How to Recycle a Used Dishwasher

Old or broken dishwashers can be recycled. Dishwashers, and other large appliances, can be broken down for scrap metal, plastic or glass. If your dishwasher is in fairly good condition and is still working, consider donating it to people who could bring it new life.

Instructions

Working Dishwashers

1. Give your old, working dishwater to college students you know. Gaining a valuable appliance can really take the weight off of a college budget.

2. Donate your dishwasher to a nonprofit agency or church that might be in need. Nonprofits and churches sometimes feed and shelter homeless people for a night or several nights, and having a working dishwasher would help the facilities significantly at meal time.

3. Put an advertisement for a cheap or free dishwasher in your local classified ads. You may be able to make a few bucks off of your used dishwasher if no thrift store or nonprofit will accept it.

Broken Dishwashers

1. Research recycling facilities near you to see if your used, broken dishwasher can be used for scrap metal. Most major cities have facilities that accept large home appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers for recycling.

2. Contact your local government's waste department to see if your city will pick up your used dishwasher for recycling. If they will not do so, ask if they know any local company that has similar services.

3. Contact private trash haulers to see if they will pick up your appliance for recycling.

Transporting your Dishwasher

1. Remove all dishes and utensils from your dishwasher. Unhook your dishwasher from the wall and its water supply. If your dishwasher is built into your kitchen space, you may need assistance removing it, so contact a savvy friend or a professional.

2. Load your used dishwasher carefully into a truck or van for safe transport to a recycling facility.

3. Stabilize the dishwasher so it does not move as the vehicle moves. Use towels, rope, bungee cords or other appropriate materials to stabilize the item.

Tips & Warnings

• Be ready to pay a recycling fee for larger items such as dishwashers. Make sure you trust the company you've chosen to safely recycle your appliance.

References

• Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers: Appliance Recycling
• Planet Green: What Do You Do With an Old Dishwasher?

Resources

• 1-800-RECYCLING: Recycle Search
• EPA: Where You Live eCycling