Place an old water heater? You are not alone. Millions of American houses change these heavy equipment every year. But the big question is: what do you do with the old? It is heavy, strange and potentially dangerous if not properly dealt. Dumping it illegally or leaving it on the curb isn’t just bad practice—it could cost you fines and environmental consequences.
Fortunately, there are several free or low-cost options for water heater disposal in the United States. From retailer haul-away programs to scrap yards and municipal pickups, getting rid of your old water heater responsibly doesn’t have to cost a dime—and in some cases, you can even make a little money.
This article will walk you through all the free disposal options, how to prepare your water heater, and what to know if you plan to recycle it or scrap it for cash.
Can You Throw Away a Water Heater?
Legal Considerations and Environmental Impact
No, you cannot toss your old water heater into the garbage – or at least, you should not. Most municipal waste systems inhibit the disposal of large equipment in regular waste:
- Size and weight restrictions
- Environmental regulations surrounding insulation foam and steel
- Potential leftover water, which can damage trucks and processing plants
Some states even have specific laws governing appliance disposal. For example:
- California and New York require all appliances to be recycled or handled by a licensed facility
- EPA rules discourage sending large metal items to landfill due to valuable recurrence and space boundaries.
Why Dumping Is Not an Option
Abandoning an old water heater in an alley, empty lot, or on the side of the road is considered illegal dumping, which can result in:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000+
- Community service or misdemeanor charges
- Negative environmental effects, like leaching chemicals from insulation or coatings
Instead of risking punishment, take advantage of easily available legal, environmentally friendly and free settlement options in most American cities. U.S.
Top 7 Free Water Heater Disposal Options in the U.S.
1. Retailer Haul-Away Programs
When you buy a new water heater from stores such as the home depot, lowes, or the best buy sets, they often include the free disposal of your old unit as part of your installation or distribution service.
Here’s how it works:
- When booking your installation, ask if haul-away is included
- Confirm whether the technician will disconnect and drain the old unit or if you need to do it in advance
- They will remove and recycle your old heater after installing the new one
While technically “free,” this is usually included with a paid installation service—so make sure to ask up front. It’s the easiest way to get rid of an old water heater without lifting a finger.
READ MORE: Can a Water Heater Explode If Turned Off?
2. Municipal Bulk Pickup Services
Many city sanitation departments offer free curbside bulk waste pickup several times a year. In cities like:
- Chicago
- Austin
- Phoenix
- Seattle
…residents can schedule pickup for large items like water heaters. Simply:
- Call 311 or visit your city’s public works or sanitation website
- Schedule a pickup date (some require 1–2 weeks’ notice)
- Place the unit curbside by the specified time
Make sure the unit is fully drained, and check your local rules—some cities may ask you to remove doors, brackets, or gas lines.
3. Metal Scrap Yards
Water heaters contain a significant amount of recyclable metal—including steel and copper—which makes them valuable to local scrap yards. Many will:
- Let you drop off for free
- Offer pickup if you have multiple units
- Pay you a small amount based on weight and material type
You won’t need to dismantle the whole unit, but removing brass fittings or copper wires can increase its scrap value.
To find a local scrap yard:
- Google “scrap yard near me”
- Check listings on RecyclingCenterNear.Me or ScrapMonster.com
Always call ahead to confirm they accept water heaters and ask what prep is needed.
4. Appliance Recycling Centers
Many counties and municipalities have dedicated drop-off centers for large home appliances. These centers can be run:
- Local government (county recycling programs)
- Regional waste authorities
- Environmental nonprofits
Drop-offs are usually free for residents and often come with:
- Weekend drive-up service
- No appointment required
- Assistance unloading large items
Just bring a proof of residency (like a utility bill), and make sure the heater is drained and disconnected before transport.
5. Utility Rebate Programs
Some utility companies offer exemption or incentive programs on changing an old water heater with a new, energy-skilled model. These programs sometimes include:
- Free pickup and disposal
- Rebates ($50–$150) toward new units
- Partnerships with recycling centers
Check with your electricity or gas provider (like PG&E, Duke Energy, or Con Edison) to see if you qualify.
READ MORE: How to Install Heating Element in Water Heater
6. Junk Removal Companies with Free Removal Promotions
While most junk removal services charge a fee, some local companies sometimes offer preachers or community cleaning days, where they remove heavy objects for free.
Others may offer free appliance removal if they can resell or recycle it themselves. Always clarify:
- Is there a charge?
- Will they pick it up curbside or inside?
- Do you need to prepare it in advance?
Services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or College Hunks Hauling Junk may waive the fee if they can salvage materials.
7. Online Giveaway or Donation Platforms
Believe it or not, someone in your community might want your old water heater—either to repair it, harvest parts, or use it as a DIY solar heater or art project.
Try posting it on:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist (Free section)
- Buy Nothing groups
- Nextdoor
Just include photos, measurements, and mention that it is free for pickup. Be honest about its situation – someone can see the value in the person you consider to be garbage.
How to Prepare Your Old Water Heater for Disposal
Drain and Disconnect Safely
Before disposing of a water heater, it must be:
- Completely drained of water (use a garden hose and floor drain)
- Disconnected from gas or electric supply
- Unplugged and powered off at the breaker or shutoff valve
Pro Tip: Allow the tank to cool for 24 hours before draining to avoid injury.
Remove or Secure Loose Parts
If you’re taking it to a recycler or leaving it curbside:
- Remove loose knobs, insulation, or outer casings if required
- Tape or secure any hanging wires or pipes
- Place it upright on a dolly or cart for safe transport
READ MORE: How Long Does a Water Heater Take to Heat Up?
Getting Paid for Water Heater Scrap
Materials Inside a Heater Worth Salvaging
If you’re up for a little extra work, you can actually earn money by scrapping your old water heater instead of simply disposing of it. Inside a typical unit are several valuable materials:
- Steel: Makes up most of the tank’s outer shell—low value, but heavy.
- Copper: Found in the heating elements, thermostat wires, and piping. This is the most valuable component in a heater.
- Brass: Common in valve fittings and temperature-pressure relief valves.
- Aluminum or stainless steel: May be found in some models or electric unit parts.
Many scrap yards pay per pound for metal. While prices fluctuate by region and market demand, you can expect:
- $0.05–$0.10/lb for steel
- $2.00–$3.00/lb for copper
- $1.00–$1.50/lb for brass
A fully intact 40–50 gallon water heater might net you $10 to $30, and more if you separate and sell components like copper wiring separately.
Average Scrap Value of a Water Heater
| Component | Weight Estimate | Scrap Value (Avg) |
| Steel tank | 80–100 lbs | $5–$10 |
| Copper piping/wires | 2–5 lbs | $4–$15 |
| Brass fittings | 1–2 lbs | $1–$3 |
| Total (scrapped) | — | $10–$30+ |
This isn’t a get-rich-quick deal—but it’s a win-win if you want to dispose of your heater for free and make a few bucks along the way. Just make sure to call your local scrap yard first to confirm what they accept and whether disassembly is required.
Environmental Benefits of Recycling Water Heaters
Conserving Natural Resources
Water heaters are built with valuable raw materials that require energy and mining to extract. By recycling old units:
- Steel and copper can be reused in new appliances or construction
- Brass valves and aluminum parts can be melted down and re-manufactured
- You help reduce landfill pressure and pollution
It’s estimated that recycling a single water heater conserves the energy equivalent of 10–20 gallons of gasoline—a small but meaningful impact on the environment.
Reducing E-Waste and Appliance Waste
Water heaters may not contain electronic screens like TVs or laptops, but electric models do have thermostats, sensors, and heating elements. Tossing them improperly contributes to growing appliance and e-waste pollution, especially if dumped into landfills where metals and plastics can leach into the soil.
By choosing a responsible disposal or recycling method, you’re helping protect groundwater, air quality, and future material supplies.
READ MORE: Do You Need a Permit to Install a Water Heater?
Final Tips for Free Water Heater Disposal
Here’s a quick checklist to guide your next steps:
✅ Drain the heater fully and shut off power or gas
✅ Call your city’s waste department for bulk pickup options
✅ Ask your installer or retailer about haul-away services
✅ Search for scrap yards near you willing to accept or pay for old heaters
✅ List it online if you think someone could use it
✅ Avoid illegal dumping at all costs—there are always better options
With just a little plan, you can get rid of your old water heater without any cost, protect the planet, and perhaps earning a little less in this process.
FAQs
1. Can I leave my old water heater on the curb for pickup?
Only if your local municipality allows it. Check with your city’s sanitation department or schedule a special bulk item pickup.
2. Do Home Depot or Lowe’s remove old water heaters?
Yes, both offer haul-away services when you purchase installation. Be sure to confirm it’s included in your quote.
3. What if my water heater is still working?
Consider donating it to a local charity, church, or nonprofit—or list it for free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
4. Can I recycle an electric and gas heater the same way?
Yes. Both contain recyclable metals, but electric units may have more wiring, while gas models may have more brass or burner parts.
5. Are there federal programs for appliance recycling?
Not directly for water heaters, but some local utility rebate programs offer incentives for replacing old units with energy-efficient models, which often include free recycling.
