Disposal methods depend on whether your unit still works
A garbage disposal that no longer drains, leaks, or makes grinding noises you cannot fix needs to go. Your options are donation, scrap metal recycling, bulk trash pickup, or a junk removal service. The route you choose depends on whether the unit works at all, what your city collects, and how much effort you want to put in.
If the disposal still runs but you are replacing it anyway, donation is usually fastest. If it is broken beyond repair, recycling captures the metal and copper inside. Bulk pickup works if your city offers it and you can haul the unit to the curb. Junk removal costs money but handles the whole job, including disconnection.
Key Takeaways
- Working disposals can go to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, or local charities that accept appliances, and you may get a tax deduction.
- Broken disposals belong at a scrap metal recycler, which will take them free or pay you a few dollars depending on copper content and current metal prices.
- Many cities collect large appliances on bulk trash day, but you must call ahead to confirm the disposal qualifies and learn your pickup window.
- Junk removal services will disconnect, haul, and dispose of the unit for a fee, usually $75 to $150, and require no work from you.
- Never put a disposal in a regular trash bin — it is too heavy and most haulers will refuse the load.
Donating a working disposal to a local charity
Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts working appliances at most locations and will pick up large items from your home if you schedule in advance. Call your local ReStore directly to confirm they take disposals and ask about their pickup service. Some locations require you to drop off; others will send a truck for items over a certain weight.
Goodwill and Salvation Army also take working appliances, though policies vary by location. Call the store nearest you before disconnecting the unit. Both organizations issue donation receipts you can use for a tax deduction if you itemize.
Local buy-nothing groups on Facebook and Craigslist are another option. Post a photo, say the disposal works, and let people come pick it up. This route is free and keeps the unit out of the waste stream when ready. Be clear about whether you will disconnect it or the buyer must do that themselves.
Taking a broken disposal to a scrap metal recycler
Scrap yards accept disposals because the motor contains copper wiring and the housing is steel or aluminum. Search "scrap metal recycling near me" to find yards in your area. Call ahead to confirm they take small appliances and ask whether they charge a drop-off fee — most do not, and some pay a few dollars depending on current metal prices and the unit's weight.
You will need to haul the disposal yourself. If you do not have a truck, ask a friend or rent a pickup from Home Depot or U-Haul for an hour. The recycler will take the unit as-is; you do not need to clean it or remove any parts. Bring your ID and be prepared to show where the disposal came from if asked.
Metal prices fluctuate, so the payout is not may provide. In most cases you will break even or receive $2 to $5. The real benefit is that the materials get reused instead of sent to a landfill.
Using your city's bulk trash or large appliance pickup
Many cities collect large appliances on a designated bulk pickup day. Call your local sanitation department or check your city's website to learn whether disposals may have access to, what the pickup window is, and whether you need to schedule in advance. Some cities require you to call a week ahead; others have a standing monthly date.
On pickup day, place the disposal at the curb in a spot where the truck can reach it safely. Do not block sidewalks or driveways. If the city does not show up on the scheduled day, call back — routes sometimes shift. Most cities will not pick up a disposal if it is still plumbed in, so you must disconnect it first.
If your city does not offer bulk pickup, ask whether they have a hazardous waste or appliance drop-off event. Many municipalities run these once or twice a year, usually free or for a small fee. Check your city's environmental services page or call 311 to find out when the next event is scheduled.
Hiring a junk removal service to handle disconnection and hauling
Services like 1-800-Got-Junk, Junk King, and local independent haulers will disconnect the disposal, remove it, and dispose of it for you. Prices typically range from $75 to $150 depending on your location and whether the unit is still in place or already removed. Get a quote over the phone or through their website before booking.
The advantage is that you do not have to disconnect anything or haul a heavy appliance yourself. The service handles the whole job in one visit. The disadvantage is cost and the fact that the disposal may end up in a landfill rather than recycled. Ask the company what happens to the unit after pickup — some partner with recyclers, others do not.
Book at least a few days in advance. Most services offer same-week appointments and will text you a two-hour arrival window. Be home during that window or the appointment will be rescheduled.
Steps to disconnect the disposal before removal
If you are donating, recycling, or using bulk pickup, you will need to disconnect the disposal yourself. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker first — this is the most important step and prevents accidental startup while you work.
Locate the disposal under the sink. You will see a metal collar connecting it to the drain pipe and a cord or hardwired connection to the electrical outlet or wall. Unscrew the collar by hand or with a wrench, turning counterclockwise. The disposal will drop slightly; support it with your other hand so it does not fall and damage the pipes below.
If the disposal is hardwired, you may need to disconnect it at a junction box or have an electrician do this step. If it is plugged in, straightforward unplug it. Once the power is off and the plumbing is loose, you can lift the disposal out and set it aside. Plug the drain hole with a rag or cap to prevent odors.
What not to do when disposing of a disposal
Do not put a disposal in your regular trash or recycling bin. The unit is too heavy and will damage the truck or cause the bin to overflow. Trash haulers are trained to refuse loads with large appliances, and you may be charged an extra fee if they discover it.
Do not leave a disposal on the curb without calling your city first. It may be treated as illegal dumping, and you could face a fine. Always confirm with your sanitation department that bulk pickup includes disposals and that you have scheduled a pickup date.
Do not attempt to disassemble the disposal to salvage parts. The motor is not designed to be taken apart safely, and you risk injury. Recyclers and scrap yards prefer whole units anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a garbage disposal in the recycling bin?
No. Disposals are too heavy and contain electrical components that contaminate the recycling stream. They belong at a scrap metal yard, bulk pickup, or junk removal service. Putting one in a recycling bin may result in a fine or a refused pickup.
Will a charity take a disposal that leaks?
Most will not. Charities like Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill accept appliances that work and are safe to use. A leaking disposal is a liability. Take it to a scrap yard or junk removal service instead.
How much does it cost to recycle a garbage disposal?
Most scrap metal yards take disposals free or pay $2 to $5 depending on metal prices and the unit's weight. Junk removal services charge $75 to $150. Bulk pickup and donation are free.
Do I need a permit to remove my own garbage disposal?
No. Removing your own disposal is a standard plumbing task and does not require a permit. If you are replacing it with a new one, the installation may require a permit depending on your city — check with your local building department.
What if I cannot disconnect the disposal myself?
Hire a plumber to disconnect it for you, which usually costs $75 to $150. Once it is disconnected and sitting loose, you can haul it to a recycler or schedule bulk pickup. This is cheaper than hiring a full junk removal service.