Last updated April 2026

How to Dispose of a Washer and Dryer in South Florida

Remove and recycle your old washer and dryer the right way in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade.

Quick Answer

Washers and dryers are among the most recyclable appliances — primarily steel with copper motors and wiring. Professional removal starts at $89 per unit with Umuve, same-day. Scrap metal yards pay $5-$20 per unit. FPL does not offer rebates for washers and dryers (refrigerators only), but county curbside pickup handles them with advance scheduling, no special prep required.

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In This Guide

1. Option 1: Professional Removal2. Option 2: County Curbside3. Option 3: Donation & Selling4. Option 4: Scrap Metal & DIY Haul5. Cost Comparison6. Environmental Impact7. Common Mistakes8. FAQ

Option 1: Professional Removal by Umuve

The fastest option — starting at $89 – $199 per unit, or $149 for both.

Umuve removes washers and dryers from any location — laundry room, garage, second-floor closet. We disconnect water supply hoses and dryer vents. Both units are transported to certified metal recycling facilities. Booking both units together saves money. Most pickups take 20-30 minutes.

What is Included

  • Water hose and vent disconnection
  • Any floor or location
  • Same-day service
  • Certified metal recycling
  • Pricing discount for both units
Book Same-Day Pickup Call (561) 944-1636

Also see: Appliance Removal service page — Available in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Davie

Option 2: Municipal / County Pickup

Free for South Florida residents — but requires advance scheduling.

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County SWA accepts washers and dryers as standard bulk items — no refrigerant concerns, no special prep. Schedule online at pbcswa.com or call (561) 697-2700. Set at curb by 6 AM on pickup day. 5-10 business day lead time typical.

Broward County

Broward County cities handle washers and dryers as part of standard bulk pickup. They are straightforward to collect because they contain no hazardous materials. Call your city solid waste department — most cities schedule within 5-7 business days.

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade Solid Waste accepts washers and dryers through standard bulk pickup programs. Most municipalities allow 2 large appliances per week curbside. City of Miami residents call 311. Miami Beach has separate bulk pickup scheduling at miamibeachfl.gov/sanitation.

Option 3: Donation

Working washers and dryers are highly sought after for donation. Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept working laundry appliances. The Salvation Army offers free furniture and appliance pickup for qualifying donations in South Florida — call your local store to confirm washer/dryer pickup availability. Community assistance organizations like Catholic Charities and United Way affiliates in South Florida sometimes coordinate appliance donations for families in need. Working units also sell well: $75-$250 each on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for name brands in good condition.

Option 4: DIY Disposal

Washers and dryers are the most DIY-friendly appliances for disposal. They contain no hazardous materials requiring special handling. A standard washer is 150-200 lbs; a dryer is 100-140 lbs. With an appliance dolly ($15-$25/day rental), one or two people can handle them. Scrap metal yards pay $5-$20 per unit. The copper motor inside a washing machine makes it more valuable at scrap — do not disassemble before the yard as they account for the copper when weighing. Transfer station disposal runs $30-$60 per unit.

Cost Comparison

Compare all options side by side.

Option Cost Timeline Your Effort Eco Impact
Umuve Professional Removal$89–$149 per unitSame dayZeroCertified recycling
County CurbsideFree5–14 daysMove to curbPartial recycling
Scrap Metal Yard (self-haul)Free + $5–$20 incomeSame dayMediumGood recycling
Donation (working units)Free1–7 daysLowBest

Environmental Impact

A washing machine contains approximately 100-120 lbs of steel, 10-15 lbs of copper (motor windings and wiring), 15-25 lbs of stainless steel drum material, and 10-20 lbs of plastic tubs and components. The copper content makes washing machines particularly valuable for metal recyclers — copper trades at $3-$4/lb. Dryers are primarily steel with aluminum drum components. Both appliances achieve near-100% material recovery at certified metal recyclers through magnetic separation, shredding, and non-ferrous sorting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking if the appliance has resale value

A working LG, Samsung, or Whirlpool washer less than 8 years old sells for $150-$350 on Facebook Marketplace in South Florida. Spending $89 to remove something worth $200 is worth a 10-minute listing first.

Forgetting to disconnect water supply hoses

Leaving supply hoses connected when moving a washer usually results in a flooded laundry room. Turn off the water supply valves and disconnect hoses before any washer move. Umuve handles this during professional pickup.

Moving heavy appliances without an appliance dolly

Washing machines weigh 150-200 lbs. Without a dolly, you will scratch floors and risk injury. Appliance dollies are $15-$25/day at Home Depot or U-Haul.

Stacking units before confirming the receiving facility accepts them

Some charity donation centers refuse older or front-load washers due to mold issues. Call before transporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does washer and dryer removal cost in South Florida? +

Umuve charges $89-$149 per unit, or $149 for both units together. County curbside is free with 5-14 day scheduling. Scrap metal yards accept them free and may pay you $5-$20 per unit.

Does FPL offer rebates for old washers and dryers? +

No. FPL's appliance rebate program covers refrigerators and freezers only. ENERGY STAR appliance rebates for new purchases are sometimes available from FPL but do not apply to old unit disposal.

Can I donate a working washer and dryer in South Florida? +

Yes. Habitat for Humanity ReStores, Salvation Army, and community assistance organizations accept working laundry appliances. Salvation Army offers free pickup in many South Florida areas — call (800) 728-7825.

How do scrap metal yards handle washers and dryers? +

They weigh the unit and pay by pound at current scrap steel rates ($0.04-$0.07/lb for steel, more for copper). A 200-lb washer earns $8-$14 at current market rates. The copper motor increases value. Bring ID and the unit in any condition.

Does Umuve disconnect the washer before removal? +

Yes. We disconnect water supply lines and the drain hose. Dryer vent disconnection is also included. For gas dryers, we recommend having a gas technician disconnect the gas line before our arrival.

Can Umuve remove a stacked washer and dryer from a closet? +

Yes. Stacked laundry units in tight closets are common in South Florida apartments and condos. We unstacked, remove, and carry both units out. High-rise buildings with service elevator rules are also accommodated.

Related Guides

How to Dispose of Appliances How to Dispose of a Refrigerator How to Dispose of a Dishwasher Garage Cleanout Guide Junk Removal Cost Guide (South Florida)

Ready to Get Rid of It?

Umuve serves all of South Florida with same-day pickup starting at $89. Licensed, insured, and 92% recycled or donated. No hidden fees.

Book Free Pickup Call (561) 944-1636

SMS: (844) 435-6005 • Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade