EXHIBIT 23.1








                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT



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 17, 2003 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 28, 2002.






                                                         McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 21, 2003