When you’re cleaning out a house or dealing with a huge pile of junk, chances are you’ll have a significant amount of scrap metal. In the past, I’ve gone online to find someone to save us the hassle and remove it. However, as inflation continues to rise, I am always looking for new ways to generate income. Seeing ads from scrappers on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace proves I’m not alone. When my mom’s appliances died, it made me wonder, is it worth taking apart a washer and dryer for scrap? Or, save the time and headache?
How do you disassemble a washer and dryer?
Today, you can learn to do anything with online video tutorials. A quick search on YouTube will give you tons of results with people showing you how to disassemble your devices step by step. All you need is a drill, cutters, protective gear and things you’d find in a basic tool kit.
If you’ve never looked inside your device, it might be worth taking them apart just to see how they work. However, in my experience, it’s much easier to take things apart than to put them back together. So be warned that this tip is just for breaking them down for scrap, not for repair and maintenance.
Separation while you dismantle your scrap metal
Dismantling a washer and dryer for scrap will make you more money than selling it whole. But the burning question is, how much longer?
If you do not disassemble the device yourself, you will be paid in pounds for the cheapest part (steel). However, you’ll want to separate the metals if they have aluminum, copper, or brass components, as they have a much higher price tag. Once again, videos can help you determine the type of metals you have. You can also use a magnet or grinder to determine if it’s steel vs. aluminum.
Separating the metals as you go will save you more time later. Although, most experienced scrappers will tell you that there are only a few precious parts. Therefore, the fastest and most efficient way to save money is to separate the motor, pump, gearbox, cables and control panel from the rest of the machine.
Fluctuating prices for scrap metal
Another thing to be aware of is that scrap metal prices fluctuate daily. So there are no set prices and the amount scrap yards are willing to pay per pound.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, scrap metal prices have fallen. While copper usually sells between $3-4/lb, it was well below $2.50/lb. However, markets are recovering and prices have been steadily increasing since early 2023. Now, you can expect between $3.00 and $3.25/lb for copper wire and tubing. Brass is back over $2.00/lb. And, steel prices have also risen to $180 – $200/tonne, depending on the day and which scrapyard you are dealing with.
Based on this data, it’s a great time to sell scrap metal, especially if you’re holding out for better prices.
Is it worth dismantling a washer and dryer for scrap?
If you’ve never done it before, taking apart a washer and dryer for scrap could be a valuable learning experience. But if you do decide to dismantle them, be prepared to spend a few hours stripping them down and then hauling them off to the scrap yard. However, you could save time if you decide to sell the entire device.
After calling a few local businesses, most told me they pay $0.09/lb if you go that route. Your average washer weighs about 170 pounds while dryers are about 124 pounds. If you do the math based on these figures, you’ll get $15.30 for your washer and $11.16 for your dryer. On the other hand, if you disassemble them, you will get much more for aluminum, brass and copper.
In fact, it’s probably not worth your while if you only have one washer and dryer. Including the time, fuel and cost to drive it to the salvage yard, you won’t make much profit. However, if it’s a newer model, you might have luck selling it for parts online.
Best tips and tricks
For those interested in dismantling appliances for scrap metal, here are some tips to help you maximize your time and profit:
- Connect to the internet to learn more.If you’re not sure where to start, go online to find videos, websites, and other resources to learn how to take apart and identify things. Not only will it help you earn more money, but it will also make you faster at disassembling devices.
- Start with the simplest tasks. Start by removing doors, covers and other removable parts. In addition to reducing risks, working from the outside in will also give you better access to internal components.
- Sort as you go. Don’t throw everything in the pile. separate the metals as you go. Keep separate piles or buckets for each type of metal so you don’t have to sort them again later. This will save you time and make you more efficient.
- Watch scrap prices.Scrap prices fluctuate daily. Although prices fell after the pandemic, they have steadily increased since January 2023. Watching the markets can help you identify trends and days when you can maximize your return.
- Stay safe. Your safety should always be a top priority. Make sure appliances are unplugged before coming to work. And, avoid taking things apart before you know what you’re working with and are aware of the potential dangers. You should also wear protective equipment (gloves, goggles, long sleeves/pants, closed-toe shoes/steel boots) when working with metal.
While it may not be worth taking apart a single washer and dryer for scrap, many people have turned it into a profitable business. With scrap metal prices on the rise, it could be a good time to start. However, make sure you weigh the benefits and effort required against the potential payoff.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is spent either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food and new adventures.
