How to Recycle Dishwashers
Built-in and portable dishwashers that must be disconnected and drained before haul-away or scrap; more plastic than washers, so scrap value is often lower.
Quick answer
Dishwashers recycle as bulky white goods / steel scrap, not curbside, and they have no refrigerant like a fridge. Shut off water and power, disconnect supply and drain lines, and drain the machine before anyone moves it. Retailer haul-away is the easy path when a new dishwasher is installed (Lowe's and similar haulers refuse a still-connected unit). Otherwise use bulky pickup or a scrap yard. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Scrap payout is usually modest and lower than washers when plastic content is high; markets vary. A working, clean unit may donate or sell for more than scrap.
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Shut off the dishwasher's water supply valve under the sink
- 2Turn off power at the cord or breaker if hardwired
- 3Disconnect the water line and drain hose; drain residual water; empty racks
- 4Uninstall from cabinetry if under-counter (retailers often refuse haul-away if still connected)
- 5Cap the water line; wipe the interior
- 6Secure racks and the silverware basket so they do not slide out in transit
Where to Recycle
- Retailer haul-away with new dishwasher install (Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot)
- Municipal bulky-item / appliance pickup (ENERGY STAR lists dishwashers under other appliances)
- Scrap metal yards (expect lower value if plastic-heavy)
- Appliance recyclers
Special Instructions
Retail haul-away programs typically require the dishwasher to be fully disconnected before pickup. Lowe's states it will not haul a dishwasher that is still connected. If you paid for new installation, ask whether disconnect of the old unit is included. No Section 608 refrigerant recovery applies.
Environmental Impact
The cabinet and pump housing are ferrous scrap. Earth911 notes modern dishwashers often contain more plastic than washers, which lowers scrap value. Disconnect water and power, then drain the sump before anyone lifts the unit.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Standard residential built-in dishwashers
- Portable dishwashers
- Units with or without racks and hoses
Not Accepted
- Units still plumbed in with water on
- Machines with standing water in the sump
- Commercial dishwashers without arrangements
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Scrap payout is usually modest and lower than washers when plastic content is high; markets vary. A working, clean unit may donate or sell for more than scrap.
Hazardous Components
- Sharp sheet-metal edges
- Water and electricity during uninstall
- Small control boards and capacitors
FAQs
Do dishwashers need Freon recovery?
No. Dishwashers have no refrigerant loop. Prep is plumbing disconnect, drain, and safe power shutoff.
Do I need to disconnect the water line?
Yes. Shut off the valve, disconnect supply and drain lines, and drain the machine so it does not leak in the truck. Many retailers refuse haul-away if it is still connected.
Will the delivery crew disconnect it for me?
Only if you bought installation/disconnect. Haul-away alone usually expects the old dishwasher already free of water and power.
Can scrap yards take dishwashers?
Yes in most areas. Call ahead about pickup fees versus drop-off rates, and expect lower value than washers if the unit is plastic-heavy.
Are there rebates for recycling dishwashers?
Dedicated utility recycling rebates are uncommon. Look for purchase rebates on new efficient models via the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder, and use municipal bulky pickup or retailer haul-away for the old unit.
What about the garbage disposal under the sink?
Dispose of or recycle the disposal separately as a small appliance/scrap motor; it is not part of the dishwasher cabinet.
Related recycling guides
Recycle dishwashers
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more appliances materials.