It can be difficult to get rid of a washer and dryer due to their size and weight. They can also be costly to transport—both from a financial and environmental standpoint—if you don’t properly dispose of them. Here’s how you can safely dispose of your washer and dryer!
Take Proper Steps to Remove Your Washer & Dryer
Washing machines and dryers—unlike many other common home appliances—typically stay in the same spot for the entirety of their life cycle. Before you officially get rid of your washer and dryer, be cautious when uninstalling and removing them and follow these steps:
- Start by turning off your water supply and unplugging your washer and dryer units.
- Remove each hose from the hot and cold water supply. Some machines may have the water hoses directly in the machine, making it easier and safer to transport.
- Unhook any remaining hoses, such as the washer’s drain hose and the dryer’s vent hose.
- Lastly, check for damage or excess lint before attempting to move your dryer to lower the risk of a fire, as lint is highly flammable.
Look for any places where there may be damaged metal or sharp edges to prevent injury to yourself and anyone who may be helping you move your washer and dryer.
Consider Selling Your Washer & Dryer
Washers and dryers can last for a long time if properly cared for, making them a great item to resell. For some households, a well-cared for secondhand washer and dryer is a budget-friendly option over investing in new units. Before you decide to sell your washer and dryer, there are some factors to consider—such as the age of the units, your washer and dryer’s capacity, if it has a cleaning cycle, and if it has had any major repairs. These factors can influence how much you decide to price your unit at. If you decide selling your washer and dryer is the best option, consider giving it to an appliance retailer. Many appliance retailers may offer free appliance removal services for old units, providing a convenient, hassle-free option. Another option is to sell the units on an online marketplace, such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or other online community groups.
Donate Your Washer & Dryer
If you decide selling your washer and dryer is not the best option, consider donating your units. This is a great method for disposing of your washer and dryer if it’s still in good condition. You can donate large household items like washers and dryers to a nonprofit organization, such as The Salvation Army and Goodwill—just check to see if your nearby location accepts functional washer and dryer donations. Another option is to donate your unit to a local charity. Do some research in your local area to find organizations that support causes you believe in.
Recycle Your Washer & Dryer
If your washer and dryer is no longer usable, recycling your washer and dryer is a nice alternative to simply throwing it away. Not only can it be a convenient and hassle-free option, but it’s also sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Many washer and dryers are made of steel, which can be recycled and repurposed into new items. Do some research into local recyclers in your area. Some areas have local recycling programs in place to reduce the risk of harmful waste. Consider scrapping your washer and dryer with a scrap metal recycler—just make sure they will properly recycle your washer or dryer. Some scrap metal recyclers will even pay you for your metal.
Research City Pickup Service Options
Pickup service options like city trash collectors and curbside pickups are something to consider if you’re unable to dispose your washer and dryer by yourself. Before you request your unit to be picked up, research your city’s pickup rules. Some cities may have a bulk collection day where only one bulky item is allowed for pickup, meaning you can only put out your washer or dryer. Some cities may also require washer and dryer doors to be secured or to remove some of the machines’ electrical components, such as valves, wires, and the circuit board.
Rent a Dumpster
Some cities may provide dumpster delivery services, making the short distance to your driveway easier for you to load your washer and dryer. It’s a great option for old appliance disposal—especially if your washer and dryer are beyond repair. Before you commit to renting a dumpster, do some research into your city’s guidelines for additional fees. Some areas may have restrictions on certain types and sizes of appliances being tossed in landfills.
Hire a Junk Removal Company
Contracting a professional junk removal company is useful for getting rid of a washer and dryer—especially if you’re unable to lift your washer and dryer by yourself. These companies recycle as much of the items they haul away as possible without harming the environment by contributing hazardous waste to landfills. Research professional junk removers in your area that specialize in large appliance removal to find a company you can trust—these experts should always remove major appliances like washers and dryer sets with caution to ensure proper disposal.
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