How to Recycle a Washing Machine

Trading out your old washing machine for a new energy efficient one can save you money and help the environment. However, you'll still have the old washing machine to deal with. Recycling your washing machine is the next step, as you'll be continuing the earth-friendly decisions by doing so.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask the retailer that you're buying your new washing machine from whether they participate in recycling old machines. Some companies have started recycling plants for old appliances and you may find that your old machine can be included in this. If your machine isn't that old and still works, you might also see if a reseller is interested in taking it.

• 2

  Offer old working machines on sites like recycling message boards and groups. You may also be able to donate a working machine to organizations that work with domestic abuse survivors or the poor. Your old machine may work fine for a family in need.

• 3

  Take the front glass or plastic off of a front-loading washer and use it as a bowl. Depending on how it looks cleaned up, you might find that it makes a good fruit bowl or a spot to keep loose items in the house or garage.

• 4

  Use the washing machine tub as a flower pot. You'll need to disassemble part of the machine to get at the tub, but if you have a non-working machine, this can be another option of getting continued use. Just add some potting soil and your favorite plants.

• 5

  Create art from your washing machine. Found art or trash art uses ordinary items, some that have been tossed aside. You can make art using your washing machine for yourself, enter it in a competition or offer it to other artists in your community to use.