Replacing an old laundry set means figuring out what to do with the machines you already have. Washers and dryers are bulky, heavy, and packed with materials that should never end up in a standard trash bin. In 2026, you have more options than ever for responsible washer and dryer disposal, and many of them cost little to nothing.
The best approach depends on whether your appliances still work, how quickly you need them gone, and whether you want to recoup some cash. You can donate working units to charity, sell them locally, scrap them for metal value, schedule a municipal bulk pickup, or use a retailer haul-away service when buying new ones. Each path has different costs, timelines, and environmental benefits.
This guide walks through every method with real pricing, safety instructions for disconnecting gas and electric models, and tips for getting the best outcome. If you are also getting rid of other household items, our microwave disposal guide covers similar eco-friendly recycling methods for smaller appliances.
What you will learn:
Before diving into each option, here is a side-by-side comparison of the most common disposal methods. Use this as a quick reference to find the right fit for your situation, budget, and timeline.
Getting rid of old laundry appliances does not have to mean sending them to a landfill. In fact, most of the best disposal methods are also the most environmentally responsible ones. The goal is keeping steel, copper wiring, electronic components, and other recoverable materials in circulation rather than buried underground.
Each option below works best for different situations. A working washer from 2020 has very different disposal paths than a broken dryer from 2008. Consider the age, condition, and your timeline before choosing.
Donation is one of the simplest and most impactful disposal choices when your washer or dryer still runs. Charities and nonprofit organizations resell affordable appliances to families who need them, keeping perfectly good machines in use while generating revenue for community programs.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts working washers and dryers at most locations and offers scheduled pickup service. Call your local ReStore to confirm they accept appliances and to schedule a pickup window. Most ReStore locations require units to be under 10 to 12 years old, clean, and fully operational.
The Salvation Army and Goodwill also accept appliance donations in many regions, though acceptance varies by location. Some branches send a truck for free pickup if you are within their service radius. Ask about age restrictions, as most charities will not take units older than 12 years.
If charity pickup is not available in your area, try listing the appliances as a free giveaway on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Reddit users consistently report that free appliance listings get claimed within 24 to 48 hours, often by people who handle the pickup themselves. This saves you the effort of moving heavy machines.
Keep your donation receipt. You may qualify for a charitable donation tax deduction based on the resale value of the appliance, which can add up if you are donating both a washer and a dryer.
When your appliances no longer work, recycling is the most responsible path. Washers and dryers are largely made of steel, which is one of the most recyclable materials on earth. Each unit contains roughly 100 to 150 pounds of recoverable steel, along with copper wiring, aluminum components, and sometimes stainless steel drums.
The EPA RAD (Responsible Appliance Disposal) program is a voluntary partnership between the EPA and utilities, retailers, and manufacturers. RAD partners commit to recovering refrigerants, PCB capacitors, mercury switches, and other hazardous materials before shredding appliances for metal recovery. While washers and dryers do not contain refrigerants, RAD-certified facilities handle them with the same care, making sure all hazardous components are properly managed.
To find a recycling center near you, use the Earth911 recycling locator at earth911.com. Enter your ZIP code and the appliance type, and the tool returns a list of nearby facilities that accept washers and dryers. Many of these drop-off locations are free.
Your local transfer station or county waste management facility may also accept large appliances. Some charge a small drop-off fee of $10 to $25, while others take them at no cost. Call ahead to confirm hours, accepted items, and any preparation requirements such as removing doors or draining water lines.
If your appliances are broken beyond repair, scrapping them can put cash back in your pocket. Scrap metal recyclers buy old washers and dryers for their steel, copper, and aluminum content. A typical machine yields $5 to $40 depending on current metal prices and whether you deliver it intact or disassembled.
Steel is the main moneymaker, currently trading at roughly $0.05 to $0.10 per pound. With 100 to 150 pounds of steel per unit, that adds up to $5 to $15 per machine. If you take the time to separate copper wiring from the motor and electrical components, copper can fetch around $3.55 per pound, significantly boosting your payout.
Many scrap yards offer free pickup for appliances because they profit from the metal. Reddit users in r/Frugal frequently recommend this route, noting that local scrap companies often haul away old machines at no charge. Some scrapyards even pay $10 to $20 on the spot for a working-age dryer.
To maximize your return, call two or three scrapyards to compare current pricing. Ask whether they pay more for disassembled units versus whole machines, since separating the copper motor wiring can increase your total significantly.
Buying a new washer and dryer is often the easiest time to get rid of the old set. Most major appliance retailers offer haul-away service when delivering your new machines, sometimes for free and sometimes for a modest fee.
Home Depot offers free haul-away of old appliances when you purchase new ones totaling $396 or more and use their delivery service. For smaller purchases, the fee is typically around $19 to $30 per item.
Lowe’s provides haul-away for about $30 per appliance when you buy a replacement and schedule delivery. Their delivery team removes the old units the same day they install the new ones.
Best Buy also offers appliance haul-away with delivery. They recycle the old machines through certified processors, which means your appliances are handled responsibly rather than dumped.
Some manufacturers like LG operate their own recycling take-back programs. Check the manufacturer website or contact customer service to learn whether they offer mail-back or pickup recycling for your old unit.
When you need appliances gone fast and do not want to lift a finger, junk removal services are the most convenient option. They come to your home, haul the machines from inside, and handle disposal. The trade-off is cost, which ranges from $70 to $350 depending on the company and your location.
1-800-GOT-JUNK is the most widely available service, operating in most metro areas. Pricing typically runs $150 to $350 for a washer and dryer pair, and they offer same-day or next-day appointments with upfront quotes.
Junk King is slightly more affordable at $99 to $200 for two large appliances. They emphasize eco-friendly disposal and claim to recycle or donate up to 60 percent of what they haul.
LoadUp offers transparent online pricing, usually $80 to $150 per appliance, and provides upfront quotes without an on-site estimate. Their online booking system shows the exact cost before you schedule.
For a budget alternative, search for local services like Fast Free Appliance Removal, which operates in several cities. These smaller companies pick up appliances at no charge because they earn money from scrap metal recycling.
If your appliances still work, selling them locally can recoup some of your upgrade costs. The key is pricing realistically and being transparent about age, condition, and any known issues.
Facebook Marketplace is the most popular platform for selling large appliances locally because buyers can see the item and arrange pickup immediately. List your washer or dryer with clear photos, model number, and dimensions. A working set typically sells for $100 to $400 depending on age and brand.
Craigslist remains a solid option, especially for reaching buyers in your immediate area. Post in the appliances section with honest photos and a fair price.
Mercari and OfferUp are additional marketplaces worth checking. Mercari handles shipping logistics if you are selling smaller appliance parts, while OfferUp focuses on local transactions.
Be upfront about whether the buyer needs to handle pickup. Most appliance buyers on these platforms expect to bring a truck and a friend, but stating it clearly saves confusion.
Many cities and counties offer free bulk waste pickup for large appliances as part of their regular waste management services. This is often the most budget-friendly option, though it requires patience.
Typical wait times run 2 to 8 weeks from the date you schedule, depending on your municipality’s pickup cycle. Some cities schedule bulk pickup on specific days each month, while others let you request a one-time appointment.
Call your local waste management department or visit their website to schedule. Ask about preparation requirements, such as taping doors shut, removing gas connections, or placing the unit at the curb on a specific date.
Never place an appliance on the curb without scheduling first. Many cities issue code violation fines of $50 to $500 for unscheduled bulk item placement, and enforcement is increasingly common.
If you are upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, you might actually get paid to dispose of your old appliances. Utility companies and state energy offices run appliance bounty programs that pay $30 to $50 for old, inefficient units, especially refrigerators and freezers but sometimes washers and dryers as well.
Energy Star rebate programs offer cash back when you buy qualifying efficient appliances. These rebates range from $50 to $300 and are administered through local utilities, state energy offices, or cooperative extension programs. Check the Energy Star rebate finder at energystar.gov to see what is available in your ZIP code.
Some bounty programs include free pickup of your old appliances as part of the deal. This means you get paid, avoid hauling costs, and ensure your old machine is recycled through a certified processor.
Before committing to disposal, take a moment to evaluate whether a repair could extend the life of your machine. The most eco-friendly appliance is the one you already own, and many common washer and dryer problems are fixable for far less than the cost of a new unit.
Typical repair costs range from $75 for a simple part swap to $300 for more involved fixes like a motor or control board replacement. If your machine is under 8 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a replacement, fixing it is usually the smarter financial and environmental choice.
Online resources like iFixit offer free step-by-step repair guides for common appliance issues, including drum belt replacement, pump swaps, and heating element repairs. If you are handy, a $20 part and an hour of your time can add years to a machine’s lifespan.
For professional help, call a local repair service and ask for a diagnostic estimate before committing. Many technicians waive the diagnostic fee if you proceed with the repair, giving you a clear picture of the cost upfront.
Knowing when to let go is the first step in the disposal process. Hanging onto a failing machine wastes energy, water, and money, while jumping the gun on a fixable unit creates unnecessary waste.
Watch for these clear signals that your washer or dryer has reached the end of its useful life:
These indicators help you decide when washer and dryer disposal is the right call. Acting at the right time prevents wasted energy and avoids the risk of a sudden breakdown flooding your laundry room.
Once you have chosen a disposal method, proper preparation keeps the process safe and smooth. Skipping steps can create water damage, gas leaks, or injury. Washers and dryers weigh 150 to 250 pounds each, so plan ahead and never attempt to move one alone.
Start by disconnecting all utilities before attempting to move either machine. This is not optional, especially for gas dryers where improper disconnection can cause dangerous leaks.
Step 1 – Cut the power. Unplug the washer and dryer from the wall outlet. If the plug is behind the machine and hard to reach, turn off the circuit breaker for that circuit instead.
Step 2 – Shut off the water supply. For washers, locate the hot and cold shutoff valves on the wall behind the unit and turn them clockwise until they stop. This prevents water from spraying when you disconnect the hoses.
Step 3 – Disconnect the gas line (gas dryers only). This is the most critical safety step. Turn the gas supply valve to the off position, which is perpendicular to the pipe. If you smell gas at any point, leave the area and call your gas utility immediately. If you are not comfortable performing this step yourself, hire a licensed plumber. Professional gas line disconnect typically costs $75 to $150, and it is money well spent for safety and peace of mind.
After utilities are safely disconnected, clean and prep each machine. A clean unit is more likely to be accepted by donation centers, fetch a better price if sold, and avoid leaving residue at a recycling facility.
Put on protective gloves before you start. Appliance interiors can have sharp metal edges, lint buildup, and residual cleaning chemicals.
For the washer:
For the dryer:
Once everything is clean, disconnected, and dry, you are ready for pickup, drop-off, or sale. If you are upgrading your laundry setup, this is also a great time to consider eco-friendly fabric softener sheets for a greener laundry routine with your new machine.
Moving warning: Never attempt to move a washer or dryer by yourself. These machines weigh 150 to 250 pounds and can cause serious injury or property damage if they tip. Always use an appliance dolly and have at least two people for the move. Strap the machine securely to the dolly before navigating stairs or tight corners.
You can donate working units to Habitat ReStore or Salvation Army, sell them on Facebook Marketplace, scrap them for metal at a local recycling center, schedule a city bulk pickup, or use retailer haul-away when buying new appliances. The best option depends on whether the machines still work and how quickly you need them gone.
The most reliable free options are scheduling a municipal bulk pickup through your city waste management department, donating to a charity that offers free pickup like Habitat ReStore, listing the appliances as free on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or contacting a local scrap metal company that picks up appliances at no charge.
Home Depot offers free haul-away of old appliances when you purchase new appliances totaling $396 or more and schedule delivery. For smaller orders, the haul-away fee is typically $19 to $30 per item. Lowe’s charges about $30 per appliance for haul-away with delivery.
Yes. Scrap metal recyclers pay $5 to $40 per machine depending on weight and metal content. Steel trades at about $0.05 to $0.10 per pound, and each unit contains 100 to 150 pounds of steel. Separating copper wiring from the motor can increase your payout since copper fetches around $3.55 per pound.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, The Salvation Army, and Goodwill accept working appliances at many locations. Most charities require units to be under 10 to 12 years old, clean, and fully functional. Call ahead to confirm acceptance and schedule a pickup. Keep your receipt for a possible tax deduction.
Costs range from free to $350. Free options include city bulk pickup, charity donation, scrap metal pickup, and retailer haul-away with a qualifying purchase. Paid options include junk removal services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK ($150 to $350), Junk King ($99 to $200), and LoadUp ($80 to $150 per appliance).
Only if you have scheduled a bulk pickup with your city. Placing appliances on the curb without scheduling can result in code violation fines of $50 to $500. Always call your waste management department to arrange a pickup date before moving anything to the curb.
Turn off the gas supply valve so it is perpendicular to the pipe, then unplug the dryer. If you smell gas at any point, leave the area and call your gas utility immediately. If you are unsure about safely disconnecting the gas line, hire a licensed plumber, which typically costs $75 to $150.
Proper washer and dryer disposal comes down to matching the right method to your situation. Working machines can serve another family through donation or fetch a fair price on local marketplaces. Broken units still hold value at scrap yards, where the steel and copper inside translate into cash and kept metal out of landfills. When speed matters most, retailer haul-away or a junk removal service handles the heavy lifting for a fee.
The environmental impact matters more than most people realize. Each recycled washing machine keeps up to 150 pounds of steel and several pounds of copper in circulation rather than buried in a landfill. Choosing a responsible disposal method also prevents hazardous materials from contaminating soil and groundwater, supporting a more sustainable approach to appliance lifecycle management.
Before you commit to any method, take time to prepare your machines safely. Disconnect power and water, handle gas lines with professional help if needed, and always move heavy appliances with a partner and a dolly. A few hours of preparation prevents injuries, property damage, and costly mistakes.
Key takeaways for washer and dryer disposal:
Responsible appliance disposal is just one way to reduce your environmental impact. For more ideas on living sustainably year-round, check out our collection of Earth Day tips that make a real difference.
