How to Dispose of Your Old Water Heater Properly
Don’t land in hot water by disposing of this appliance the wrong way
When your morning hot shower is suddenly ice cold, it may be time to replace your water heater. Water heaters last about a decade, and when you install a new one, you’ll need to properly dispose of the old one. Use these tips to learn the best ways to dispose of a water heater safely and responsibly.
Why Dispose of Your Water Heater Properly?
When it’s time to replace your water heater, you can’t just bring the old one to the landfill. Many water heaters have components like mercury pilot light sensors and asbestos insulation that cause them to be classified as hazardous waste. Those components, plus the rust and sediment found in old water heaters, pose environmental and safety risks.
Improperly disposing of a water heater could open you up to fines or citations, so it’s important to follow all regulations and guidelines for responsible water heater disposal.
Prepping for Water Heater Disposal
No matter how you dispose of your water heater, you’ll need to disconnect it first. Because water heaters involve plumbing and hardwired electrical connections and may also have gas connections, disconnecting them can be dangerous. Call a qualified HVAC technician or plumber to safely and properly disconnect the water heater to prepare for disposal.
How to Dispose of a Water Heater 6 Ways
How you dispose of your water heater will depend on its condition and how much heavy lifting and transportation you’re willing and able to do. If you can’t move or transport it yourself, you’ll need to enlist help for disposal.
Bring It to a Local Recycling Center
One of the best ways to get rid of an old water heater is to recycle it. Heaters have aluminum, steel, brass, and copper parts—all of which are recyclable. Recycling centers have rules and policies, so check with your local center for more details. Their website will be able to tell you about which materials they accept, any forms you must fill out, and whether they offer pick-up service. Some organizations recycle for free, whereas others charge a fee.
Remember that water heaters are heavy and unwieldy; an empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Ask a friend to help you move the appliance so you don’t hurt yourself. Use a furniture dolly to transport it out of your home when possible.
Scrap It for Parts
Your old water heater may still have some value! You can scrap it for parts at a local scrapyard. Most heaters have copper or brass components, which can sell at a high price. However, a majority of the parts are aluminum and steel. These metals are both plentiful, so they won’t be worth as much at the scrapyard.
Donate It
If your water heater is still functional, consider donating it to someone in need who can put it to good use. Nationwide organizations, like Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill, often accept appliances as long as they are in good working condition. Some organizations even pick up donations. Be sure to research local charities, too. No matter where you decide to donate it, call ahead to make sure they accept water heaters and ask about any safety or operational requirements they have for donated appliances.
Sell Working Water Heaters
You may also be able to sell your water heater if it works well. Post an ad on an online marketplace for an easy, local sale. Be honest about its condition and do some research to determine a fair price. Alternatively, if only parts of your heater are in good condition, you may be able to sell them to a local repair shop. The downside to this option is that you can’t guarantee you’ll find a buyer, and you may need to turn to another disposal method in the end.
Throw It Out
Generally, we don’t recommend throwing out a water heater because of the environmental damage it can cause. In some cases, however, recycling, donating, or scrapping your heater may not be possible. In this situation, your only choice may be to throw it out.
There are a few ways you can go about doing this. Some cities offer bulk waste collection on certain days as part of regular curbside trash collection services. They may charge a fee for this type of collection. Be sure to check the service information first before putting your old water heater on the curb. Many cities also host community-wide cleanup days where residents can dispose of items they normally can’t during regular collection service.
If your area doesn’t provide collection service or have regular cleanup days, you may need to bring it to a landfill. Some facilities prohibit water heater disposal; empty tanks can collect dangerous gases, which could cause the tank to explode. Do some research to find a local landfill that accepts old water heaters.
Use a Professional Removal Service
In most cases, trying to remove a water heater from your home on your own is not worth the trouble. We recommend working with a pro. The company that delivers your new heater can often remove the old one for a fee.
If you’re working on a reno project and have a lot of waste to get rid of, it may be wise to rent a dumpster. Most dumpster rental companies have rules about what you can and cannot put in them, so ensure they allow water heaters before booking. Be sure to check the cost to rent a dumpster too.
You can also hire a junk removal service near you. These professionals will disconnect your old heater, carry it out of your home, and dispose of it properly according to local regulations. Contact a local service to learn how much junk removal costs and to get a quote.
Tips for Dealing With Water Heater Disposal
You may be able to save yourself the time and effort of disposing of your water heater when you buy a new one. Some companies will take away your old heater for free or a low fee when they install the new one—ask before purchasing to see if they offer this service.
Always check local guidelines to find out any specific steps you need to take when disposing of a water heater. Regulations may limit your disposal options, and not all disposal methods are allowed everywhere. It’s worthwhile to take a few minutes to double-check so you can avoid potential fines or citations.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of a Water Heater
Water heaters are heavy and difficult to transport, and disconnecting them can be dangerous. If you don’t have experience with replacing these appliances, you’re better off calling in a pro. Hire a local appliance removal company, junk removal service, or HVAC technician to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Appliance removal costs average between $100 and $250 for a hot water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since water heaters are primarily made of metal, they’re commonly accepted by scrap yards and collectors. Don’t expect to fetch a high price, though—water heaters are mostly steel and aluminum, which aren’t high-value metals. Some components are made of more valuable metals, like brass and copper, but they’re a small portion of the heater and won’t affect the price much.
It is not recommended that you cut up your old water heater. Doing so poses a safety risk and may expose you to dangerous components inside the heater. If your water heater is too large or heavy to move on your own, call in a professional to handle removal and disposal.
An average-sized empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Tankless water heaters are much lighter, weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. The smaller size and added convenience come at a price, though—tankless water heaters average about twice the price of their traditional counterparts.
The average life span of a water heater is about 10 to 15 years. You can extend the life of your water heater with regular maintenance, including flushing it twice a year and having an annual inspection. Poor water quality, heavy usage, and the location of the water heater in your house can all shorten its life.