How can I dispose of a washing machine?

There may be several reasons why you need to get rid of your washing machine immediately. Perhaps the old machine is technically outdated and a modern, more functional model has been purchased. Or perhaps the washing machine has broken down, and you simply don't want to waste the time and effort identifying the cause and repairing it. In any case, the owner of the appliance faces the question: how to dispose of the washing machine? Will you be able to get a refund or will you have to spend money?

There are several ways to dispose of unwanted washing machines, some profitable, others costing a bit. So, let's figure out where you can recycle your washing machine with minimal effort, money, and time.

Why shouldn't you throw it away?

The first thing that comes to mind is to take the machine to the trash. Sure, it might take a little effort to get it outside, but after 15 minutes, the problem will be completely solved. However, this method involves causing damage not only to the environment, but also to human health. As the machine's components decompose, they release toxic substances into the atmosphere that are harmful to all living things.

1. The plastic walls of the hull take over a century to decompose. When burned, they release toxic chemicals. These toxic substances enter the ozone layer. The natural cycle continues—toxic substances later fall in the form of rain and penetrate the soil. Furthermore, combustion releases toxic smoke into the air, which we then breathe.
2. Wiring and insulation materials. When PVC cables burn, they release gases into the atmosphere, the fumes of which can cause serious and irreversible human diseases. If PVC is simply buried, it will not decompose, which will impact groundwater quality.
3. Metal parts. Burning metal parts is also unsafe. When burned, heavy metal particles are released into the atmosphere. These particles settle on grass, trees, and vegetables, enter the human body, and cause various illnesses.
4. Rubber. When rubber parts burn, hydrogen sulfide vapors are released into the air. Black smoke emanating from the fire causes respiratory problems.

A washing machine disposed of in a regular landfill poses a serious threat to the environment. It's no wonder that dumping washing machines in landfills is strictly prohibited.

We'll offer you more humane ways to dispose of unwanted equipment, and we'll figure out where to recycle your old, broken machine.

Handing over to a recycling point

The idea behind this method of disposal is quite simple. The washing machine is taken to a special recycling center, where each part of the unit is recycled. This method is one of the most civilized and has only two significant drawbacks. First, recycling of the parts is at the owner's expense. You'll need to not only bring the washing machine to the designated location but also pay for all subsequent handling. Second, recycling facilities are not available in every town.

Disposal of washing machines using the recycling method will cost approximately $20–$30.

The process of recycling washing machine components is complex. Special equipment is required at every stage of the process.

• Disassembling the machine. All electronics, liquid plastic, copper, and glass parts are removed from the housing.
• Direct recycling involves compressing the housing under a press, crushing the glass parts, and grinding the plastic components into powder. The plastic, which is considered liquid, is purified through melting. The result is clean recyclable material, ready for use in the production process.
• Dispatch of recycled materials. The pressed metal body is sent to metallurgical plants, and the plastic dust becomes the basis for the production of plastic products.

Despite the undeniable usefulness and effectiveness of this option, thrifty owners prefer to avoid spending personal funds on disposal, opting for a less expensive method. More enterprising owners even try to sell the unit for some income.

Sale for spare parts

This method of getting rid of an unwanted washing machine can yield a small profit. There are two options: either offer the washing machine to a repairman, or disassemble the unit yourself and sell the parts. The first option offers the following advantages:

• minimal effort and personal time required for the procedure – you will only need to make a couple of calls to workshops;
• The technician will personally remove the equipment free of charge.

Of course, you won't get much money selling a washing machine this way, but if your model is in demand, you can be sure that a reseller will be found very quickly and will be happy to remove the appliance themselves. It would be more profitable to personally disassemble the unit and sell the most important parts of the washing machine: the electric motor, drain pump, heating element, and others. This method will require some effort and time from you, but at the same time it will help you earn good money.

The only thing you need to think about is where to sell the parts. If you live in a small town, finding customers willing to buy the components can be a real challenge.

Repair and sale

If your washing machine breaks down, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of repairing it for subsequent sale. If the repairs cost a small amount, you can fix the machine and sell it at a good price. With a proper appraisal, a buyer will be found fairly quickly. People who can't afford new equipment often buy used machines. You can place an ad for the machine in several newspapers, as well as on the following websites:

• Avito;
• Yula;
• From hand to hand;
• Shark, etc.

If your washing machine is in good working order, you can also simply donate it. People willing to accept it for free will quickly appear, and you won't have to worry about stumbling over an unwanted machine for long.

Giving a "second life" to car parts

This recycling option is ideal for especially resourceful and resourceful appliance owners. Some parts of the old machine can be used as decorative elements in home gardens and summer cottages. Washing machine parts can also be used to create useful household items, such as:

• barbecue - to set it up you will need a machine drum;
• A sharpening machine is made from a washing machine motor. By connecting a sharpening wheel to the motor and securing it, it's easy to create a device for sharpening tools or sanding boards;
• wood splitter - using the electric motor of a washing machine, you can make a structure for chopping firewood;
• A feather plucking machine consists of a motor and a metal drum. Using these two elements, it's easy to construct a device for plucking chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other birds.

The list of useful devices that can be built using an old automatic machine can be continued. Craftsmen make lawn mowers and small concrete mixers, and crushers for grain crops.

Exchange of "old" for "new" at the point of sale

Large home appliance stores periodically launch take-back campaigns for unwanted appliances. On certain days, you can return your old washing machine to the hypermarket and receive a significant discount on the purchase of a new one. The machine's production date, manufacturer, and technical condition will not matter.

The benefit for electronics stores is obvious: this promotion significantly increases sales. But it's also attractive for customers, as it not only solves the problem of disposing of an old washing machine but also provides a nice discount on the purchase of a new one.

For your convenience, we present a list of large electronics hypermarkets that periodically launch such promotions.

1. Eldorado offers free pickup of your discarded washing machine and offers up to a 20% discount on the purchase of a new one.
2. M-Video. We remove used equipment free of charge, and the discount on new purchases can reach up to $150.
3. Technosila. Discounts range from $5 to $100. Store representatives will pick up your appliances only if you arrange delivery of your new washing machine.
4. Yulmart. Your car will be picked up free of charge upon presentation of a receipt for the new equipment.

Check out the promotional dates at your local stores. If you've been planning to buy a new automatic washing machine, this is definitely the best option.

We sell scrap metal

This recycling method will only yield a small amount of money. However, why not at least take advantage of this opportunity? Finding the nearest scrap metal collection point isn't difficult; they're available in almost every town. The washing machine's most valuable contents in this case will be the copper contained in the motor and wiring.

You will have to deliver the car to the pick-up location yourself. On average, buyers will pay you between $3 and $6, but it's still better than throwing the washing machine in a landfill.

There are many ways to dispose of an unwanted washing machine, and finding the one that's most convenient for you shouldn't be difficult. Try to approach this matter responsibly, rather than simply tossing it into the trash, which could cause irreparable harm to the environment.

   

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