It’s never been easier to swap your broom for a robot vacuum or mop, but what happens when this handy device has sucked up its last crumb and is ready for the trash heap? Or maybe you’re upgrading to a new model and want to give your current robot vacuum a new home. Here’s what you need to consider before you say farewell.
What to Do Before Getting Rid of a Robot Vacuum
Your first order of business is to delete the map of your home’s floor plan and other personal data. Every robot vacuum with mapping that I’ve tried allows you to edit and delete that information; find the maps section in your device’s mobile app and get rid of it.
Next, wipe your Wi-Fi settings. This will remove information about your home’s wireless settings, but also make it easier for the next owner to set it up, if you’re trading it in. The process varies by model, but look for a button on the bottom or top of the robot under a plastic cover.
Clean the Dirt Off Before Donating
Before you hand over a unit, give it a little attention. Remove the dust collection bag from the docking station, if there is one, or empty the onboard dustbin and give it a rinse.
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)
Even if the vacuum looks pretty clean, remove the brushes because there will be hair tangled inside. Ideally, you’re already doing this to keep it in top shape. However, having one less thing to clean is also why you got a robot in the first place, so I understand if that’s not a priority.
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)
If you have a combination vacuum and mop, the robot likely still has some water inside it that will need to be emptied by hand. Look for the pieces that can unhook or be pulled out from the robot’s onboard water tank.
Once you clean a wet and dry docking station, it’s easy to see why regular maintenance is important. I’ve seen rust and other muddy messes develop in less than six months. The clean and dirty water buckets are the obvious place for stink to develop, but there’s a good chance that other areas are a problem too.
Most of the premium robot vacuums and mopping units will come with a couple of extra parts. If you’ve used these already or there weren’t any to begin with, then extra parts can be purchased online. Most brands are eager to sell you replacements. Modern robots will even tell you how much the different parts have been used and when it recommends replacing them.
PCMag-Recommended Robot Vacuums
How to Safely Dispose of a Busted Robot Vacuum
If your robot isn’t in a condition to donate or gift then it will need to be recycled. These home appliances are considered e-waste so they can’t be put into the trash. Beyond the many environmental concerns, there’s the possibility of fire or exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
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In theory, recycling one of these devices is easy. But robot vacuums are often cumbersome. Even a vacuum without a self-emptying station can weigh up to 15 pounds. Add in a bulky charging station and it can be a workout to haul around.
Visit a Local E-Waste Center
The best place to start for recycling an unwanted robot vacuum is with your local government’s website. I did a search for a few smaller municipalities across the country and all of them had some guidance about what to do. Some states like California have maps for locating recycling centers. Larger cities should also have multiple destinations for drop-offs.
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Take It to a Retail Store
Even if you do have a local e-waste center available, it may be more convenient to take an old robot to a retail location. Most Best Buy stores, for example, offer the ability to recycle up to three items per household per day. Best Buy accepts robot vacuums, and also offers a mail-in service. But that tops out at 15 pounds and requires certain box dimensions that might not fit.
Amazon has a mail-in electronics recycling program through Re-Teck. It doesn’t mention robot vacuums among smart home items it accepts, though it does include the rather bulky Astro robot. For drop-offs, it partners with MRM (Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company). California residents can also use CalRecycle.
Utilize a Manufacturer Trade-In Program
If you simply want to get rid of your old robot vacuum so you can buy another one, utilizing a manufacturer trade-in might be the best option. You can get a little bit of money to put toward one of PCMag’s picks and remove the old one from your house.
Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs all offer some sort of upgrade or trade-in program. The specifics vary among companies, but each should provide a way to send in your old vacuum for free.
About Tyler Hayes
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