EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (commission file No. 33-51584), on Form S-8 (commission
file No. 33-68890), and on Form S-8 (commission file No. 333-28571) of our
reports dated February 16, 2001 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Appliance Recycling Centers of
America, Inc., and subsidiaries appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 30, 2000.



                                                         McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 23, 2001


                                       39