Ever feel like your old dishwasher is auditioning for a spooky sound effects album? Clanks, rattles, and the occasional ominous beep—it’s enough to make anyone wonder if it’s time to pull the plug.
But let’s face it: figuring out how to dispose of a dishwasher or other household appliances can be trickier than learning the fancy cycles on your new one.
Fear not. As someone who’s taken more than a few dishwasher removal missions in my day, I’m here to guide you.
In this blog, we’ll skip the tired lectures on “why recycling is good” and dive straight into the practical steps for responsible disposal—from prepping your dishwasher for its final send-off to exploring the best local and professional options.
Let’s get started, shall we?
When To Donate, Sell, or Dispose of Old Dishwasher?
So, you’re staring at your old dishwasher, wondering if it deserves a second life or a one-way ticket to the scrapyard.
Before you dispose of it, let’s go through your options—because believe it or not, that aging machine could still have some value. Whether it gets a new home, earns you some cash, or gets responsibly recycled, there’s a right way to do this.
Let’s figure it out.
When to Donate Your Dishwasher?
- Best for: Dishwashers in working condition with no major leaks or broken parts.
If your dishwasher still runs without sounding like it’s trying to escape, donating it is the best option. Many people—low-income families, shelters, and community centers—can benefit from a working appliance.
Where to Donate?
- Local charities: Some Goodwill locations, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and The Salvation Army accept appliances.
- Nonprofits: Smaller community organizations or churches may take working dishwashers.
- City Programs: Some government websites list local appliance donation options. Try to search online “appliance donation + [your city]” to find options near you.
When to Sell Your Dishwasher
- Best for: Dishwashers under 8-10 years old in great condition (or lightly used).
If your dishwasher still works like a champ, why not make some pocket money?
List it on:
- Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, OfferUp – Buyers are always looking for affordable appliances.
- Local appliance stores – Some small shops refurbish and resell appliances.
When to Dispose of Your Dishwasher
- Best for: Completely broken, unrepairable dishwashers.
If your dishwasher is beyond saving (as in, it’s more of a science experiment than an appliance), disposing of it is your last resort. But don’t just dump it—there are better ways to properly dispose of it:
- City Recycling Programs – Some offer curbside pickup for old appliances. Call your local waste management office.
- Junk Removal Services – Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK and Junk King will haul it away.
- Scrap Yards – Dishwashers contain valuable metals like stainless steel that can be sold.
Want to recycle responsibly?
Check Green Directory to find eco-friendly disposal options near you! Just enter you ZIP code or address and enter dishwasher in the item box, you can find all dishwasher recycling options based on your search radius.
Before you get rid of your old dishwasher, ask yourself: Can it be fixed, donated, or sold?
Reusing is always better than recycling—considering you are a firm believer of circular economy like me. But if it’s truly beyond repair, make sure it’s disposed of responsibly—because your dishwasher deserves a dignified retirement, not a landfill grave.
How to Remove a Dishwasher: Step-by-Step
I learned the hard way that uninstalling a dishwasher isn’t as simple as yanking it out and calling it a day.
The first time I attempted it, I forgot to turn off the water supply—cue a mini indoor flood and a frantic scramble for every towel in the house. Not to mention, I didn’t realize how heavy the thing was until it almost crushed my foot.
If you want to avoid my mistakes, here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A screwdriver and wrench for disconnecting mounting brackets and water lines.
- Towels or a bucket to catch any leftover water.
- Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
Step 2: Turn Off Power and Water Supply
First things first—make sure you cut the power before doing anything else. Locate your breaker box and flip off the circuit that powers your dishwasher.
Trust me, you don’t want to mess with electrical components while standing in a puddle.
Next, shut off the water supply. There’s usually a valve under the sink—turn it clockwise until it won’t budge. If your valve is stubborn or rusted, use a wrench for extra leverage, but be careful not to snap it off.
This is where most people run into problems—if you force it too much, you’ll have a plumbing repair on your hands.
Step 3: Disconnect Hoses and Drain Line
Now, find the water supply hose. It’s usually a flexible metal or plastic tube connecting the dishwasher to the water line. Loosen the fitting with a wrench and be ready for some water dribbles.
I always keep a towel underneath to catch surprise leaks.
The drain hose is another tricky spot. If it’s clamped to your sink’s garbage disposal or drain pipe, loosen the clamp carefully.
A bit of standing water here is normal, but if a foul smell hits you, that means food particles have been sitting in there for too long—consider running hot soapy water through before disconnecting.
Step 4: Remove the Mounting Brackets and Slide It Out
Most dishwashers are secured under the countertop with two metal brackets at the top. Unscrew them, but don’t yank—those brackets are sharp, and you don’t want a cut just as you’re about to lift something heavy.
Now comes the fun part—getting it out. If your dishwasher has been sitting there for years, it might be stuck due to residue buildup or flooring changes.
Wiggling it side to side can help loosen it, but don’t force it too hard.
Pro tip: If the dishwasher doesn’t budge, check for hidden screws on the sides securing it to adjacent cabinets.
Step 5: Prepare for Disposal
Now that your dishwasher is out, what’s next?
Retailers or junk removal services usually require it to be fully disconnected before pick-up. Stores like Lowe’s or Best Buy offer curbside pickup when delivering a new appliance. Some municipalities also have curbside recycling programs—check your local regulations.
If you want to make sure it’s disposed of responsibly, use Green Directory to find a proper recycling center near you. That way, your old dishwasher can be dismantled and repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill.
With the hard part done, now you can decide whether to donate, sell, or recycle it. Whatever you do, just don’t let it become a rusting heap in your garage like I once did.
5 Smart Ways to Recycle Old Dishwashers
So, your old dishwasher has officially been retired. Now comes the real challenge—how to dispose of a dishwasher properly.
You might be tempted to leave it on the curb and hope it magically disappears overnight, but there are better (and legal) ways to responsibly dispose of it. Whether you’re looking for a free option, a pick-up service, or a way to make a few bucks from it, here’s everything you need to know.
1. Municipal or City Recycling Programs
Many cities offer recycling programs for large appliances, including dishwashers. Depending on where you live, you may have one of the following options:
- Curbside Recycling Service: Some cities offer free or scheduled curbside pickup for bulky items. Check your city’s waste management website for details. Be aware that some areas require you to make an appointment.
- Drop-off Recycling Centers: If curbside isn’t available, check if your local landfill or recycling center accepts old dishwashers. Some charge a fee, while others take them for free.
Air conditioners are another example of large appliances that require proper disposal due to their potential hazardous materials.
Before assuming your dishwasher qualifies for pickup, read the fine print.
Some cities require you to remove certain components, such as the dishwasher door, to prevent accidental entrapment. Others may only accept appliances if they’re free of hazardous materials.
A quick check on your city’s website will save you from dragging your dishwasher to the curb just to have it left behind like an unwanted couch.
Prepare ahead!
2. Junk Removal Services
Are you short on time or a vehicle big enough for a dishwasher? Let the pros handle it.
Junk removal services will haul your dishwasher away, often on the same day. Here are some companies to check out:
Most services charge based on volume, so if you’re tossing multiple large appliances, you might get a better deal.
Expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150, depending on location and size.
Some companies also offer eco-friendly appliance disposal, ensuring your dishwasher is either recycled or donated instead of sent straight to the landfill.
3. Retailer/Haul-Away Programs
If you’re replacing your old dishwasher with a new appliance, your best bet might be a haul-away program from a major retailer.
Many stores offer removal services when delivering your new unit.
- Lowe’s and Home Depot offer haul-away services for an additional fee (usually $25–$50). Some locations provide it for free if you’re buying a replacement.
- Best Buy offers appliance recycling, but there’s a pickup fee unless you’re purchasing a new dishwasher.
- Local appliance stores may also offer free haul-away services—so always ask before you buy.
Pro tip: Some retailers offer discounts if you trade in your old unit. It’s worth checking whether your store has a trade-in program that saves you some cash.
4. Scrapping and Salvaging
If your dishwasher is completely dead, it might still have some hidden value.
Scrap yards accept scrap metal, and dishwashers contain a mix of stainless steel, aluminum, and copper wiring—all of which can be sold.
Don’t expect to get rich, but you might at least fund your next coffee run. Depending on the current scrap metal market, you could pocket $5–$20 for the materials.
Before hauling it to a scrap yard, remove any non-metal components like plastic racks. Some scrappers prefer appliances that are partially disassembled since it saves them the effort.
If you’re unsure where to take it, search for “scrap yard near me” for locations.
5. Find Responsible Disposal Options with Green Directory
For the easiest way to find a responsible recycling program near you, check Green Directory. Whether you’re looking for junk removal, a scrap yard, or a curbside pickup service, this tool can help you locate responsible disposal options with just a few clicks.
No matter which route you take, make sure your dishwasher doesn’t end up as landfill clutter. Recycling or repurposing it is always the best way forward.
Give Your Old Dishwasher a Second Life (or a Proper Send-Off!)
umping an old dishwasher in a landfill isn’t just wasteful—it’s a missed opportunity. Dishwashers contain valuable materials that can be salvaged, recycled, or even reused. By choosing responsible dishwasher disposal, you’re not just clearing out space in your kitchen; you’re also helping to reduce electronic waste and prevent harmful materials from seeping into the environment.
Additionally, avoiding hazardous waste through responsible disposal is crucial. Properly disposing of hazardous materials helps protect the environment and public health.
The good news? Whether you sell, donate, recycle, or scrap your dishwasher, there’s a solution that requires minimal effort. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can dispose of your dishwasher the right way—without stress or unnecessary landfill clutter.
Need help finding a recycling center, junk removal service, or donation program?
Use Green Directory to locate the best disposal option near you. It’s quick, easy, and ensures your dishwasher ends up in the right place—not the wrong one.
