What to Do with a Broken Vacuum Cleaner
Throwing away a broken vacuum cleaner is bad for the environment. In some places, tossing an old vacuum in the dumpster is downright illegal. If you can't trash the broke-down upright, you should be able to recycle it, right? Nope. Not without taking it apart and sorting it bit by bit. Most people don't have the time for that or even know what the bits are made of. So how can someone responsibly dispose of a broken vacuum cleaner?
Maintenance
The best offense is a good defense. By keeping you vacuum cleaner maintained, it will suck properly for years to come.
Repairs
The most common ailments of a vacuum cleaner aren't fatal. The majority of us have the wherewithal to repair a clogged canister or a broken or loose belt. A professional handyman can fix a loose wire or make other minor repairs. All these ailments are simple and inexpensive to fix.
How-to Guides
HowStuffWorks "How to Repair Small Appliances: Tips and Guidelines"
"lDIY Vacuum Repair
Disposal
The best way to dispose of a broken vacuum cleaner is by selling it through eBay. You won't make a fortune off of your DOA vacuum cleaner, but it looks like you?=;ll probably be able to find a buyer. Most of the dead vacuums already have a bid or two on them.
Here are four other options if you hate eBay for some reason.
1. If you live in Minnesota, they have a vacuum cleaner recycling program there. You can look go to the site and see if they'll accept shipments.
2. The city of Davis has a recycling program that accepts vacuum cleaners.
3. Dyson, the vacuum maker, will recycle old Dyson vacuums.
4. Try a local repair store. I'll wager that they are always looking for spare parts.