<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>6
<FILENAME>arca021521_ex23-1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
<TEXT>
                                                                    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 15, 2002 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 29, 2001.






McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 22, 2002



</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
