Properly disposing of your washing machine or tumble dryer is crucial for the environment. This guide covers safe methods like recycling, take-back services, and donations.
Disposing of washing machines or tumble dryers responsibly seems challenging due to their large sizes. Whether they stop working, or you just want to upgrade to a new model. These electronic household items contain different materials. Some are recyclable, while others need to be handled carefully.
Improper disposal can lead to environmental damage. So it’s important to know the right steps to take when getting rid of these appliances.
This step-by-step guide will help to dispose of your washing machine and tumble dryer and ensure that harmful chemicals like refrigerants, heavy metals are properly handled and preventing them from leaching into the environment. Let’s go
Before you dispose of your washing machine or tumble dryer, take the following steps to prepare them unplug the appliance, Disconnect plumbing and hoses, remove any personal items and clean the appliance.
Here are the best methods for disposing of your washing machine and tumble dryer responsibly:
Recycling centers are excellent options for disposing of your old washing machine or tumble dryer. Recycling is the best practice for getting rid of these old appliances. Recycling centres break down your appliances and recycle the parts like metal, plastic, and electronics. That help to reduce waste and keeps out from landfills.
What you need to do:
If you’re in Birmingham check out our Birmingham Tip Opening Timings
Many local councils or waste management services provide collection or disposal services for bulky or large appliances. Check if this service is available in your area and whether it’s free or fee-based.
How it works:
If you are located in London and surrounding areas. Find more about local recycling centres and landfill rules on our London Recycling Centres Timings, Laws & Landfill.
If you are planning to buy a new washing machine or tumble dryer, many big retail stores provide a takeback facility to customers. Retailers will take your old one away when they deliver the new one to you. This is the best way to dispose old appliances if you have any plans to buy new one.
What you need to do:
Next is to sell them or donate to local charity organizations to dispose of your appliances if they are in working condition. Low-income people are getting happy to get second-hand appliances, especially if they’re on a budget.
What you need to do:
If you are busy and don’t have time to dispose of it, calling local junk removal companies near you is the best option for you. They will come to your doorstep and take your appliances away.
What you need to do:
Make some extra cash while getting rid of your old washing machine or tumble dryer taking it to a scrap metal dealer. These appliances are primarily made of metal such as steel, aluminium, and copper, so scrap dealers are interested in taking them off.
How to start:
BIG NO, Standard or regular skips do not allow large appliances due their size and presence of hazardous materials. To see what is and isn’t allowed in a skip check out our full blog.
If you are ready to dispose of your old washing machine or tumble dryer, it’s not a big deal and won’t be too difficult for you. It’s important to do it responsibly by following local regulations and guidelines. Choose any of the above methods to dispose of appliances, but make sure that the appliance is disposed of in a sustainable way to save our environment and reduce landfill waste.
For more information on hazardous materials in appliances, check out the EPA Guide on Household Appliance Disposal.
© 2025 Skip Hire Team. All rights reserved. Upper Tier Waste Broker: CBDU596771, Company Number: 15212663 VAT Number: 457394064
