Recycling a washer or dryer in Dallas or Garland can be a difficult but rewarding task. Here at Encore Recyclers, we want to help you get the most money for your scrap metal—so here are some tips on how to get the most out of an old or broken washing machine or dryer.

Should you dismantle a washing machine or dryer before scrapping it?

Taking a washer or dryer apart is no easy task, but many scrappers think it is worth the effort. At Encore Recyclers, we take in both dismantled and complete washers and dryers regularly, and we can confirm that we pay quite a bit more for dismantled appliances.

Therefore, if you’re physically capable of dismantling an appliance like a washer or dryer, and if you have or can easily acquire the tools for doing so, it will always be worth the effort.

What are the advantages of dismantling an appliance before scrapping it?

Although most scrap metal recycling companies accept all forms of metal with a few exceptions (usually for safety or legal reasons), companies in the scrap metal recycling industry do not and cannot pay the same amount for different types of metal.

This is because some metals are rarer and/or more useful in manufacture than others. For example, aluminum is a great metal to use in general manufacture, but it is very common and not good for extremely specialized uses. That means that recycling companies cannot pay a huge amount for scrap aluminum.

Metals like copper, on the other hand, which are both a little less common and a bit more useful in more specialized kinds of manufacture (such as use in electrical wire), are inherently more valuable. That means that a scrap metal recycling company in Dallas or elsewhere can pay quite a bit more for copper and similar metals.

When a full appliance comes into a recycling plant like Encore, recyclers essentially have to estimate what combination of metals will make up the components inside the appliance. Some washers and dryers, for example, use valuable copper in their motors, while others do not.

Because estimating the value a given appliance will have is a gamble for the company, they tend to pay a bit lower. On top of that, the company will have to pay employees or contractors to dismantle the appliance—which further eats into your pay.

How do you get the most for your broken appliances and other scrap materials?

The best way to consistently get the highest value for your broken appliances and other scrap metals is to dismantle appliances and machines and to sort the metals. For example, keep all your steel with other steel, your aluminum with other aluminum, and your copper with other copper.

Doing this makes things easier and cheaper for the scrap metal recycler, which means they can afford to pay you more. Having your metals pre-sorted also helps promote worker efficiency and in some cases safety.

While it may not be worth your effort to take apart very difficult or dangerous appliances or parts such as air conditioners or engines of any kind, taking apart a washer or dryer may well be within your reach.

If you have confidently assembled or broken down furniture, you can probably take apart a washer or dryer as long as you put forth your best effort and remain patient and calm.

What are some of the best tips for dismantling a washer or dryer?

Although every washer and dryer is a bit different, there are some general tips to follow for successfully dismantling any washer or dryer before selling it for scrap.

  • Do the simplest tasks first. For example, take off doors and covers before getting into activities like stripping wires or taking out a motor. This will give you better access to the inner workings of the machine, and will also give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.
  • Sort metals as you work. It’s much easier to sort different metals into tubs, crates, or piles as you work than it is to break the appliance down and do the sorting later.
  • Use online resources. There are many great online resources out there. If you find your appliance’s model number, you can most likely find a YouTube video instructing you on dismantling that particular appliance. There are also great general tips on scrap metal recycling forums.

Above all, be safe. Ensure that the appliance is not plugged into power when you begin to dismantle it. Wear work gloves, safety goggles, long sleeves, and long pants. Do not disassemble any parts before you recognize them and understand what they are.