How to Dispose of an Old Industrial Diesel Generator?

Are you looking for ways to dispose of your Old Industrial Diesel Generator?

Looking at your old diesel generator, scratching your head and thinking ‘What should I do with it?’

The truth is, “Every diesel generator deserves a proper goodbye.”
However, it’s not that simple!

From what a hectic process it is (are we right?) to how we can solve your problem. Keep reading to find out how you can dispose of your old industrial generators.

If you are here on this page, you obviously know how important generator units are to the industries. They generate electrical power in areas without the grid or when a grid fails and definitely an asset. But decommissioning your generator on time is also essential for environmental protection and making room for more efficient machinery.

Okay, we know what you are thinking!

What to do when you don’t want a generator unit anymore? How do you dispose of it? And most importantly, can you make money through it?

Infinite questions and a few helpful answers, which is why we are here to guide you through it all. So, first let’s talk about when to dispose so you would have no doubt before disposal of your generator.

What Is The Importance Of Disposing Old Generators and When?

Have you been wondering whether you should sell your old generator or not? It is a difficult decision, but we can help you decide if your generator should be changed or not.

 So, when must you change your used generator? Following may help you decide:

1. You are upgrading your facility’s generator units

In life, the more you give, the more you will receive. Same principle applies to your business as well.

This includes maintaining and eventually upgrading machines like generators. This is a good reason to change your old generator as it increases work efficiency.

2. Your Industrial Generators have become old

Just as humans, machines get old too.

When generators get old, they don’t work just as efficiently, require more maintenance and are more likely to often not work properly.

Another problem with old generators – environmental effects. It is pretty irresponsible for us to use old generators as they cause more pollution.

Since the treatment for lung cancer can leave you broke, be smart and dispose of your old industrial diesel generator.

3. You are shutting down your facility

Are you shutting down your facility? Do you have no further use for a generator? Then consider disposing of your used industrial generator and earn some money.

Money? Yes! As the quote goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.

There are private buyers and specialized companies who will happily buy your used generator and pay you well for it.

How to dispose of your used industrial generator?

Now that you have decided to dispose of your old generator, what is the best option for you to dispose of the said generator?

Well, your best option depends upon the condition of your generator. Consider these:

• How old is your generator? How well maintained is it?

Older and less functional the generator, less likely it is that they will be sold.

• Does size matter?

Yes, it does. If you are hoping to sell your generator then size of your generator matters. Also, removal costs and recycling payouts depend on the size of your generator unit as well.

• Market Value and Brand 

Market value and the brand of your generator can give you an estimate on how much money you can get for it.

• What fuel does it run on?

This is simply a preference of a buyer.

• Removal Cost

If you hire someone to disconnect, remove and transport your generator, it is called the removal cost.

Now that all of that is cleared, let’s find the best option for you!

1 Scrapping

Do you know one of the easiest methods to dispose of your generation is scrapping? Yes, just like a car!

You just need to call your local scrap yard and ask them to scrap your industrial generator. Only problem is, you will have to pay removal costs and you will make no money this way.

This is why people say, good things don’t come easy. But worry not, dear friends, there are better alternatives available!

2 Recycling

You scrolled because you want to make money right? It is the smarter thing to do. Okay then, let’s talk about recycling.

Wait recycling is eco-friendly but does it pay as well? Yes, it does! And that is why recycling is the better alternative to scraping.

There are still removal costs involved, but recycling materials like aluminum, copper etc., will make you money.

Just make sure the generator is completely empty before taking it to the recycling center or you will end up paying a hazardous substance fee.

What? We said it’s a better alternative, we never said it has no cons!

3 Selling

i) Part Out

Looking for a better alternative to the previous better alternative? Dismantle your generator and sell the parts out.

Even with the removal and dismantling costs, this method pays out considerably well.

ii) Selling Privately

You can sell your generator unit privately to an interested buyer. You would still have to pay the removal cost, but it would payout greatly.

Although there is a limited customer base, this option is a pretty good deal if you find a buyer.

iii) Commercial Buyers

Don’t want to deal with private buyers? Then go for commercial buyers.

Commercial buyers would even give you the option to trade if you need a new industrial generator. Removal costs continue to be our problem here too.

iv) Selling to Specialized Companies

One of the best options, if not the best. Yes, we used the word “best” this time.

Specialized Companies such as Swift Equipment Solutions, would look after the whole process disposal, including the removal process of your generator, so you would not have to worry about a thing. 

These professional companies are known to pay you the fair price for your used generator.

We know it sounds too good to be true but statistically, this is the safest option and also the option with the highest payout.

In the words of a wise man, “Leave it to the pros”.

Dispose Of Your Diesel Generator Safely

Industrial waste such as an old industrial diesel generator should not be disposed of without proper planning.

A thorough research is important before you make any decisions about it. You can ask various disposal and recycling about compliance and regulations beforehand.

Then take the necessary steps to ensure the responsible disposal of your old industrial generator.

Statistically, the USA, alone produces an average of 1,700 pounds of total waste per person.

So, responsible disposal will not only free up some space in your warehouse, but also sustain the planet as well.

FAQs on Old Generator Decommissioning

1 . What should I do with my used generator?

First properly evaluate it. If it is in good condition, you can sell it. Otherwise recycle it or scrap it at a salvage yard.

2 . How long does a generator last?

Generators have a lifespan of 15 – 20 years. Other than that, it depends on the brand and usage.

3 . What method of disposal of an industrial generator yields the most benefits?

Selling your used generator to specialized companies like Swift Equipment Solutions will yield the most benefits for you.

4 . Is it important to dispose of an old industrial diesel generator?

Yes, it is absolutely necessary and should be done responsibly to help the environment.