Replacing an old or faulty hot water heater is a common home improvement project. Once you have installed a new unit, however, you are faced with the question of how to properly dispose of the old one. There are a few options available for hot water heater disposal, depending on where you live. Read on for important information on how to safely and legally get rid of your old water heater.
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Check with Your Local Waste Management Company
The first step is to check with your local waste management company or garbage collection service. In many areas, they may offer special pickup services for large, bulky items like water heaters. There is often an additional fee for this service, but it can be more convenient than hauling the water heater yourself to a disposal facility. Contact your local waste company to find out:
- If they pickup large appliances like water heaters
- The fee for this service (often $20-$50)
- How and when to schedule a special pickup
This is often the easiest and most convenient way to dispose of a water heater, so it’s worth looking into. Just make sure to schedule the pickup for shortly after the new unit is installed.
Take it to a Dump or Recycling Center
If your local waste company does not offer special pickups for appliances, your next option is to transport the water heater yourself to a local dump, recycling center, or hazardous waste facility. Call ahead to the facility to find out:
- If they accept large appliances like water heaters
- The fee for disposal (often $10-$30)
- Any policies or restrictions on what materials they accept
Many areas have specific facilities, transfer stations, or dedicated “Hazardous Waste Days” for safe disposal of appliances with components like circuit boards, insulation, wiring, mercury switches, or other toxic materials. Never take hazardous items to a standard municipal landfill.
Consider Metal Scrap Value
Some metal recycling centers or scrap yards will actually pay a small amount per pound for scrap metal appliances like water heaters. This is because the metals can be reclaimed and recycled. Before hauling your unit away, call local scrap yards and compare rates they pay. You won’t get rich, but you might get $5-$10 for your old water heater which helps defray disposal costs.
Use Curbside Junk Pickup
In some municipalities, there is a designated day when residents can leave bulky items like appliances out on the curb for special pickup. These programs are usually only available once or twice per year. Contact your local waste management office to find out if and when junk pickup days occur in your area. Policies vary by location, but this can be a convenient no-cost disposal option in some cases.
Consider Refurbishing and Reusing
Instead of scrapping your old water heater entirely, you may want to consider refurbishing it to extend its life. This involves:
- Draining and flushing the tank
- Replacing thermostats, heating elements, and anode rods as needed
- Patching any leaks
- Inspecting insulation
With proper maintenance, a water heater can often function for 20 years or longer. Refurbishing can cost $200-$500 but is much cheaper than purchasing a whole new unit. If your tank is still in good shape, assess the cost of repairs versus replacement. However, reuse old tanks with caution as they are less energy efficient than newer models.
Sell or Give It Away
Instead of scrapping your old water heater, consider selling it or giving it away on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. There is demand for functional used hot water heaters among homeowners, landlords, and contractors looking for cheap units. Be upfront about the unit’s age, any known issues, and whether it still holds a charge. You can often fetch $50-$100 for an old but working tank. This keeps the unit out of a landfill.
Disassemble and Recycle Components
If your old unit is leaky, rusty, or too far gone to reuse, consider disassembling it and separating out recyclable materials:
- Metal tank – Take to a scrap yard.
- Insulation – Check if your local recycling center takes insulation.
- Electrical parts – May be accepted as e-waste.
- Gas valve and piping – Recycle as scrap metal.
This requires more effort but can maximize the recycled content and minimize what ends up in a landfill. Wear protective gear when dismantling.
Safety Tips
When transporting and disposing of a hot water heater, keep these important safety precautions in mind:
- Drain all water from the tank before moving it.
- Cap and secure all plumbing connections.
- Watch for sharp interior metal edges when working inside the tank.
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a breathing mask.
- Use an appliance dolly or recruit help to move the heavy unit.
- Make sure to follow all rules and regulations at your local disposal facility.
Assess Replacement Options
When your old unit finally reaches the end of its lifespan, take the opportunity to explore newer water heating technologies for your replacement unit:
- Tankless water heaters – More expensive upfront but heat water on demand for endless hot water.
- Heat pump water heaters – Much more energy efficient than traditional electric tanks.
- Solar water heaters – Harness the sun’s energy to heat your water.
- Smart WiFi-connected heaters – Allow remote monitoring and control.
New high-efficiency models can provide significant energy savings over older units. Compare different systems to choose the right hot water solution for your home.
Conclusion
Responsibly disposing of your old water heater keeps hazardous materials out of landfills and the environment. Every community is different, so check local policies and use the disposal method that works best in your area. With proper planning and precautions, you can easily handle this end-of-life chore when the time comes to replace your aging hot water heater.