Removing and disposing of a garbage disposal requires disconnecting it from your sink drain, the electrical supply, and sometimes the dishwasher line, then either selling it, donating it, or sending it to a scrap metal facility depending on its condition

A garbage disposal that no longer works or that you're replacing doesn't belong in the trash. The unit contains metal parts and a motor that can be recovered, and in many areas, metal recycling facilities will take it for free or pay you a small amount. The removal itself is straightforward if you follow the steps in order and take basic safety precautions—the hardest part is usually accessing the space under the sink.

Before you start, turn off the disposal at the wall switch and flip the breaker that controls it. If you're not sure which breaker, turn off the main breaker instead. Never work on a disposal that could turn on unexpectedly.

Key Takeaways

  • Always turn off power at the wall switch and the breaker before touching any part of the disposal.
  • Disconnect the drain lines, electrical cord, and dishwasher hose (if present) before removing the unit from the sink.
  • Metal recycling centers and scrap yards will take old disposals and may pay you based on the weight of the metal.
  • If the disposal still works, selling it locally or donating it to a reuse center keeps it out of the landfill and may help someone else.
  • Hiring a plumber to remove the unit costs $100 to $300 but is worth it if you're uncomfortable working under the sink.

Turn off power and prepare the space

Switch off the disposal at the wall switch, then go to your electrical panel and flip the breaker labeled for the kitchen or disposal. If you can't identify the right breaker, switch off the main breaker. Leave a note on the panel so no one turns it back on while you're working.

Clear out everything under the sink—cleaning supplies, pipes, storage containers. You need room to move and see what you're doing. Place a bucket or towel under the drain connections because water will spill when you disconnect them.

Disconnect the drain lines

The disposal connects to the sink drain above it and to the main drain line below it. Start by loosening the large ring nut that holds the disposal to the sink. You may need a pipe wrench or adjustable wrench. Turn it counterclockwise until it's loose enough to unscrew by hand.

Once the ring nut is off, the disposal will drop slightly. Disconnect the drain line that runs from the disposal down to the main drain—this is usually a PVC or metal pipe held on with a slip nut. Turn the slip nut counterclockwise and pull the pipe away. Water will drain into your bucket.

If you have a dishwasher, a hose runs from the dishwasher inlet on the side of the disposal. Loosen the hose clamp with a screwdriver and slide the hose off. Plug or cap the dishwasher hose so it doesn't drip.

Disconnect the electrical supply

Most disposals plug into an outlet under the sink. If yours does, straightforward unplug it. If the disposal is hardwired directly to the electrical system, you'll see a wire connection box where the power enters the unit. Do not touch these wires. Call a licensed electrician to disconnect it safely, or hire a plumber who can do it.

Once power is disconnected, you can safely remove the disposal from under the sink. It will be heavy—usually 8 to 15 pounds—so support it with both hands as you lift it out.

Decide where to take the old disposal

If the disposal still works, you have two good options. You can sell it locally through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor for $20 to $50 depending on the brand and age. You can also donate it to a local reuse center, Goodwill, or Habitat for Humanity ReStore if they accept appliances. Call ahead to confirm they take disposals.

If the disposal is broken or you want to recycle it, take it to a metal recycling center or scrap yard. Search online for "metal recycling near me" or "scrap metal" in your area. Most facilities accept appliances and pay based on the weight of the metal—usually a few dollars. Some charge a small drop-off fee instead. Bring the disposal as is; you don't need to disassemble it.

As a last resort, check your local solid waste facility or recycling program to see if they have an appliance collection day. Some municipalities offer this service free or for a small fee. Do not put the disposal in the regular trash.

Reinstall a new disposal or cap the drain

If you're replacing the old disposal with a new one, follow the manufacturer's instructions in reverse—connect the new unit to the mounting ring under the sink, reattach the drain lines, reconnect the dishwasher hose, and plug it in or have an electrician wire it.

If you're removing the disposal and not replacing it, you'll need to cap the drain opening under the sink. A plumber can install a standard drain fitting and P-trap so you can still use the sink normally. This usually costs $75 to $150 and takes about an hour. If you're comfortable with basic plumbing, you can buy a drain kit at a hardware store and install it yourself, but it's straightforward to create a leak if the connections aren't tight.

When to call a professional

If the disposal is hardwired to the electrical system, hire a licensed electrician to disconnect it. If you're uncomfortable working under the sink or the disposal is stuck, call a plumber. The cost is usually $100 to $300 for removal and disposal, which is worth the peace of mind if you're not confident in your plumbing skills.

A plumber can also handle the drain cap or new disposal installation in one visit, saving you time and the risk of water damage from a poorly sealed connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a garbage disposal in the regular trash?

No. Disposals contain metal and a motor that belong in a recycling stream. Most landfills and waste services will not accept them. Metal recycling centers are free or low-cost and are the right place to take a broken unit.

Will a scrap yard pay me for an old disposal?

Yes, most scrap yards pay by weight for metal appliances. An old disposal typically brings $2 to $5 depending on the facility and current metal prices. Call ahead to confirm they accept disposals and ask about their payment method.

What if the disposal is stuck and won't come loose from the sink?

The mounting ring may be corroded or over-tightened. Try explore penetrating oil like WD-40 to the ring nut and waiting 15 minutes, then try again with a pipe wrench. If it still won't budge, call a plumber rather than forcing it and cracking the sink.

Do I need a plumber to install a new disposal?

If the old disposal was plugged into an outlet, you can install a new one yourself by following the manufacturer's instructions. If it was hardwired, you'll need an electrician. If you're unsure about drain connections, a plumber can do the whole job for $200 to $400.

Can I donate a disposal that doesn't work?

Most reuse centers and donation programs only accept working appliances. A broken disposal should go to a metal recycling center instead. If you're unsure whether yours works, test it by plugging it in and running water—if it makes noise and grinds, it works.