How to Get Rid of Old Treadmill? 7 Options [2026]

The easiest way depends on whether the treadmill works and how fast you need it gone.

For working treadmills from known brands (NordicTrack, Peloton, ProForm, Sole), selling on Facebook Marketplace is the best option. Price it at 30-50% of retail. Working treadmills sell within 1-2 weeks, and the buyer handles pickup — solving your moving problem.

For broken or outdated treadmills, curbside junk removal is the fastest. Dropcurb picks up treadmills from your curb for $79, often same day. Disassemble the treadmill to get it through doorways (most separate into deck, console, and uprights with basic tools), move the pieces to the curb, and book online.

For treadmills you cannot move at all, full-service companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK send a 2-person team into your home. According to their website, treadmill removal costs $150-300+ depending on location and access difficulty. Consumer Reports recommends checking resale shops before paying for disposal.

A standard treadmill weighs 200-300 pounds fully assembled. Disassembly cuts that into 3-4 manageable pieces that one person can carry.

Remove the safety key and unplug the treadmill from power.

Remove the console by unscrewing the bolts connecting it to the uprights (usually 4-6 bolts). Disconnect any wiring harnesses. The console weighs 10-20 pounds.

Remove the uprights (handrails) from the base. These are typically held by 2-4 large bolts at the base. Each upright weighs 15-25 pounds.

Fold the deck if it is a folding model. If not, the base with motor and belt is the heaviest piece at 150-200 pounds. Tip it onto a furniture dolly or appliance dolly for moving.

Tools needed: adjustable wrench, Phillips screwdriver, Allen key set (most treadmills use hex bolts). The entire process takes 20-30 minutes.

If you are scrapping the treadmill, separate the motor (contains copper wiring worth $3-8) from the steel frame for slightly higher scrap value.

Several organizations accept working treadmill donations.

Play It Again Sports buys and consigns used treadmills. They accept brand-name treadmills in working condition and pay cash or offer store credit. With 250+ locations across the US and Canada, there is likely one near you. Call ahead — they inspect equipment before accepting.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts working treadmills in some locations. Not all ReStores have space for large exercise equipment, so call your local store first. They offer free pickup if they accept the item.

Local schools, community centers, and YMCAs occasionally accept donated treadmills. Call directly to check — many have specific needs and budget constraints for maintenance.

No organization accepts broken treadmills. A treadmill with a dead motor, frayed belt, or cracked deck goes to scrap, bulk pickup, or junk removal.

Yes. Treadmills are mostly steel and iron, making them accepted at any scrap metal yard.

A stripped treadmill frame contains 100-150 pounds of steel. At 2026 scrap rates ($0.04-0.08/lb), that nets $4-12 at a scrapyard. The treadmill motor contains copper windings worth an additional $3-8 if you separate it.

Scrapyards accept treadmills as-is — no disassembly required. They strip the materials themselves. But if you separate the motor, electronics, and rubber belt, you may get a slightly better rate for clean steel.

To transport a treadmill to a scrapyard, fold it (if folding model) or disassemble it to fit in a pickup truck bed. A non-folding treadmill base is 6-7 feet long and fits diagonally in a standard truck bed.

Regular weekly trash service will not pick up a treadmill. It is classified as a bulky item.

Schedule free bulk pickup through your city by calling 311 or visiting the waste department website. Most cities offer 1-4 free bulk pickups per year. Place the treadmill at the curb on your scheduled day — the crew handles it from there.

Wait times for bulk pickup range from 2-8 weeks depending on the city. Spring cleaning season (March-May) and post-holiday (January) have the longest wait times.

Some cities have weight limits for bulk pickup (typically 75-100 pounds per item). A fully assembled treadmill exceeds this — disassemble it into lighter pieces to comply, or call to confirm your city accepts heavy items.