezers, but is refundable if the unit is saved for reuse.

Contractors or homeowners who want to donate an appliance can call 360-527-2646 or bring it to 802 Marine Drive in Bellingham between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Collection service for homeowners is available only within the Bellingham city limits, but is available to contractors throughout Whatcom County.