A few options that don't require hiring anyone:
**Hernando County Solid Waste — Bulky Waste Pickup**
Hernando County offers scheduled bulky waste curbside pickup for residents. You call or submit a request, they give you a pickup date, and you set the items at the curb the night before. This covers furniture, appliances, and mattresses. The number to call is the Solid Waste department — check the county website for current scheduling, as they do it by zone.
**Ridge Manor Landfill / Transfer Station**
You can haul it yourself to the Hernando County Solid Waste facility off US-98. There's a fee for tipping (varies by weight and item type), but it's usually cheaper than a junk service. Appliances with refrigerant (fridges, AC units) may have additional handling fees due to the freon.
**Habitat for Humanity ReStore**
If the washer is just dead-to-you but could be repaired, Habitat's ReStore sometimes takes working or repairable appliances. Worth a quick call — they'll tell you if they want it. If they take it, it's free pickup. Box springs they typically won't take.
**Scrap metal guys**
Dead washing machines have scrap metal value. Post the washer on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor as "free scrap metal for pickup" and someone will usually be at your house within a few hours. Box springs are trickier because they're mostly fabric/foam — less scrap appeal.
**Bulk trash amnesty days**
The county occasionally runs free dump days. Check the Hernando County website or call the Solid Waste office — they can tell you when the next one is scheduled.