How to Dispose of a Washing Machine?

An old washing machine can be a bit of a hassle to dispose of. They are bulky items that take up large amounts of space and can't be taken by your normal weekly bin collection.But don't let it spin you out; we have created a guide to help with the different options available to you. Read on to see the various avenues of washing machine disposal.

One Important Question to Start

Before you dispose of any washing machines, you need to ask one question: Does it still work? (And have you disconnected the water supply?)

Disposal of a Working Washing Machine

Old washing machines still have value. If your old washing machine is in good working order, there are a few environmentally friendly options that could work for you, helping to protect the ozone layer by preventing old machines from ending up in landfill sites.

These options include donating to local charities, using local councils, selling the old machine, giving it away, recycling it, and having it collected when a new model is delivered.

1.Donate It to Charity

Donating your old washing machine to charity is a great option, allowing you to dispose of the machine while helping a good cause. Some charities, such as the British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross, and Emmaus, will even collect the old washing machine for free.

Other charity shops may take your old washing machine; however, you may need to drop it off yourself. We advise calling the local charity shop before trying to drop anything off. Ensure you meet their criteria before donating.

2.Council Reuse

Most councils offer a reuse service for bulky items such as equipment and furniture. The council will collect the item and offer it to someone in the community who needs it. This option allows you to dispose of the old washing machine with little fuss and helps someone in need.

3.Sell It

If your old washing machine is in sellable condition, many people might buy it from you. It can be sold on various platforms such as eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace. You will have landlords, students, or people who cannot afford a new one interested. Selling the washing machine is great for the environment and your pocket. One person's waste is another person's treasure.

4.Give It Away

Giving away your old washing machine is another option. Using the same method as selling it, list it as £0 on selling sites. Freecycle is another excellent website where people give away items they no longer need. List the machine there, and people will approach you to collect it. This helps the environment by keeping it out of the landfill and benefits someone in need.

5.Let a Retailer Take It

If you have bought a new washing machine, you can often have the retailer take the old one away. Many companies include this option with the delivery of the new machine. Some offer this service for free, while others may charge a fee. Check with the retailer before ordering. Recycling your white goods by giving them away should be a priority rather than just discarding the old one.

Disposal of a Broken Washing Machine

If your machine is no longer in working order or is an older model, it needs to be disposed of responsibly as hazardous waste. Options for washing machine disposal include recycling, council collection, removal companies, or repair.

1.Take It to a Recycling Centre

Recycling your washing machine should be a priority. Taking it to your local recycling centre is the most environmentally friendly option. The machine will be broken down, and the materials recycled. You can find your nearest centre on your local council’s gov.uk website. Always think recycling when dealing with waste.

2.Council Collection

If you are a householder, you can arrange for the local council to collect the unwanted washing machine as part of a bulky waste collection. All councils offer this service, though fees vary by location. Check your local council's offerings online.

3.Collection Service

For convenience, you can pay for a washing machine collection service. A professional team will collect and dispose of the old machine for you. This is the most expensive but convenient option.

4.Get It Repaired

One last option is to give your broken washing machine a new lease on life by having it repaired. Repairing can be more cost-effective than buying a new one. Even if you want a new machine, repairing the old one allows you to sell or give it away.

Can a Washing Machine Be Put into a Skip?

No, a washing machine cannot be put into a skip. It is an electrical appliance and must be disposed of as WEEE Waste. If you place an electrical appliance in a skip, the collection may be refused, or you may be charged an extra fee.

Summary

Disposing of a washing machine can be quite taxing. We hope our guide was helpful and provided useful tips for disposing of your old washing machines. Just ask yourself if it is broken before you start looking at your options.