How to Recycle Washing Machines
Residential washers recycled as white goods / ferrous scrap: heavy cabinet, drum, and motor with no Section 608 refrigerant recovery step.
Quick answer
Washers are mostly steel and a motor, so scrap yards often take them and municipal bulky pickup usually accepts them. They are not curbside and have no refrigerant loop like a fridge. If you are buying a replacement, retailer haul-away is convenient; otherwise drain the machine, disconnect the hoses, and haul it to scrap or schedule bulky pickup. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Ferrous scrap payout varies with local steel markets and weight; transport cost can exceed the check. Working units may donate or sell for more than scrap.
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Shut off hot and cold water valves
- 2Disconnect inlet hoses and the drain hose; catch residual water in a bucket
- 3Run a drain/spin cycle or tip carefully so standing water is out before transport
- 4Empty detergent drawers; wipe mold or residue if practical
- 5Unplug and tape the cord to the cabinet
- 6Secure the lid or door; plan a dolly and helpers
- 7For retailer haul-away: uninstall, empty, and unplug before the crew arrives unless disconnect is included
Where to Recycle
- Scrap metal yards (often pay; markets fluctuate)
- Municipal bulky-item / appliance pickup
- Retailer haul-away with new washer delivery
- State energy office or utility/water programs when available (less common than fridge programs)
Special Instructions
Clothes washers do not contain refrigerant, so they skip the fridge recovery rules. The main issues are leftover water, weight, and tipping risk. Retailers (Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot) typically expect the unit disconnected and drained before haul-away. Call ahead if you have a commercial coin-op machine; many yards treat those differently.
Environmental Impact
A washer's steel cabinet, drum, and motor go to scrap for remelt. Earth911 ranks washers among the more valuable large appliances for scrap metal and among the hardest to transport. Drain residual water so the truck bed stays dry.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Top-load and front-load residential washers
- Units with or without hoses attached
- Working or non-working machines
Not Accepted
- Machines still full of water
- Commercial laundromat washers without calling ahead
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Ferrous scrap payout varies with local steel markets and weight; transport cost can exceed the check. Working units may donate or sell for more than scrap.
Donation
- Habitat ReStore (working units)
- Local nonprofits (working, clean units)
Hazardous Components
- Control boards and capacitors (rare PCB risk on very old units)
- Sharp edges once panels are cut
- Residual water (mold, leaks, slip hazard)
FAQs
Do washers need Freon recovery like refrigerators?
No. Clothes washers have no refrigerant loop and no Section 608 recovery requirement. Drain water, disconnect hoses, and use scrap, bulky pickup, or retailer haul-away.
Should I remove the hoses?
Not required for scrap acceptance. Disconnecting and draining them keeps the truck dry and makes loading cleaner. Retailers often require this before haul-away.
Do scrap yards take front-loaders?
Usually yes. Front-loaders are heavy (concrete counterweights) and still pay as ferrous scrap when the yard accepts appliances.
Is retailer haul-away better than scrap?
Haul-away wins on convenience when a new washer is already being delivered. Scrap may pay a little if you can transport the old one yourself.
Are there utility rebates for recycling old washers?
Sometimes, through electric or water utilities or state energy offices, but they are less common than fridge programs. Check ENERGY STAR's clothes washer recycling pathways and Rebate Finder.
What about the dryer next to it?
Dryers follow the same scrap or bulky-pickup path. Gas dryers should be disconnected by someone comfortable capping the gas line.
Related recycling guides
Recycle washing machines
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more appliances materials.