Disposing of an old washing machine in Chicago? This guide lists every option — free drop-off at major retailers (Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot), manufacturer mail-back programs (often free with prepaid label), and certified local recyclers within driving distance. Each option below shows what's accepted, the cost, and what to do with your data before handing the washing machine over.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team*
Recycling a Washing Machines in Chicago? This guide tracks the local options that actually operate, with current accepted-items lists and any drop-off fees.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 02 April 2026*
### Where Can Residents Recycle Washing Machines in Chicago?
Residents in Chicago can recycle washing machines at various locations like Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and city council centres. Additionally, the City of Chicago offers a free bulky waste collection service for eligible residents.
*According to the UN Global [definition of e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) Monitor 2024, The value of raw materials in global e-waste was estimated at $91 billion in 2022.*
Recycling washing machines in Chicago involves several options beyond just throwing them away. Many people are unaware that major retailers such as Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's offer haul-away programs when you purchase new appliances from them. This means they'll pick up your old machine at no extra cost to you during the delivery of a new one.
Another option is to take advantage of Chicago's municipal bulky waste collection service. The City of Chicago provides this free program for residents to dispose of large items, including washing machines, but there are limits on how many items you can discard per year and the size of each item. For example, you might be limited to one or two washers per year.
### Free Disposal Options for Washing Machines in Chicago
Chicago offers several ways to recycle your old washing machine without spending a dime. The City's Department of Streets and Sanitation provides free bulky waste collection services twice yearly-usually in the spring and fall. During these events, you can drop off large items at designated locations across the city.
Local utility companies like ComEd often have recycling programs that provide rebates when you recycle old appliances through ENERGY STAR-certified partners. Additionally, stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's offer free haul-away services if you buy a new washing machine from them. Best Buy also has an eco-friendly initiative where customers can drop off their unwanted electronics, including washers, for proper recycling.
### Hazardous Material Handling for Washing Machines in Chicago
When disposing of washing machines in Chicago. It's important to note that they may contain hazardous materials like refrigerants and mercury switches. The Environmental Protection Agency's Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program ensures these components are safely removed before recycling. Local scrap yards and recycling centers certified under this EPA initiative handle the disposal responsibly.
The City of Chicago has partnerships with businesses participating in the RAD program to make sure that hazardous materials inside washing machines don't end up harming the environment. This includes ensuring proper handling of refrigerants, oils, and potentially mercury switches used in older models.
### Scrap Value: Can Washing Machines Be Sold for [Scrap Metal](https://ecyclingcentral.com/materials/scrap-metal) in Chicago?
Washing machines can indeed be sold as scrap metal in Chicago due to their high steel content-typically around 60-70% by weight. Local scrapyards will pay per pound based on the current market value of metals, which fluctuates but averages $2-$3 per kilogram for clean steel.
Scrap yards like G & B Metals and American Iron & Metal in Chicago accept appliances like washing machines and offer cash for their scrap metal content. Since washers contain valuable components such as motors with copper windings, the total value can range from $15 to over $40 depending on the size and condition of the machine.
### Municipal Bulky Waste Collection Schedule and How to Book
Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation schedules bulky waste collection events twice annually. To book your washing machine for pickup, you must sign up at least a week in advance through the city's website or by calling their dedicated hotline. The schedule is typically announced four weeks before each event date.
For example, if the spring cleanup runs from April 15 to May 10, residents should reserve a spot early to avoid missing out on free disposal opportunities. Check the City's official site for specific dates and locations as these details vary year by year.
## Sources
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
- Shift Project
Compliance and law: e-waste in Chicago
Recycling and disposal in US fall under specific legal frameworks. Knowing them helps you (or your business) stay compliant.
EPA E-Waste Regulations (US Federal) (United States)
Federal rules on hazardous waste disposal. No federal mandate for e-waste recycling but regulates CRT monitors, batteries, and mercury-containing devices. Enforced by: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Read the full regulation summary
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (United States)
US federal law governing hazardous waste disposal. CRT monitors and certain batteries are classified as hazardous waste under RCRA. Enforced by: EPA.
Read the full regulation summary