How to get rid of an old dishwasher

Buying a new dishwasher can be exciting, especially if you've been living with an ailing, outmoded machine that struggles to clean even the wimpiest of stains. But people tend to overlook one big factor in getting a new machine: What, exactly, should you do with the old one?

There are actually a lot of ways to dispose of an old dishwasher—from resale to recycling. Whether you're getting rid of a hunk of junk or simply upgrading to a more advanced model, we've got you covered.

But before we begin, it's a good idea to review the rules and regulations surrounding proper appliance disposal. Check with the EPA if you have any questions not addressed in this guide. Be sure to look into any rebates or tax benefits that might be available in your area.

The EPA's Energy Star program offers a variety of rebates, special offers, and tax exemptions on certified appliances. Finally, don't forget that tax write-offs are available for charitable donations.

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1. Sell It

If it's possible, reselling your dishwasher is the smartest route to take. You can find private buyers by posting an ad on Craigslist, and figure out a pickup or delivery arrangement once you've found a buyer.

You could also try selling on eBay, but be wary of where your potential buyers are; you don't want to have to pay to ship the thing across country. Follow eBay's guidelines for selling appliances online, and consider specifying local pickup only.

2. Recycle It

The most Earth-friendly thing to do is recycle your old dishwasher. There are recycling centers located all over the country, some of which may even offer cash for your appliance. A few online resources, like Earth911 and RecyclerFinder.com, have comprehensive guides to help you find recycling centers and services in your area.

For a fee, Best Buy will haul away your old appliances to be recycled. The service costs $100 for two units, and another $20 for each additional appliance. Home Depot and Lowe's offer similar services.

3. Donate it

If all else fails, you can just give your dishwasher away. There's almost certainly someone in your area who would like a dishwasher but can't afford one. Find a household in your neighborhood that might appreciate the appliance, or donate the unit to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store.

A number of charities, including Habitat for Humanity and St. Vincent de Paul, also accept appliance donations. As an added benefit, these contributions may qualify you for a tax write-off in the next fiscal year.

4. Trash It

If you just want to get rid of your dishwasher as quickly as possible, without concern for earning money, saving the planet, or making someone's day (hey, we're not here to judge), you can just trash it. Throw it out. Toss it.

Check out 1-800-Got-Junk?, which is pretty much the leader in assorted junk removal. They'll take that old hunk of metal off your hands, but be aware that both 1-800-Got-Junk? and local firms like it usually charge pickup fees.

In some areas, you may be able to haul the dishwasher to the curb for the trash or recycling crew to pick up. This depends heavily on local ordinance, and you may need to arrange for a special pickup. Some utilities actually pay cash for old appliances, so be sure to check with local energy companies to see if that option is available.

5. Join RAD

The EPA has a program called the Responsible Appliances Disposal Program (RAD). As a voluntary member, you would be responsible for collecting old appliances, recycling them, and reporting back to the EPA.

RAD partners with local utilities that may also help facilitate recycling and disposal in your area. Just another neat little program for you to consider.