How to Dispose of Old Washer and Dryer? 6 Options [2026]

Washers and dryers weigh 150-250 lbs each. Most regular trash services refuse them. You need a plan that handles the weight and gets both units out at once.

If you are buying replacements, retailer haul-away is the simplest route. If not, scrap recyclers or curbside pickup are your best bets.

Both Lowe's and Home Depot offer haul-away of old appliances when you purchase and have a new one delivered.

Lowe's charges $30 for haul-away per appliance on top of the $29 delivery fee. The delivery crew disconnects and removes the old unit when they install the new one. You must have the old appliance accessible and disconnected from gas lines (gas dryers require a licensed plumber to disconnect).

Home Depot includes haul-away for free with most appliance deliveries over $396. The delivery team takes the old unit at the time of installation. Same gas line restriction applies.

Both stores refuse appliances with pest infestations, water damage, or mold. If your old washer or dryer is in rough shape, they may reject it at the door.

Yes. Washers and dryers contain 100-150 lbs of steel each, plus copper wiring and sometimes stainless steel drums. At current scrap prices:

• •Steel: $0.05-$0.10 per pound ($5-$15 per machine)
• •Copper wiring: $3.55 per pound (small amount per unit)
• •Stainless steel drum: $0.20-$0.40 per pound

A complete washer or dryer brings $5-$20 at a scrap yard without disassembly. If you strip the copper motor windings and separate the stainless drum, you can get $25-$40 per machine.

Many scrap yards offer free pickup for large appliances. Call local yards and ask — they make money on the metal, so pickup is often complimentary if you have 2+ appliances.

Donation works if both units are functional with no leaks, rust, or mechanical issues.

• •Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Free pickup for working appliances. Call your local ReStore to schedule.
• •Salvation Army: Accepts working washers and dryers in some metro areas. Schedule online.
• •Local shelters and transitional housing: Many accept working laundry appliances directly.
• •Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: List working units for free or cheap. Often claimed within 24-48 hours.

Most charities reject units older than 10-12 years, even if they still run. Energy efficiency standards have changed enough that older models cost more to operate than they are worth.

Professional washer and dryer removal costs $70-$250 depending on the company and whether you need both units removed.

• •1-800-GOT-JUNK: $150-$350 for a minimum load (includes labor to carry from inside home)
• •LoadUp: $80-$143 per appliance plus a service fee
• •Junk King: $99-$200 for appliance removal
• •Dropcurb: $79 flat rate for curbside pickup (you move units to the curb)
• •Local hauler on Craigslist: $40-$80 but no insurance, no guarantees

The price gap between services comes down to one thing: who carries the appliance. Full-service companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK send a crew inside your home, which costs more. Dropcurb keeps it simple — you get the unit to the curb, and a hauler takes it from there for $79.

Not on regular trash day. Washers and dryers are classified as bulky items in every U.S. city. You must schedule a separate bulk pickup.

Most cities offer free bulk pickup but the wait is 2-8 weeks. Some cities limit bulk pickups to 2-4 per year. Leaving an appliance at the curb without a scheduled pickup can result in code violation fines of $50-$500.

For gas dryers, disconnect the gas line before moving it outside. This requires closing the gas shutoff valve behind the dryer. If there is no shutoff valve, hire a plumber ($75-$150) or contact your gas utility for a free disconnect.