How to Get Rid of an Old Dryer: The Complete Guide
You can either donate, recycle, sell, scrap, or hire a junk‑removal service to take your old dryer away. The best route depends on its condition, how much you’re willing to spend, and what resources are available in your area.
1. Assess Your Dryer’s Condition
Working vs. Non‑working
- Fully functional: May still have resale value.
- Broken or missing parts: Better suited for donation (if repairable) or recycling.
Size & Weight
A standard 7‑kg domestic dryer is roughly 150 lb (68 kg) and measures about 27 in × 30 in × 38 in. Knowing the dimensions helps you choose the right truck size or determine if your curb space can accommodate it.
2. Free or Low‑Cost Options
2.1 Donate to Charities
- Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore accept working dryers in many states.
- Call ahead to confirm they have space; some locations require a drop‑off appointment.
- Many charities will pick up the dryer for free if you’re within a certain radius, but they often limit pickups to one large appliance per household.
2.2 Recycle at Municipal Centers
- Most cities run household appliance recycling programs.
- You usually need to schedule a drop‑off and bring the dryer to a designated recycling center.
- Fees vary: some municipalities charge a $5–$15 tipping fee; others accept appliances for free. Check your city’s public works website.
2.3 Sell or Give Away
- List the dryer on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp.
- Emphasize any remaining warranty, brand, and condition.
- Even a broken dryer can fetch $20–$40 if a buyer plans to refurbish it.
2.4 Scrap Metal Programs
- Dryers contain steel, aluminum, and copper.
- Locate a scrap yard using the EPA’s “Find a Recycling Center” tool.
- Most yards pay $0.10–$0.30 per pound for mixed metal. A 150‑lb dryer could net $15–$45.
- Some states (CA, CT, RI) require a $10.50 per‑unit recycling fee for mattresses; dryers are not subject to that fee.
3. Using Your Local Government’s Bulk‑Pickup Service
3.1 Scheduling
- Many counties offer monthly bulk‑pickup days for large items.
- You must request a pickup at least 5–7 days in advance, either online or by phone.
3.2 Fees & Restrictions
- Most jurisdictions charge a flat fee ranging from $10 to $30 per item.
- Some limit the number of appliances per household per year.
- The dryer must be placed at the curb without obstruction and accessible to the collection crew.
3.3 Pros & Cons
| Feature | Free/Low‑Cost | Municipal Bulk‑Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0–$30 (donation, resale, scrap) | $10–$30 per dryer |
| Convenience | Varies (you drive or arrange pickup) | Simple curbside drop |
| Environmental impact | High if recycled or donated | Moderate (landfill if not recycled) |
| Time needed | 1–3 hrs (listing, drop‑off) | 1 hr (place curbside) |
4. DIY Haul‑Away
4.1 Renting a Truck
- U‑Haul, Home Depot, Penske rent trucks in 1/8‑truck increments.
- Minimum load (1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft) is roughly 50 cu ft, enough for one dryer plus a few boxes.
- Daily rates start around $19.95 plus mileage; expect $30–$50 for a short local move.
4.2 Safety & Loading Tips
- Disconnect power and pull the dryer away from the wall.
- Secure the drum with a piece of cardboard to prevent movement.
- Use a hand truck or dolly; tilt the dryer slightly backward and roll onto the dolly.
- Load it against the back wall of the truck to keep the center of gravity low.
4.3 Disposal at the Landfill
- If you have a pay‑as‑you‑go landfill, bring the dryer directly.
- Expect a tipping fee of $30–$80 depending on the county.
5. Professional Junk‑Removal Services
5.1 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK? Pricing (Volume‑Based)
- Minimum load (1/8 truck): $100–$150
- Small loads: $107–$396
- Medium loads: $396–$600
- Large loads: $600–$1,099
- Average job across all customers: ≈ $240
- Single‑item removals: $70–$400 (depends on bulk & weight)
What’s included: labor, loading from anywhere on the property, hauling, disposal/recycling fees, and post‑job cleanup. Crews are licensed and insured.
Booking: Online or call 1‑800‑468‑5865. No price quote online or over the phone; you get a free on‑site estimate (no credit card required). Crew calls 25–30 min before arrival; same‑day service often available.
Flex product: If you can load the dryer into a bag or container yourself, Flex starts at $39 (you handle the loading).
5.2 Competitor Comparison
| Company | Minimum Charge | Pricing Model | Typical Range for a Dryer + Small Load | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK? | $100 | Volume‑based (truck size) | $107–$396 (small load) | Includes labor, disposal, cleanup |
| LoadUp | $89 | Per‑item (online guarantee) | $89 (dryer) + $30–$60 for extra junk | Prices lock in at booking |
| Junk King | $99 | Volume‑based | $389–$488 (half‑truck) | Approx. $100–$150 for a single dryer if combined with other junk |
| College Hunks | $150–$750 | Volume‑based + $99 dispatch fee | $150–$250 for a dryer + small load | Dispatch fee often discovered after booking |
5.3 When to Choose a Pro
- No vehicle or you cannot transport the dryer yourself.
- Time constraints: you need the dryer gone today or tomorrow.
- Heavy or awkward placement (e.g., dryer in a tight laundry room).
- Local regulations prohibit curbside drop‑offs for large appliances.
5.4 Worked Dollar Example
You have a non‑working dryer (150 lb) and a few boxes of old clothes (≈ 30 lb).
| Option | Cost Breakdown | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK? (small load) | Base $107 (minimum 1/8‑truck) + $0 extra (single‑item surcharge not needed) | $107 |
| LoadUp (online guarantee) | Dryer $89 + Boxes $30 | $119 |
| DIY truck rental | Truck $35 + landfill tip $45 | $80 (plus your time & fuel) |
| Municipal bulk‑pickup | Flat fee $20 | $20 (if schedule allows) |
| Donate (free) | No cost, but you must drive it to the charity (≈ 10 mi) | $0 (fuel ≈ $3) |
Bottom line: If you have a truck or can borrow one, DIY is cheapest. If you need convenience and have no vehicle, 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK? at $107 is competitive with LoadUp’s $119.
5.5 Realistic Savings Levers (No Coupon Needed)
- Combine loads: Add other junk to reach a half‑truck; the per‑pound cost drops.
- Schedule mid‑week/off‑season: Crews often have more availability and may offer a small price reduction on the spot.
- Pre‑sort: Remove any reusable parts (e.g., metal drum) and set them aside for scrap; a smaller volume can move you into a lower price tier.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving the dryer on the curb without a permit | Some cities require a bulk‑pickup permit. | Check your local ordinance and obtain a permit if needed. |
| Trying to haul a dryer alone | Underestimates weight (150 lb) and size. | Use a dolly and enlist a second person; wear gloves and back‑support shoes. |
| Assuming all charities will pick up for free | Many have mileage limits or only accept working units. | Call the specific location, confirm pick‑up policy, and be ready to transport if needed. |
| Not removing the dryer’s power cord | Can cause safety hazards for the crew. | Disconnect the cord and coil it neatly before loading. |
| Overlooking the recycling fee in certain states | Only mattress fees are mandated, but some scrap yards add processing fees. | Verify with the scrap yard; factor any $10‑$15 fees into your cost calculation. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I leave my dryer at the curb for the trash collector?
A: Most municipal trash services do not accept large appliances. You need to schedule a bulk‑pickup or use a recycling center.
Q2: Does 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK? charge extra for a dryer?
A: The dryer is counted as part of the overall volume. If it fits within a minimum 1/8‑truck load, the price ranges $100–$150. No separate item fee applies.
Q3: Is there any value in selling a broken dryer?
A: Yes, hobbyists and repair shops sometimes buy broken units for $20–$40 to harvest parts or refurbish. List it with clear photos and note any known issues.
Q4: How much will a scrap yard pay for my dryer?
A: Most yards pay $0.10–$0.30 per pound of metal. For a 150‑lb dryer, expect $15–$45 after you transport it there.
Q5: What paperwork is needed to donate an appliance?
A: Usually none, but some charities ask for a receipt for tax‑deduction purposes. Ask the organization if they provide one after drop‑off.
Q6: My dryer is in an apartment building—who can remove it?
A: Check with your landlord; many lease agreements require the tenant to arrange removal. If allowed, you can use a local junk‑removal service that can navigate building stairs and elevators.
Takeaway
- Start with free routes: donate, recycle, or sell.
- Use municipal bulk‑pickup if you need a simple curbside solution and are willing to pay a modest fee.
- DIY truck rental is cheapest when you have a vehicle and can handle the load.
- Hire a pro (1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK? or a competitor) only when convenience outweighs cost, and compare the verified price ranges to get the best deal.
By evaluating condition, local resources, and your own time, you can choose the most cost‑effective and environmentally responsible way to say goodbye to that old dryer.