A tumble dryer is mostly steel, which is why the cheapest route is often the one that pays you rather than charges you. There are four realistic options, and which is best depends on whether the dryer still runs and whether you are buying a replacement.
Where to take an old dryer
Haul-away with a new delivery. Appliance retailers will take the old dryer when they deliver the new one, either free or for a modest fee added to the order. This has to be arranged when you place the order, because the delivery crew needs to know in advance and will not take it on the day otherwise.
A scrap metal dealer. A dryer is largely steel with a motor, so scrap yards accept them and some pay a small amount by weight. Prices move with the steel market, and yards pay more if you deliver than if they collect.
Municipal bulky waste collection. Most cities take large appliances either on scheduled days or by appointment. Some charge per item and some run a free quota each year, so check before paying.
Donation, if it still runs. Habitat for Humanity ReStore and similar reuse charities accept working dryers in many areas, and some will collect. A dryer that does not heat is usually a thermal fuse or element rather than a write-off, so it is worth a repair quote before scrapping a recent machine.
What dryer disposal costs
| Route | Typical cost |
|---|
| Retailer haul-away with a new delivery | Free to modest, arranged with the order |
| Scrap metal dealer | Free, sometimes a small payment by weight |
| Municipal bulky collection | Free to moderate, often capped per year |
| Junk removal service | Highest, priced per load |
Gas dryers need one extra step
A gas dryer must be disconnected from the supply by someone competent to do it, and the flexible connector should be capped rather than left open. Most appliance retailers include disconnection in a haul-away booking, but confirm it rather than assume.
What is inside one
The drum, chassis and motor are steel and recover well. Vented dryers are simple; condenser and heat pump models contain more electronics and, in the case of heat pump dryers, a sealed refrigerant circuit that has to be recovered by a certified technician rather than vented. Say which type you have when you book collection.
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