How to Dispose of a Piano Properly

It can be difficult to part with a piano after years of providing you with entertainment, inspiration, and family singalongs. But, if you own a piano that no longer sees use or it’s taking up your very limited activity space, you may have to get rid of it. Just like other large object removal projects such as disposing of a refrigerator, getting a piano out of your home, and finding out where to send it can involve some crafty maneuvering. 

Why Dispose of a Piano Properly?

Pianos are complex instruments made from a range of materials that can be tricky to break down and recycle. Additionally, any piano with a bit of life left in it could significantly benefit organizations looking for donations. 

While it will take a little more legwork, learning how to dispose of a piano the right way will help you avoid high junk removal costs and keep it out of the landfill. 

It is also important to note that simply popping your old piano on the curb for trash pickup is rarely, if ever, an option. Not only will waste management not pick up such a large and complex item, but you could end up with a fine as well. Just like any large item, you'll need to know how to hire a junk removal company that specializes in pianos and their unique disposal needs.

Prepping to Dispose of a Piano

Disposing of a piano properly always begins with good research. Reach out to musical organizations that offer to pick up old pianos even if they are long out of tune or need to be broken down for parts. If you're hoping to sell your piano, you may also need to hire a local piano tuner and repair team to give it a look before listing it online.

Breaking down a piano yourself is a big job. If you decide to take this route, be sure to follow professional instructions step by step and use proper safety gear—piano wires can break and be sharp when cut.

How to Dispose of a Piano 5 Ways

Just because you no longer need your piano doesn’t mean you don’t have options beyond sending it to a landfill. Even if you’re no longer interested in tickling the ivories, call a piano technician to look at the instrument and assess its condition. 

A technician might be able to fix an issue that has prevented you from playing, or they can get it in shape to sell or donate. Many of them are accomplished players in their own right, so their expertise can be vital when trying to determine the value of your piano. 

Once you’ve determined if the show can go on, it’s time to sort out where its new home will be.

Sell It

Pianos can live long lives, and it's not uncommon to see decades-old instruments for sale. Consider selling your old piano to a dealer or an individual buyer if it’s in good condition. If you sell to a dealer, you may not get as much money as you would from an individual. However, you’ll be able to turn over the piano in less time.  

Sometimes, the best path is to sell your piano online or through a community group. Be honest about the condition and age of the instrument. Do some research on the piano brand to get a good idea about the specs or interesting facts that could improve your chances of selling the instrument, or contact a professional to estimate its value. 

Even if your piano doesn’t function properly, you could still potentially find a buyer for it. Pianos make fascinating art pieces and decorations. In addition, movie and television studios may buy non-functional pianos to use as props or background objects. 

Donate It

Donating your piano is another popular option. Music-based academic programs and organizations like the Beethoven Foundation offer paths to donating your unwanted piano for good causes. Be aware of any requirements these programs may have regarding the piano’s condition or age. Many of them also expect you to provide your own mover for the piano. 

You could also donate your piano locally to those in need. Churches and charities may even be willing to pick up the piano free of charge. And if it comes to it, you can ask friends, family, or neighbors if anyone is interested in taking in a piano. 

Take It Apart

You can disassemble the instrument to make moving it out of your house easier. This is a great option if the piano is no longer playable. Be aware that taking apart a piano yourself, particularly a grand piano, can be dangerous. Piano wire is often sharp and held under tension, which can cause it to go flying during disassembly.  

One of the benefits of dismantling a piano, aside from the ease of movement, is that people can recycle or reuse some piano parts. Piano frames can make for great shelves or cabinets, any metal parts like screws, tuning pins, and even wire can go to a scrap metal yard, and the keys can transform into some amazing art. 

Have It Hauled Away

There are services available that will take the hassle out of piano disposal if the idea of hauling it around stresses you out. This option will cost you more money, but it comes with the benefit of fewer details to worry about.

Your best bet when going the professional route is to hire your local piano moving company. Many of these businesses offer piano disposal services. Additionally, piano movers know how to properly and safely handle large, delicate instruments. However, if you plan to trash an unusable piano, a careful touch may not be necessary.  

In this case, you could enlist the help of a local junk removal service. Many of them specialize in hauling away large pieces of furniture. The cost of junk removal depends on factors including the size, weight, and location of the piano. But, it will usually be less than what you would pay for a piano mover because you’re not paying for a specialized service—or that extra care. 

Trash It Yourself

Just like many other home projects, getting rid of a piano can be a DIY effort. However, do it yourself does not mean do it alone, as pianos can weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. It would be best to ask a couple of friends or family members to lend a hand with moving the instrument. 

When disposing of a piano, you can’t sit it at the curb on trash day, unfortunately. Instead, you could pay the price to rent a dumpster for a professional hauling company to take away. This is a great idea if you’re getting rid of other large items like old furniture or renovation debris.

If you have access to a mode of transportation that will allow you to transport a piano yourself, you can also take the instrument to a landfill. Be aware that this option is often viewed as a last resort because not every landfill will take a piano, and you’d be contributing to wasteful practices. Those that do take pianos will charge a fee for dumping them, too. 

Tips for Disposing of a Piano

Disposing of a piano is no small feat, especially if you're hoping to recycle or donate it properly. However, just as you would prepare for junk removal for other large items, there are plenty of tips to hit all the right notes.

• Hire a piano tuner to inspect your piano before deciding the best route.

• Call local schools and music teachers for donation recommendations.

• Hire a junk removal company that specializes in piano recycling.

• Speak with at least three junk removal companies to compare options.

• Never dump a piano in a dumpster or dump without prior research.

• Consider upcycling your piano into furniture or storage.

• Research recycling options for individual scrap metal and wood in your area.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Piano Disposal

Breaking down and disposing of a piano yourself is complex. If you're low on time or space, leaving it to a professional is your safest bet. On average, you'll pay between $200 and $400 for professional piano hauling, which often includes the fee to break it down and recycle it properly. 

Breaking it down yourself requires specialized tools, a good deal of strength, and ample safety precautions. Unless you have a team of friends familiar with the process, it's best to call a pro.