Dishwasher disposal options range from free (scrap metal pickup, retailer haul-away with purchase) to $79–$259 for professional removal. The fastest standalone option is a curbside junk removal service like Dropcurb at $109: get it to the curb and it's gone the same day.
Scroll to compare all columns
| Disposal Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free appliance pickup service | Free | 1–7 days | Dishwasher already disconnected |
| Scrap metal yard | Free (earn $5–$15) | Same day | Own a truck, want a few dollars back |
| Retailer haul-away (Best Buy, Lowe's) | $0–$50 | With delivery | Buying a replacement dishwasher |
| City bulk pickup | Free | 1–4 weeks | Not in a hurry |
| Dropcurb curbside pickup | $109 | Same day | Want it gone today, no truck needed |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Varies by local availability | Full-service; confirm included scope |
How Do I Get Rid of My Old Dishwasher?
Six proven methods to dispose of an old dishwasher, ranked by cost:
1. Free appliance pickup service (free): Companies like TakeMyAppliance and local scrap recyclers offer free dishwasher pickup. They make money selling the scrap metal. Search "free appliance pickup [your city]" to find local options. You'll need the dishwasher disconnected, uninstalled, and accessible.
2. Sell it for scrap ($5–$15): Scrap yards accept dishwashers for their steel content. Stainless steel models fetch $0.20–$0.40 per pound. A typical dishwasher weighs 60–80 pounds, netting $5–$15. Copper wiring and circuit boards inside are worth more per pound than the steel. You'll need a truck to haul it.
3. Retailer haul-away ($0–$50): When buying a new dishwasher, most retailers remove the old one during delivery. Best Buy charges $49.99 for haul-away with a replacement purchase. Lowe's includes haul-away as an add-on at checkout. Home Depot offers haul-away with delivery in most areas. This only works when buying a replacement.
4. City bulk pickup (free): Schedule through 311 or your city's public works website. Most municipalities collect large appliances at the curb on a rotating basis. Wait times run 1–4 weeks depending on your city and season.
5. Dropcurb curbside removal ($109): Disconnect the dishwasher, move it to the curb, and book online in 60 seconds. A local hauler picks it up the same day. No phone tag, no on-site estimates, no surprises.
6. Full-service junk removal ($150–$259+): Companies like traditional full-service junk removal send two-person crews to carry the dishwasher out of your kitchen. On-site quotes required. Prices range from $150 to $259+ depending on accessibility and what else you need removed.
How Much Does Dishwasher Removal Cost?
Standalone dishwasher removal costs $79–$259 when hiring a junk removal service. Here's the full cost breakdown:
Free options:
With new purchase:
Standalone removal:
If you're also replacing the dishwasher, retailer haul-away is the cheapest route. For standalone disposal of an old dishwasher you've already disconnected, Dropcurb at $109 is the fastest affordable option.
Old dishwasher sitting in your kitchen? Get same-day curbside pickup for $109.
Get Instant PricingCan You Recycle a Dishwasher?
Yes — dishwashers are highly recyclable. A typical dishwasher contains 60–80 pounds of recyclable steel, plus copper wiring, aluminum, and electronic components.
Recycling options:
Dishwashers should never go in regular curbside trash. Most municipalities classify them as bulky waste requiring special pickup. Illegal dumping of large appliances carries fines of $250–$1,000+ in most jurisdictions.
Do Retailers Take Your Old Dishwasher?
Most major retailers offer old dishwasher removal when delivering a new one:
Best Buy: $49.99 haul-away fee when a replacement is delivered by Geek Squad or Best Buy Home Delivery. They recycle through certified partners.
Lowe's: Haul-away available as an add-on at checkout during a new dishwasher purchase. Free for Pro customers with product purchase. Must be a one-for-one swap — one old appliance removed per new one delivered.
Home Depot: Haul-away available with new appliance delivery in most areas. Additional charges may apply. Hookup and haul-away availability varies by location.
Important: Retailer haul-away requires the old dishwasher to be disconnected before delivery day. Dishwashers connected to water supply and electrical must be disconnected by a plumber or handy homeowner first. If the delivery crew arrives and it's still hooked up, they may refuse the haul-away.
How to Prepare a Dishwasher for Disposal
Turn off water and power
Shut off the water supply valve under the sink and flip the dishwasher's circuit breaker. Run a short cycle to drain remaining water.
Disconnect supply and drain lines
Disconnect the water supply line and drain hose under the sink. Have towels ready — some water will spill. Cap the supply valve.
Disconnect electrical
If hardwired, turn off the breaker and disconnect wiring in the junction box under the dishwasher. If plugged in, simply unplug.
Remove mounting brackets
Unscrew the mounting brackets from the underside of the countertop. Lower the leveling legs to create clearance, then slide the unit out.
Move to the curb
Slide or dolly the dishwasher to your curb or driveway. A standard dishwasher weighs 60–80 pounds — manageable for one person on flat ground.
Dishwasher at the curb? Book by 2 PM and it's gone today.
Book Same-Day PickupFrequently asked questions
How do I get rid of my old dishwasher?
The easiest options: schedule free city bulk pickup (1–4 week wait), use retailer haul-away when buying a replacement ($0–$50), or book same-day curbside removal through Dropcurb for $109. Free scrap metal pickup is also available in many areas.
What do you do with an old dishwasher?
Recycle it through a scrap metal yard ($5–$15 payout), donate it if it still works, have a retailer haul it away with a new purchase, or book a junk removal service. Dishwashers contain 60–80 pounds of recyclable steel.
What is the best way to dispose of a dishwasher?
If buying a replacement, use retailer haul-away (Best Buy $49.99, Lowe's and Home Depot vary). For standalone disposal, Dropcurb offers same-day curbside pickup for $109. Free options include city bulk pickup and scrap metal recycler pickup.
Does Best Buy take old dishwashers?
Yes. Best Buy charges $49.99 to haul away an old dishwasher when delivering a replacement. They recycle through certified partners. The dishwasher must be disconnected before the delivery crew arrives.
How much is a dishwasher worth in scrap?
A dishwasher is worth $5–$15 at a scrap yard. Stainless steel models fetch $0.20–$0.40 per pound. Copper wiring and circuit boards inside are worth more per pound than the steel frame.
Can I put a dishwasher in the regular trash?
No. Most municipalities classify dishwashers as bulky waste requiring special pickup. Putting a dishwasher in regular curbside trash is typically not allowed and may result in fines. Schedule bulk pickup through 311 or book a junk removal service.