What to do with your old washer and dryer
Getting rid of old appliances means more than just tossing them out of the house. Here are a few ideas for washer and dryer recycling, donating, or junking.
When it’s time to upgrade your washer and dryer, whether because they’re outdated or don’t work anymore, it’s time to dispose of your old units.
Getting rid of these old appliances means more than just tossing them out of the house. Responsible disposal of a washing machine and dryer is an important consideration. That means minimizing environmental impact and ensuring proper waste management.
Here are a few ideas on how to recycle or dispose of your old washer and dryer in a responsible manner.
Video file
Recycling your washer and dryer
Recycling is an eco-friendly option that promotes sustainability by reusing materials and reducing waste. When it comes to washers and dryers, recycling typically involves extracting their valuable components and recycling their remaining metal parts.
Here's how you can recycle your old appliances:
Local recycling centers
Look for local recycling centers that accept large appliances. They often have specific procedures for accepting washers and dryers. Contact them to inquire about drop-off locations, any fees involved, and whether they offer pickup services.
Also, check for e-waste recyclers. Besides the scrap metal of the drum and outside cabinet, modern appliances contain many electronic parts and cables, which need to be recycled properly.
Manufacturer programs
Manufacturers have started their own recycling programs, hauling away their old appliances and sometimes offering discounts for new purchases.
Among the manufacturers with recycling programs included Bosch, LG, and Whirlpool. Contact your appliance manufacturer to find out details.
Municipal programs
Most cities prohibit disposing of old household appliances by leaving them on the curb beside trash bins. Doing so can incur a significant fine.
Instead, find out if your city has a collection program for large appliances. Research to see if they have designated pick-up days or special collection centers. Ensure that you follow any necessary preparation steps, such as removing doors or securing loose parts.
Retailer recycling programs
Many appliance retailers have take-back or recycling programs. Check to see whether the company you purchased your old appliances from offers such services. They may collect your old washer and dryer when delivering the new ones or provide drop-off points for recycling.
If you’re purchasing new appliances from a retailer, see if they’ll offer free or low-fee removal of the old units. Best Buy, Home Depot, and Costco may offer this service to you.
Donating and reusing your washer and dryer
If your old washer and dryer are still functional and in decent condition, consider donating them. Many organizations and individuals may benefit from receiving these appliances.
Here are a couple of ways to donate:
Nonprofit organizations
Reach out to local charities, shelters, or community centers to inquire if they accept appliance donations. These organizations, such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, often appreciate functional washers and dryers that can be used by individuals or families in need.
Online platforms and classifieds
Websites like Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local community groups on social media platforms allow you to connect with individuals who may be interested in your old appliances. Make sure to accurately describe the condition of the items and arrange for safe and convenient pickup.
Junking and disposing of your washer and dryer
If your washer and dryer are beyond repair or reuse, the last resort may be to junk them. However, it's important to dispose of them responsibly to minimize environmental impact.
Here's what you can do:
Professional appliance removal services
Look for professional junk removal services that specialize in handling large appliances. They will ensure proper disposal, recycling, or environmentally friendly disposal methods, adhering to local regulations.
1-800-GOT-JUNK removes appliances of all sizes and conditions. Find out more about what we can remove for you.
Scrap metal recyclers
Metal recyclers can salvage the valuable metal components from your washer and dryer. Contact local scrap metal yards to inquire if they accept large appliances and follow their guidelines for drop-off or pickup.
Make your old washer and dryer disappear with 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
When it's time to bid farewell to your old washer and dryer, choosing the right disposal method is crucial. Prioritize recycling and donation options to promote sustainability and support those in need. Explore local resources, manufacturer programs, and recycling centers to find the best solution that aligns with your goals and values.
If you need help getting rid of your large appliances, contact your local 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise for a free, no-obligation quote.
Move on from your old appliances today!
Frequently asked questions
We price based on how much space your items take up in the back of our truck, broken down into ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾ of a truckload, all the way up to a full truckload. Our trucks hold the equivalent of seven pickup trucks.
Our prices vary based on location and there is a minimum charge for our teams to remove your items, which is different in each location, based on a number of factors, including local disposal and recycling fees.
We offer single item pricing for certain items such as mattresses or TVs, sometimes this will be less than our minimum charge.
For materials that have a heavy cubic weight like dirt, concrete, and gravel, pricing is based on the total volume that the material takes up in the truck, up to a maximum of one foot in height for a full truck.
Watch us load up a truck to see how our standard pricing works!
If you need service weekly, monthly, or quarterly, we offer bulk pricing discounts. This gives you better value compared to common alternatives, such as dumpsters or less professional junk removal services.
Interested? Call our business account team at 1-888-475-3461 to discuss your needs as well as pricing options.
On the day of your appointment with us, our friendly, uniformed truck team members will give you a call or text 25-30 mins before we arrive to let you know we’re on our way.
Whether your business has a single location or multiple locations, we can create a custom junk removal solution that works for you. We can coordinate pickups at multiple locations at a local, regional, and national level. Rather than work with dozens of regional or local companies, let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? handle the jobs across all your locations.
Absolutely! We take large items all the time. As long as it can be lifted and loaded into the truck by two people, we'll be happy to take it away for you!
We work with all types of businesses and can handle any type of job - cleanouts, bulk item removal, general junk removal and even specific items like cardboard or pallets. We can take pretty much anything as long as it's not toxic or hazardous. We can remove your items from wherever they’re located, whether it’s your office, store, site or anywhere else—all you have to do is point!
Yes, we're fully licensed, bonded and insured! We have insurance covering damages to both persons and property for every single booking.
While we don't quite service the entire map, we cover almost every greater metropolitan area across the US, Canada, and Australia. To see if we’re in your neighborhood, you can start a booking by entering your zip code here.
Our customer service center is open 24/7, so we’re here whenever you need us! While operating hours may vary in our franchise locations, we offer same-day and off-hours service, including weekends.
