How to Dispose of a Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer?
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
Ways to Dispose of a Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer
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:
1. Recycling Centres
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:
- Find the nearest recycling centers that accept large appliances.
- Call to discuss if there are any special drop-off instructions.
- Some centres may even pick up your appliance for a small fee.
If you’re in Birmingham check out our Birmingham Tip Opening Timings
2. Choose Local Waste Collection Services
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:
- Schedule a collection date for your washing machine or tumble dryer.
- Ensure the appliance is properly disconnected and ready for pickup.
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.
3. Retailer Takeback Programme
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:
- Confirm with the retailers first about this disposal programme before buying a new one.
- Besides takeback, some stores may even give you a discount for recycling your old one!
4. Sell or Donate to Charity Donations If It’s Working
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:
- Use local platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to add your appliances to sell online.
- Consider donating it to a local charity or second-hand store.
- Make sure it works and is clean before you give it away.
5. Hire a Junk Removal Service
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:
- Contact and schedule a pick-up. They will come to your home, remove the appliance, and dispose of it responsibly.
- Usually charge a small fee, but they handle everything, so it’s very convenient.
6. Go with Scrap Metal Dealers
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:
- Firstly look for a local scrap dealer near you and place a call to confirm they accept washing machines or tumble dryers.
- Prepare the appliances by removing any accessories and metal parts.
Can You Put a Washing Machine or Tumble Dryer in a Skip?
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
