How to Get Rid of a Washer and Dryer: Easy Disposal Guide

It's not as easy as just dragging a washer and dryer to the curb to get rid of them. These appliances are heavy, hard to move, and the rules for getting rid of them are different in each city. Most people also don't want to make extra trash, especially when some parts of the machines can be reused, recycled, or given away.

This guide shows you all the practical options, whether your washer just stopped spinning, your dryer takes hours to dry, or you're getting a new set. You will learn step by step how to get rid of a washer and dryer, what to do with old appliances, where to take them, and how to avoid putting them in the trash when you can.

How to Get Rid of a Washer and Dryer: A Step-by-Step Guide 🔗

Here is a clear, simple, and realistic list of the best ways to get rid of your old washer and dryer, even if they are still working or are completely broken.

Step 1: Look at the state of your appliances 🔗

Before you make a choice, check to see if your washer and dryer are:

• Fully functional
• Partially functioning
• Not fixable

This is important because the condition changes your options.

If the appliances are still working:

You can give them away, sell them, or donate them. A lot of nonprofits and community groups will take working appliances, and someone moving into their first home might be happy to take them off your hands.

If they don't work:

The best thing to do is usually to recycle, drop off scrap metal, or hire a service to haul it away.

Know more: 6 Easy Ways to Disposing of an Old Dishwasher

Step 2: Think about giving them away or donating them (if they still work). 🔗

Giving away appliances is one of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to get rid of them. A lot of groups will take washers and dryers that are still in good working order.

Some places that might take them are:

• ReStores from Habitat for Humanity
• Churches or community centers in your area
• Nonprofits that help with housing
• Thrift stores that pick up items
• Families or students can get help from local "Buy Nothing" groups.
• Facebook Marketplace (set to "Free")
• The "Free" section of Craigslist

Giving away your old appliances keeps them out of landfills and gives someone else a cheap way to do laundry.

You can also sell a washer and dryer that works if you want to. Even older, working sets can sell for $50 to $150 on local marketplaces.

Learn more: Hazardous Waste Disposal Cost: A Complete Guide

Step 3: Find out if the store or manufacturer has a haul-away program. 🔗

Many stores will take away your old washer and dryer for you if you buy new ones. Some people even recycle them in a responsible way.

Some stores that offer haul-away are:

• Home Depot
• Lowe's
• Best Buy
• Appliance stores in your area

There might be a small fee (usually between $20 and $50), but this is by far the easiest way. They unplug the machines, load them up, and take them to the right place to be thrown away.

Know more: What is Haul Away Service​?

Step 4: If your city allows it, use municipal bulk pickup. 🔗

Some cities have days when they pick up large items like trash or appliances. Residents can schedule a pickup for these items. This is helpful, but the rules are different:

Your city might need:

• A planned meeting
• A small fee for trash removal
• Taking off doors for safety
• Putting the appliances on the curb at a certain time
• Putting on stickers or tags that you bought from the city

Find out how your city handles trash by looking it up online or calling the public works department. Search terms like:

• "your city + getting rid of appliances"
• "your city + bulk pickup washer dryer"

Step 5: Bring Them to a Scrap Yard or Recycling Center 🔗

Recycling is one of the best things you can do if your washer or dryer breaks. Most of these appliances are made of metal, and scrap yards will often take them.

You can:

• You need a truck to drop them off yourself.
• Call recycling centers in your area
• Call scrapyards (some will pay you a little bit for the weight of the metal).

Scrap yards pay more for heavy metal parts, so you might get a little money back, usually between $5 and $20 depending on how heavy they are.

The recycler might take out any electronic parts, motors, or wiring from the machines and use them again. This helps cut down on trash in landfills and encourages the reuse of valuable metals.

Know more: How Wecycle is Changing the Junk Removal Industry

Step 6: Get a service to remove junk or haul it away. 🔗

Hiring a removal service is often the best choice if you want the quickest and least stressful option. They take care of all the heavy lifting, moving, and throwing away. This is very useful if

• You live in an apartment.
• You don't own a truck
• Moving appliances is hard when there are stairs or narrow hallways.
• You just want it to go away quickly.

Most companies that pick up junk will do it the same day or the next day. Prices depend on where you live, but a washer and dryer set usually costs between $80 and $200.

If you go this route, pick a company that recycles or donates things instead of just throwing them away.

Step 7: Get the washer and dryer ready to be picked up or thrown away. 🔗

This is how to get your machines ready safely:

Washer

• Take the power cord out of the wall.
• Shut off the water supply valves
• Take off the hoses
• Get rid of any extra water.
• To keep mold from growing, wipe the inside of the drum.
• Close the lid with tape.

Dryer

• Take the unit out of the wall
• If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas valve (call a pro if you're not sure).
• Take the vent hose off
• Get rid of any lint
• Close the door with tape.

For both machines:

• Make it easy to get rid of
• If you're dragging something across tile or wood, be careful not to damage your floors.
• Check the size of the doorways to make sure they fit.
• If you're giving them away or selling them, take pictures.
• This prep makes it easier to pick up and stops water leaks, gas problems, and injuries.

Helpful Tips to Make the Process Easier 🔗

Here are some more tips that will help you save time, money, and energy:

1. Don't pull appliances across floors 🔗

Old washing machines and dryers are very heavy. Dragging them can hurt floors. Use:

• Sliders
• Sheets of cardboard
• A dolly
• Blankets for furniture

2. Don't throw away washers and dryers with regular trash. 🔗

Because of the metal, wiring, and other parts inside that need to be thrown away in a certain way, it's not allowed in most cities. You could get a fine if you put them on the curb without permission.

3. See if you can get money back for recycling. 🔗

Some states and electric companies will give you a small amount of money back if you recycle your appliances. It's worth looking:

"your state's appliance recycling rebate"

4. Don't try to disconnect the gas if you don't know how. 🔗

If you're taking out a gas dryer, turn off the valve and think about calling a professional. It's important to handle gas leaks correctly because they are dangerous.

5. Book early if you want them to be picked up quickly. 🔗

On weekends and holidays, a lot of people buy new appliances. Scheduling removal services early can help you avoid delays because they can fill up quickly.

6. Be honest about how bad the condition is when you give them away. 🔗

People like it when things are clear. Tell them right away if the dryer doesn't heat up well or the washer leaks. It stops people from making unnecessary trips and helps the right person pick it up.

7. Recycling is usually the best choice for the environment. 🔗

There are:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Wiring made of copper
• Engines
• Parts for electronics

Recycling these things saves energy and keeps appliances from going to landfills.

Know more: How to Dispose of an Air Conditioner Safely

Conclusion 🔗

You don't have to worry about getting rid of a washer and dryer. Once you know what you can do with your stuff. Donate it, sell it, recycle it, schedule a city pickup, or hire a removal service. The process is much easier. The best way to do it depends on what matters most to you: ease of use, cost, environmental impact, or getting the machines out quickly.

If the appliances still work, giving them away or selling them is a great way to help someone in your area. Recycling or a haul-away service keeps broken items out of the landfill and makes sure that the materials are used again in a responsible way.

Need to get rid of something quickly and safely? WeCycle will pick up and recycle your washer and dryer so you don't have to do anything. Sign up today!

Frequently Asked Questions 🔗

Is it okay to leave a washer or dryer on the curb? 🔗

No, usually not. Because appliances have metal and other regulated materials in them, most cities require a scheduled bulk pickup or special disposal.

Where can I get rid of an old washer and dryer? 🔗

You can drop them off at recycling centers, scrap yards, donation centers (if they work), or your city's trash facility. Some stores will also take them away when they bring you new ones.

What should I do with a broken washer and dryer? 🔗

The best choice is to drop off your scrap metal or recycle it. Hire a junk removal or haul-away service if you don't want to move them yourself.

Is it possible to sell an old washer or dryer? 🔗

You can sell them in your area if they work. Even broken units may be worth something because of the metal inside.

Do junk removal companies recycle old appliances? 🔗

A lot of them do, but not all of them. Before you book, always ask if they recycle or donate.

What's the best way to get rid of a washer and dryer? 🔗

When buying new appliances, the quickest and least stressful way to get rid of the old ones is usually to hire a haul-away service or use a store's pickup program.