Quick answer
Most homeowners handle washer and dryer disposal one of six ways: free retailer haul-away when a new set is delivered, a utility recycling rebate (typically $25 to $75), scrapping the metal for a small payout, selling a working set, donating it to a local charity, or booking a same-day junk pickup. Washing machine removal is simpler than getting rid of a refrigerator because washers and dryers don't hold refrigerant, so there's no certified technician or EPA recovery step required first.
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Which option makes sense depends on whether the unit still runs, how much time you have, and whether you'd rather get paid a little or just get it out of the house fast. Here's how the six stack up.
Key takeaways
- Retailer haul-away on delivery of a new set
- Utility recycling rebate
- Scrap yard payout
- Selling a working washer and dryer
- Donating to a charity or reuse center
- Same-day junk removal pickup
6 Washer and Dryer Disposal Options Compared
The fastest washer and dryer disposal options cost the most, and the ones that pay you back take the most of your own time and muscle. For the full breakdown of how appliance pricing works across fridges, stoves, and laundry units, our guide on appliance haul-away covers the basics in more depth.
| Option | Typical Cost | Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retailer haul-away | Free to $50 | Low | Buying a new set |
| Utility rebate | Pays $25-$75 | Medium | Eligible working units |
| Scrap yard | Pays $10-$30 | Medium-High | Non-working, drained units |
| Sell | Pays $50-$300 | Medium | Newer, working sets |
| Donate | Free (receipt possible) | Low-Medium | Working units, local pickup |
| Junk pickup | Typically $75-$200 | Lowest | Any condition, fastest timeline |
Retailer Haul-Away: The Easiest Washer and Dryer Disposal Option
Most big-box and appliance stores haul away your old washer and dryer for free, or a small fee, when they deliver a new set. This is the lowest-effort path to washer and dryer disposal because the delivery crew is already in the house and has the dolly and straps ready.
Ask about haul-away before you buy, not after. Some retailers only remove the appliance being replaced, meaning a washer and dryer bought on separate trips might only get one unit taken. Many also charge $25 to $50 per unit if you're not buying a replacement, and almost none take units you've already disconnected and moved outside, since insurance only covers the swap inside the house.
Utility Rebates and Scrap Value for Washing Machine Removal
Some electric and water utilities pay $25 to $75 to recycle an old washer or dryer, especially when you're replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model. These programs aren't universal, so check your utility's website or call before assuming the rebate applies to laundry appliances and not just refrigerators and freezers.
Scrap yards pay for the steel and aluminum inside a washer and dryer, but the payout is modest, usually $10 to $30 for the pair, since laundry appliances are lighter than they look. You'll need to drain the hoses, remove the concrete counterweight block from the washer drum, and haul both units yourself, which makes this the highest-effort option on the list for the smallest return.
Selling, Donating, or Hauling Away a Working Washer and Dryer
A washer and dryer that still runs is worth real money, usually $50 to $300 for the pair depending on age and brand, and local marketplace listings move laundry appliances faster than almost anything else used.
Donation is the better call if the set works but isn't worth the hassle of a sale. Habitat for Humanity ReStores and similar reuse centers take working washers and dryers in many cities, though pickup availability and appliance acceptance vary by location, so it's worth a quick call first. Either way, keep the unit dry and unplugged until it's picked up so it doesn't sit as a trip hazard or a mildew problem in the garage.
Same-Day Junk Pickup for Washer and Dryer Disposal
Junk removal crews pick up an old washer and dryer the same or next day, working or not, and that makes it the fastest option when you need the laundry room cleared for a delivery, a move, or a renovation. Customers call Junk Rhinos for appliance removal for exactly this reason: no draining hoses, no scheduling a scrap run, no listing it online and waiting for a buyer.
Because washers and dryers don't contain refrigerant, there's no certified technician required and no EPA paperwork slowing things down, unlike pulling a fridge or window AC unit. That keeps washer and dryer disposal straightforward for most crews, including ones hauling a set down a narrow stairwell in an older walk-up in a market like Texas.
Junk Rhinos prices by how much space your junk takes up in the truck, not by a flat per-item fee, so a washer and dryer pickup often costs less than people expect when it's bundled with other garage or basement junk. You can see how that volume pricing works on the pricing page, and a crew will confirm a firm, no-deposit price on-site before anything gets loaded. Starting the process just takes a few minutes through a free estimate request.
Frequently asked questions
How much does washer and dryer disposal cost?
Retailer haul-away is often free with a new delivery, utility rebates pay $25 to $75, scrap yards pay $10 to $30, and same-day junk pickup typically runs $75 to $200 depending on access and what else is being hauled. The cheapest option usually takes the most of your own time and labor.
Can I put an old washer and dryer out for curbside trash pickup?
Most cities don't collect large appliances with regular household trash, and many require a separate bulk pickup appointment or ban appliances from the curb entirely. Check your local sanitation department's rules before setting one out, since an uncollected unit left at the curb can turn into a fine.
Do washers and dryers contain refrigerant like a fridge does?
No. Washers and dryers don't hold refrigerant, so there's no certified technician or EPA recovery step needed before disposal, unlike a refrigerator, freezer, or window air conditioner. That makes washing machine removal faster and less restricted than appliance disposal involving a sealed refrigerant line.
Is it better to sell, donate, or scrap an old washer and dryer?
Sell a unit that still works well if you have time to list it and meet a buyer, since it's worth the most money that way. Donate a working set if you'd rather skip the sale, and scrap or junk-haul a unit that's broken or too old to be worth fixing.
Do I need to disconnect my washer and dryer before pickup?
Yes, the water lines, drain hose, and power cord should be disconnected before any crew or buyer arrives, and the washer drum should be drained of standing water. Most junk removal crews will move the unit out of the house for you, but disconnecting it yourself ahead of time keeps the pickup quick and avoids water damage on the way out.
