One of the best parts of owning a washer and dryer is that you can enjoy having clean clothes anytime you like. But when these simple appliances start to fail and get old, they are as good as garbage unless they still have a warranty service. But who are you kidding, everyone knows that the day after the warranty expires- you can bet your machine will stop working soon enough. Now you can take your chances and get it repaired, or choose another alternative.
When it comes to a used washing machine or dryer, there are endless ways to get rid of of it.
If you decide it's time to get rid of your washer or dryer, below are some excellent options.
AZ Junk for Fast Appliance Pick Up.
How to get rid of a washing machine or Dryer
1. Sell it online
Why not use some of that social media power to get the word out about your older appliances on all of the most popular media platforms.
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
There's no specific rule against advertising a sofa on Facebook if you're not being overly pushy about it. If you keep the post just among your friend's list or within a local range, this is a perfectly sensible way to sell a couch at a discount price or best offer.
Craigslist / eBay / LetGo
The wonderful thing about Craigslist is that this website is still up and running after all these years... This has options to post a sofa for trade, or for a flat-rate price. You have to be careful since many people on Craigslist usually want everything for free, so your ad must include concrete words such as $50 for a sofa, and no free delivery.
Tips for selling your washer/dryer
A picture says a thousand words but doesn't settle for poorly-made smartphone photos. Get a nice clean shot with plenty of light. The same applies to appearances and that means you should clean off and make your appliance shine as much as possible. Sure- it might be a junker but being transparent about what you're selling does matter. Mention what is and isn't functional and don't overplay your hand for what you can get for a broken washer.
It also pays to check around for similar models to get an idea of what your appliance is worth. Your chances of selling these kinds of appliances are much better if you do your research beforehand.
2. Recycling old appliances
Your washer and dryer are appliances that have a lot of metal that can be recycled. Not just the exterior housing, but all the interior parts likewise. This is where you'll need to look into transfer stations to get recycling services from the public works sector. Depending on where you're located in AZ, you can check with any of these Transfer Stations that handle appliances like washers and dryers.
- City of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.gov
- City of Glendale : https://www.glendaleaz.com
- City of Peoria : https://www.peoriaaz.gov
- City of Avondale: https://www.avondaleaz.gov
- Buckeye: https://www.buckeyeaz.gov
- Surprise : https://www.surpriseaz.gov
- Tempe : https://www.tempe.gov
- Mesa: https://www.mesaaz.gov
3. Repurpose a Washer or Dryer
It's not exactly the first thing you're going to think about when your old washer conks out but many innovative upcycle ideas are possible.
How about turning the washing drum into a coffee roaster or creative retro-style coffee table?
Some take it to the extreme and turn their washing drum into a BBQ smoker or grill. The rounded glass window used as a door also makes a great porthole window for kids' rooms or doghouses.
The motors used for these machines can also be rebuilt and repurposed for hobby projects including belt grinders and polishing wheels.
free washer pickup in Phoenix, AZ
If it comes down to giving up broken-down washers or dryers for free or nearly next to nothing, you do have options. It takes a bit of patience since you will always be at the mercy of the public works sector and local garbage services.
1. washer donation pickup
Donation centers around Phoenix are always a good idea to donate items that can go to others who are not always in a position for buying new appliances. The problem here is that donation centers are looking for working machines most of the time. If not, a donation center will have it repaired in-house or send it off to a recycling center if it cannot be fixed. If you choose a donation center, some of them will request that you bring in these items rather than pick them up in person.
And as far as a tax credit, they will need to be a participating QCO (Qualifying Charitable Organization) that will allow a tax credit. All of the big names like St. Vincent's, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity are good choices. There are some exceptions to what qualifies for a tax credit on donations however this AZ form package shares more info on QCOs and QFCOs.
2. phoenix Bulk trash washer pickup
Another option is waiting for that rare moment that happens each year for bulk trash pick-up from your home. You can also contact your local public works service and schedule a curbside pickup. This doesn't happen like magic, so you will need to play by their rules when they do tell you when you can put out old washers and dryers to be picked up for a fee. They will charge you a total of $30 for both a washer and a dryer.
How to tell when it's time to trash your washer
Just like the expression goes, if you hear some rockin' don't come-a-knockin', or something like that... Well, that would make perfect sense if your washer or dryer is making funny noises. Leaking water from your washer is another huge sign you shouldn't use it anymore. This is where you need to upgrade and replace these appliances for the better. And there are many ideal reasons why this is a good idea.
Here's why:
New appliances
New appliances will give you a new warranty or perhaps an extended warranty if you purchase an extended warranty package. This reduces the chances of breakdowns and hidden fees that local repair shops can charge. Always choose a brand that will offer repair services that aren't overseas. Often, there are participating authorized repair centers that will honor warranty repairs right in your neck of the woods.
Better efficiency
Newer washing machines and dryers are designed to be energy-efficient and will have an energy rating guide listed on them. This will give you better electricity savings and with an exception can be tax deductible if you are using energy-saving electrical devices such as solar panels.
Space-saving reasons
Unlike the old days when washers and dryers took up a lot of space, the newer models are meant to be very ideal for being compact. On average, many washers are one-quarter smaller than previous models that were manufactured more than a decade earlier. This means that washing rooms and areas where this equipment goes will take up less space and make less noise than the clunkier models usually do.
Sitting around without reason
If you have old appliances that have been moved into a basement or perhaps into a storage shed or garage, these metal beasts usually take up excess space. One of the best ideas that you can count on- is calling AZ Junk Removal to schedule a washer or dryer pickup and removal. We offer an ethical solution that will find the best way to recycle your old washer/dryer units for the best.
Three Important Reasons to Get Rid of Your Old Washer and Dryer
It’s only 3 of them, but these are the top reasons why most people decide to ditch their washer or dryer. And though all of these problems can be remedied, there are manufacturing defects and repair costs associated with these appliances that make it preferential to replace them instead. Before you decide to toss in the towel (and we’re not talking about doing another wash load), consider these problems and potential fixes that could save you on a new purchase.
Unpleasant Smells
No matter what you do to get rid of a lingering smell that fabric softener never seems to cover is an issue with unpleasant smells in your washer or on your washed clothes. Mold or mildew has likely developed inside your washing machine. Since there is always going to be residual water left over in the washing basin or under the washing drum, moisture always leads to mildew growth if you don't use your washer daily.
Not only that, the calcified hard water deposits (also called limescale), are another contributor to becoming a playground for bacteria and mold to grow. If there are areas within your machine where water and moisture are present, bad smells will build up quickly and become more than just a nuisance.
Possible remedy :
It's recommended to use a limescale remover in between washings or something stronger to kill bacteria that are caused by mold and mildew. If you like DIY remedies then you can use 2-4 cups of white vinegar on a long wash cycle that will dissolve limescale and completely flush-out bacteria living inside your washer/dryer. For stand-alone dryers, it’s best to wipe down the inside of the tumbling drum with white vinegar and allow this to air out.
Inefficient Performance
Any washing machine or dryer that is taking longer to do its job or isn’t working like it did when you bought it, is a sign it’s showing its age. If you don’t keep up with regular cleaning, servicing, and maintenance, these simple machines will eventually stop working effectively. You’ll notice it takes longer for a washer to fill up and dryers that take twice as long to completely dry your clothes. In the end, you’ll be looking to replace this machine out of frustration.
Possible remedy :
Internal motors and pumps are always going to have problems if they aren't checked by a professional during the warranty period. After a warranty runs out, you're left to pay for a repairman on your own dime. If you have a washing machine or dryer that still has a warranty, have it serviced to replace older parts that will start to fail near the end of its warranty period, so you can extend its life a bit longer?
Costly Repairs
If you have owned a quality washer or dryer for years and never had a problem until the warranty has expired, you'll have two choices. You can either have it repaired or replace it. These machines aren't overly complicated but replacing single parts like the washing drum, washing pumps, heating elements, and digital controls can start to add up. The costs that repair specialists are charging are not so far off from what plumbers are charging likewise.
If you get lucky and find a local repairman who isn’t charging so much for repair service, you’ll be lucky to get another few years with your old washer or dryer. Ultimately, these machines aren’t worth the trouble if the cost of repairs matches the cost of buying a new machine.
Possible remedy :
Only have repairs done if the cost of the service and parts is no more than one-quarter of the price you paid for your machine. Sure- it sounds crazy to do this aside from that it's a band-aid fix… It gives you enough time to look around and find a washer or dryer to replace your old one.
Problems disposing of a washer and dryer
No matter how compact they try to make washing machines or dryers these days, their overall size makes getting rid of them a real headache. Because of their size and weight, they are just as problematic to move around as couches and large furniture items tend to be. On top of this, disposing of them properly is another problem. If they are disposed of improperly, you can face fines if it goes to a place where it wasn’t meant to go.
You can be penalized if you try to have your local garbage collection services take it away or worse yet, get caught trying to throw it away at your local city dump. Because of the parts and attachments, this presents a whole new can of worms for disposing of it on your own.
You’ll also do a lot better by completely draining the machine of leftover water to decrease the weight or potential leakage when you start to move it anywhere. Sadly, washers and dryers are made from heavy-duty materials that make them cumbersome. The average weight of an empty washing machine is anywhere between 150 to 300 pounds, so having two people around while moving it is always advised.
When this is the kind of task that you're not physically able to do or don't have the resources to move with the help of friends, then another option is to hire professional junk removal services. Lucky for you, AZ Junk Removal has exactly the experience with removing big appliances including washers and dryers from any part of your home safely and with less stress involved. This also saves you time and money searching for the proper place so they get recycled correctly.
recycling in Phoenix, AZ
You probably aren’t scanning the local news for all the latest details on recycling programs going on throughout greater Phoenix. It’s part of our job to keep up-to-date with the latest recycling info and programs that are beneficial for local residents. If you hadn’t heard, at the start of May 2021, the city launched a recycling program specifically for large appliances including old washers and dryers.
Now- you’ll also be interested to know that this program is designed to make it easier for qualified participants to safely have these appliances removed for free by certified local recyclers. This initiative aims to reduce waste in our landfills and keep hazardous materials from tarnishing the environment. The best part to qualify is simply having an existing solid waste service contract with the city of Phoenix.
As long as you’re a resident of Phoenix and can show a local driver’s license or utility bill, you have the opportunity within two weeks after applying to schedule a pick-up time for any old washers or dryers. After this, a participating hauling service will pay you a visit on the exact day and time you requested to take these appliances off your hands for free. Not only is this environmentally sound, but you'll also feel better knowing they are being recycled responsibly.
The Deadly Bark of Wedgewood Park
You would never believe it- but the lengths that some people go to protect their property are the stuff that local urban legends are built upon. An old couple living on the outskirts of Phoenix in Wedgewood Park decided they wanted to renovate their entire home. Every time they put stuff outside in their backyard it would turn up missing the very next day. No matter if it was old or used, these items would disappear into thin air.
At first, they thought it was their next-door neighbors yet learned that there were more incidents like this happening all over their neighborhood. They even tried putting a fence around their stuff, but it didn’t matter as these things would vanish just like the others. They finally found a solution that worked in their favor and soon had all of their big appliances including a washer, dryer, and an old kitchen dishwasher sitting in their backyard.
All these appliances sat outside for a week before the junk removal service was scheduled to pick them up. When the removal crew finally arrived they went straight to the backyard before knocking on the owner’s door. But when they got close to these appliances they all heard loud and aggressive barks that caused instant alarm amongst the crew. Just then- a little scruffy dog popped out from the front load washer and gave them a real scare!
The old guy heard the barking and came out the back door of his house laughing like he never laughed before. The little dog ran past the junk removal guys and leapt into the old man’s arms smothering him with loads of puppy kisses. As it turns out he went to the local ASPCA and picked up a dog to guard their appliances from being stolen. The dog for some reason liked to hide inside the washer since it was good shade and equally cozy.
At night, the dog was really good at scaring off the neighborhood junk nabbers since it never came out and only barked inside the washer, making it sound like a big and angry guard dog. In the end, they all had a good laugh at how funny it was that these strong junk removal guys got spooked by such a little scruffy dog. And the funny part of this story is that ever since that first week with the new dog, the backyard junk robberies in that neighborhood suddenly stopped.
Sometimes it’s the little things that work in your favor, but for this elderly couple who outsmarted some pesky burglars- it gave all of Wedgewood Park better protection than money can't buy. But whatever you do if you decide to give up your old washer or dryer, just make sure your junk removal service knows there’s not another surprise like this hiding inside.
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FAQs
That depends on where you live, each town or waste management company is different. Some companies may accept large appliances like washing machines and dryers as part of regular garbage pickup, while others may require special arrangements. Others may have a special place where it’s your responsibility to bring and dispose of yourself.
Some waste management companies may charge a fee for the disposal of large appliances like washing machines and dryers, while others may include it as part of regular garbage pickup. You’re going to need to call and find out how your waste disposal company handles this.
Yes, you may be able to donate your washing machine or dryer to a local charity or non-profit organization. Or try going to a church or community center and ask them if there are families in need, this way you can be sure your appliances are going where they are really needed. Some organizations may offer pick-up services, while others may require you to transport the appliance to their location.
Yes, you can sell either if they’re in decent condition. Try using places like Craigslist or Ebay to see if anyone is interested. Sometimes a local secondhand store, or a used appliance store may be interested as well. If they are, they’ll usually do the pick-up too.
That depends on what company you’re using. Often times waste management companies will designate a time for large items or certain types of debris will be picked up since the company will often need a different type of truck for larger items or garden debris. It is also best to do it in a timely manner to avoid creating an eyesore or potential hazard on your property.
Yes, you hear the stories of kids playing and getting trapped in refrigerators and such by mistake. To be as safe as possible, it’s best to take of the lid or cover so nothing can accidentally get trapped inside. Also remove any loose parts and throw them in a bad and tape the bag to the machine. This way the parts are there when needed, but they won’t hurt anyone either.
