Appliance Removal Cost: Why Metal Makes It Cheaper (2026)

Here's an industry secret most junk removal companies would rather you not think about: when they haul your old washer to the scrap yard, they get paid for it. Twice — once by you, once by the yard. We built our whole pricing model around being honest about that, so let's open the books.

What Your Appliance Is Actually Worth

Appliance-grade steel ("light iron" or "tin" in scrap-yard language) trades around $0.09/lb — roughly $180 a ton — at Portland-area yards in 2026. Typical weights:

• Washer: 150–200 lbs → $13–$18 in scrap
• Dryer: 100–150 lbs → $9–$13
• Water heater: 100–150 lbs → $9–$13
• Stove/range: 130–220 lbs → $12–$20
• Dishwasher: 75–125 lbs → $7–$11

Individually, modest. But here's a real load of ours: two washers, a dryer, a BBQ, and metal shelving weighed in at 940 lbs and paid $81 at the yard. On that job, the scrap payout covered a major chunk of the dump fees on the non-metal half of the load. That economics is why our appliance pricing looks like this:

Our Actual Appliance Pricing

$175 trip charge + $40 per appliance. One dishwasher: $215 total. Washer AND dryer on the same trip: $255. Compare that to franchise single-item minimums, which regularly land in the $150–$250 range before the truck is half full — and they're pocketing the scrap value silently.

The multi-appliance math is where this really works: replacing all kitchen appliances during a remodel, or clearing the appliance graveyard in a garage, stacks $40 items on one trip charge instead of multiplying minimums.

The Fridge Asterisk

Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units carry refrigerant, and federal law requires certified freon recovery before scrapping. This is why free scrappers dodge fridges, why some yards refuse them, and why any hauler quoting fridges suspiciously cheap deserves the question "what happens to the freon?" We route these through proper channels — it's a few extra steps on our end, handled.

Bonus for Clark County and Portland residents: check whether your electric utility runs a working-fridge recycling rebate — several programs in the region have historically paid $25–$50 to haul away functioning old refrigerators. If yours still runs, check that before paying anyone.

DIY vs. Hauler Decision (30 Seconds)

• You have a truck + the appliance is already in the garage → yard trip yourself, pocket $10–$20
• It's in a basement, or it's a fridge, or there are three of them → the hauler math wins on your back and your Saturday
• It still works → sell it or check utility rebate programs first; working appliances aren't junk yet

FAQ

How much does it cost to remove an old washer and dryer?

With us: $255 total for both on one trip ($175 trip charge + $40 each). Single-appliance pickups run $215.

Do junk removal companies recycle appliances?

The legitimate ones do — appliance steel goes to scrap yards, not landfills. Ask your hauler where appliances go; the answer should be a yard name, not a shrug.

Can I put an appliance at the curb for free pickup?

For most metal appliances yes — scrappers grab them fast in the Portland–Vancouver area. Fridges and freezers usually get skipped due to freon rules.

Appliances to move? The steel in them is already working in your favor on our pricing. Free quotes at removescrap.com.