If you've bought a new appliance recently, you'll need to know how to dispose of your old dishwasher. While some installers will simply take the old one away when they deliver the new one, you often have to get rid of your old dishwasher yourself. If you've been considering buying one of the best dishwashers or even one of the best countertop dishwashers for a while, the last thing on your mind will be getting rid of your existing appliance. But, realistically, you can't just leave it hanging around in your home.
So, how do you dispose of a dishwasher? Well, the garbage man won't take it away, and you can't simply dump it, so you need to consider your options. We've listed a few ideas here, many of which will save you money and could even be kind to the planet. After all, there are many materials in dishwashers - like plastics - that will not biodegrade and could be harmful to the environment if you don't get rid of them properly.
If you're looking at new appliances, we also have guides to the best freezers, the best French door refrigerators, the best front-load washers, and many more. And if you're disposing of any large appliance, the tips below apply all the same.
How to dispose of a dishwasher: Sell it
Most likely, there is someone out there who is looking to upgrade as well. Your old dishwasher could be perfect for them, especially if you're willing to sell it for a bargain price (or even free). Try free online listings like Craigslist, online newspaper sites, or Facebook online marketplace. You may even be able to score a little extra dough to offset the cost of your brand-new washer.
How to dispose of a dishwasher: Donate it
Give your old dishwasher to someone in your community who may need a dishwasher, period. Thrift stores like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may take old appliances as well, as long as they're in working condition. Check with your tax advisor if you go this route, as you may be eligible for a tax write-off. Not only will you get rid of your old appliance, but you'll also have helped out someone who can't afford a new dishwasher but still needs help with the dishes.
How to dispose of a dishwasher: Have it collected
Many cities offer a yearly curbside pickup program. Check with your local municipality to find out more. And if you leave it on the curb... sometimes you may just find that someone takes it anyway. Be aware that if you leave it out without a pickup arranged and no one takes it, you could be fined.
Retailers will also pick up: check with the retailer you purchased your new dishwasher from. Most likely, they have a program that will take your old appliance and recycle it for you. Lowes, The Home Depot, and Best Buy all have haul-away programs. If you purchase your new appliance from them, they will pick up and recycle your old appliance at no additional cost.
How to dispose of a dishwasher: Recycle it
The best option for helping the environment is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. There are recycling facilities all over the United States, and services like Earth911.com have an online listing to help find a location near you. Simply type in the product you would like to recycle, and a local recycling directory will be populated. Most places that recycle everyday products will also recycle large appliances. You could even get a couple of bucks out of the deal as well.
How to dispose of a dishwasher: RAD
If you would like to get involved in helping others properly dispose of their appliances, the EPA has created a program called the Responsible Appliances Disposal Program (RAD). As a member of this program, you will collect old appliances, recycle those units, and disseminate information about the RAD program to your community. At the end of each year, you report back to RAD with your successes.
Regardless of which option you choose, make sure you are acting within Federal and State laws. To find out detailed information on Environmental Protection Agency laws and regulations, visit http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs.
