Where to Take a Garbage Disposal for Recycling
A garbage disposal is mostly metal and can be recycled, but it cannot go in your curbside bin—it needs to go to a facility that handles appliances. Your best options are a scrap metal recycler, an appliance recycling program, or a landfill that accepts metal items. Call ahead to each location to confirm they take garbage disposals, because policies vary by facility and region.
Scrap metal recyclers are often your fastest route. Search online for "scrap metal recycler near me" or check Earth911.com, which has a searchable database of recyclers by zip code and material type. Many scrap yards will take a garbage disposal for free or pay you a small amount based on the weight of the metal inside. Bring the disposal as-is; you do not need to disassemble it.
If you want the disposal picked up rather than dropped off, some cities run appliance collection programs through their solid waste department. Contact your local waste management authority or search your city's website for "appliance recycling" to see what programs exist in your area. A few programs charge a small fee, but many are free.
Key Takeaways
- Scrap metal recyclers accept garbage disposals and often charge nothing or pay based on metal weight, making them the easiest option in most areas.
- Earth911.com and your local waste management website can tell you which recyclers and programs operate near you.
- Never put a garbage disposal in curbside recycling or trash—it must go to a facility equipped to handle appliances.
- Call ahead to confirm the facility accepts garbage disposals before you make the trip.
- If the disposal still works, donating it to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore or similar organization keeps it out of the waste stream entirely.
Preparing the Disposal Before Dropoff
Before you take the disposal anywhere, turn off the power at the breaker and unplug it if it is a portable unit. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so any residual electrical charge drains. Wipe the inside and outside with a dry cloth to remove food debris and standing water—this makes it safer to handle and cleaner for the recycler to process.
You do not need to remove the mounting hardware, wiring, or any internal parts. Recyclers have equipment to separate materials safely. If the disposal is still attached to your sink, you will need to disconnect it first. Turn off the water supply under the sink, loosen the mounting ring with a wrench, and disconnect the drain line and electrical connection. If you are unsure how to do this, watch a video for your specific model or hire a plumber—the cost is usually less than $100 and ensures you do not damage the sink.
When Donation Makes Sense Instead
If your garbage disposal still works, donating it is often better than recycling. Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations accept working appliances and sell them at low prices to people who need them. Call your local ReStore first to confirm they take garbage disposals, because not all locations do. Some Goodwill and Salvation Army locations also accept them, though you should call ahead.
Donation has two advantages: it keeps the disposal in use rather than breaking it down for scrap, and you may be able to deduct it as a charitable contribution on your taxes. Keep your receipt from the donation center. If the disposal is broken or too old to donate, recycling is the right choice.
What Happens to a Recycled Garbage Disposal
At a scrap metal facility, the disposal is sorted by material type. The steel housing and internal metal parts are separated from any plastic or rubber components. The metal is shredded or melted down and sold to manufacturers who use it to make new products—everything from car parts to appliances to construction materials.
The plastic and rubber pieces are either recycled separately or sent to a landfill, depending on what the facility can process. This is why it matters to take the disposal to a real recycler rather than a general landfill: a recycler will recover the valuable metal, while a landfill will bury the whole unit. The metal content of a garbage disposal is usually 70 to 80 percent of its weight, so recycling recovers a significant amount of material.
Finding Recyclers in Your Area
Start with Earth911.com. Enter your zip code, select "Appliances" or "Scrap Metal" from the material list, and the site will show you nearby facilities with their hours and what they accept. Call each one to confirm they take garbage disposals specifically—some take only certain appliances.
Your city or county waste management website often lists appliance recyclers and collection days. Many areas run special collection events once or twice a year where you can drop off appliances for free. Check your local government's solid waste or recycling page, or call the main waste management number and ask what options exist for appliance disposal.
If you live in an apartment or condo, ask your building management or landlord whether they have a relationship with a recycler or hauler. Some buildings arrange bulk pickups and may include your disposal at no extra cost.
Costs and Fees to Expect
Most scrap metal recyclers charge nothing to accept a garbage disposal and may pay you a few dollars based on the weight of the metal. Fees vary widely—some facilities pay per pound of scrap, others offer a flat rate, and some take it for free. Call ahead to ask what they offer.
Appliance recycling programs run by cities or waste management companies may charge a small fee, typically between $10 and $30, though many are free. Donation is always free, and you may receive a tax deduction. If you hire a plumber to disconnect the disposal from your sink, expect to pay $75 to $150 depending on your area and the complexity of the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a garbage disposal in the trash or recycling bin?
No. Garbage disposals are too large and heavy for standard bins, and they contain electrical components that can damage sorting equipment at recycling facilities. They must go to a scrap metal recycler, appliance program, or landfill that specifically accepts metal items.
Do I have to drain the water out of the disposal before recycling it?
You should wipe out any standing water and food debris with a dry cloth, but you do not need to completely drain internal passages. Recyclers are equipped to handle wet appliances. Just make sure the disposal is unplugged and has been off for at least 30 minutes before you handle it.
What if my garbage disposal is still under warranty?
If it is broken and still under warranty, contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you bought it. They may repair or replace it for free. Only recycle it if the warranty has expired or if repair is not an option.
Can I sell an old garbage disposal instead of recycling it?
If it works, you can try selling it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. You will need to disconnect it from your sink first, which requires basic plumbing skills or a plumber's help. Most used disposals sell for $20 to $50 depending on age and condition.
How do I know if my local recycler actually recycles the metal or just landfills it?
Ask directly when you call. A real scrap metal recycler will tell you they shred or melt the metal and sell it to manufacturers. If they cannot explain what happens to the material, they may not be a true recycler. Earth911.com and your city's waste program list certified recyclers in your area.