How to Dispose of a Washing Machine

It is estimated that 88% of homes in the UK have a washing machine, and millions of them are sold in the UK each year. Technological advances are making the machines quieter, more energy efficient and more versatile than ever. When you buy a new one you might be left wondering how to dispose of a washing machine or how to recycle a washing machine – don’t worry, we’ve got that covered!

Options for disposing of a washing machine

Sell it

If you are upgrading your old washing machine and it is still in good working order you might choose to sell it. Selling your washing machine can help you make a little bit of money and also help the environment. Selling your old machine for a reasonable price could also help someone buy a machine that they may not have been able to afford to buy new.

Whether you choose to advertise the washing machine for sale on social media, a local selling site or via a noticeboard or newspaper, make sure you let people know if they need to come and collect it, or if you are happy to deliver it to them.

Donate

Some charities are able to accept donations of electrical goods that are in good working order. Check with charities in your area, they may also offer a collection service for your washing machine. Charities will either check the machine and prepare it for resale to raise funds, or use it to help run the charity. Old washing machines are often required for animal charities who need to wash lots of bedding. Old appliances will need to be tested before they can be reused or resold, so check if the charity has the facilities to do this.

Repair it

If your washing machine has stopped working you might be able to get it fixed for less than the cost of a new one. Contact local specialists for a quote and make sure you check common problems in the troubleshooting section of your appliance manual.

Recycle

If you are able to take your washing machine to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) they should be able to dispose of it for you responsibly by recycling the various components and materials. Make sure your local HWRC is able to accept washing machines before making the journey.

This can be quite a heavy job, and you might struggle to fit your old washing machine into a car, so often the most convenient way to recycle a washing machine is to get a specialist waste management company to collect it for you. That’s where we come in!

What happens to a washing machine when it is recycled?

When you recycle a washing machine it will be broken down into its various components. Metals, plastics and other materials will be processed separately, before being taken to facilities for recycling into other materials, components and items for use in the future.

Washing Machine disposal

Washing machine disposal is regulated by Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) guidelines, so they must be disposed of responsibly and legally. For more information on how to get rid of other electrical items, check out our guide to disposing of electronic devices.

If you need to dispose of a washing machine, you’ll need a licensed waste carrier that can make the process simple for you. These large appliances are difficult to transport yourself, so you’ll want someone to take the hassle out of the job and arrange for collection at a time to suit you.