Get rid of an old water heater through retailer haul-away when buying a replacement (free with purchase from Lowe's or Home Depot), taking it to a scrap metal yard ($10-25 cash for a standard residential unit), or booking curbside junk removal through Dropcurb ($129). The water heater must be drained and disconnected before any removal method. Most units weigh 100-150 pounds empty.
What Is the Easiest Way to Get Rid of an Old Water Heater?
The easiest method depends on whether you are installing a replacement.
If buying a new water heater: Ask the retailer or installer to haul away the old one. Lowe's and Home Depot include haul-away with professional installation at no extra charge. The plumber disconnects the old unit and takes it when delivering the new one.
If the water heater is already disconnected: Take it to a scrap metal yard. Water heaters are mostly steel with copper fittings: scrapyards pay $10-25 for a standard 40-50 gallon residential tank. You need a truck or dolly to transport it.
If you cannot move it: Book junk removal. Dropcurb picks up water heaters from your curb or driveway for $129. Full-service companies like traditional full-service junk removal remove them from inside your home for $150-250+.
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| Removal Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retailer haul-away (Lowe's, Home Depot) | Free (with new purchase) | Same day as install | Buying a replacement |
| Scrap metal yard | Earn $10-25 | Same day | Have a truck, want cash |
| Plumbing supply house drop-off | Free | Same day | Near a supply house |
| Curbside removal (Dropcurb) | $129 | Same day | Cannot transport it |
| City bulk pickup | Free | 2-8 weeks | Not in a hurry |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Varies by local availability | Full-service; confirm included scope |
How to Prepare a Water Heater for Removal
Every removal method requires the water heater to be drained and disconnected first. Attempting to move a full water heater is dangerous — a 50-gallon tank filled with water weighs over 500 pounds.
Turn off the power. For electric water heaters, flip the breaker. For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve to the OFF position and let the pilot light go out.
Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank.
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the hose to a floor drain, sump pit, or outside. Open the drain valve and a hot water faucet somewhere in the house (this lets air in so the tank drains faster). Draining takes 20-45 minutes depending on sediment buildup.
Disconnect the water lines. For copper pipes, use a pipe cutter or hacksaw. For flexible connectors, use an adjustable wrench. Place a bucket under the connections to catch residual water.
For gas units, disconnect the gas line and cap it. If you are not comfortable working with gas lines, hire a plumber ($75-150) for this step only.
Use a furniture dolly or appliance hand truck to move the empty tank. A drained 50-gallon water heater weighs 100-150 pounds. Strap it to the dolly for stability on stairs.
Can I Scrap an Old Water Heater?
Yes, and you will earn money doing it. Water heaters have solid scrap value because they contain steel, copper, and brass.
A standard 40-50 gallon residential water heater weighs 100-150 pounds empty. At 2026 scrap steel prices ($0.04-0.08/lb), the tank alone is worth $4-12. The copper pipes and fittings add $5-15 depending on how much copper is attached.
Total scrap value for a typical residential water heater: $10-25. Commercial units (80+ gallons) bring $25-50+.
Scrapyards accept water heaters as-is — no disassembly needed. But draining is required. No scrapyard will accept a tank with water in it.
Plumbing supply houses (Ferguson, Johnstone Supply) also accept old water heaters as drop-offs in many locations. They collect them for bulk recycling. Call first to confirm your local branch accepts them — this tip comes directly from plumbers on trade forums.
Old water heater drained and ready? Dropcurb picks it up for $129. Same-day service.
Book Water Heater RemovalWill the City Pick Up an Old Water Heater?
Most cities accept water heaters through their bulk pickup program, but not through regular weekly trash.
Schedule bulk pickup by calling 311 or visiting your city's waste management website. Water heaters are classified as a bulky metal item. Many cities prioritize metal items in their bulk programs because they have recycling value.
Wait times range from 2-8 weeks depending on demand. Drain the tank completely before placing it at the curb.
Some cities (including New York City, Chicago, and Houston) offer separate metal scrap pickup that runs more frequently than general bulk pickup. Check your city's specific program — you may get faster service by requesting metal pickup rather than general bulk.
Fees: Most bulk pickup programs are free for 1-4 items per year. Some cities charge $20-40 for additional pickups beyond the annual limit.
Does Lowe's or Home Depot Take Old Water Heaters?
Lowe's and Home Depot include old water heater haul-away with professional installation of a new unit. This is the most convenient option if you are replacing your water heater.
Lowe's installation package includes delivery of the new water heater, removal and disposal of the old one, and all plumbing connections. The installer drains and disconnects the old tank as part of the service.
Home Depot offers the same through their installation partners. The total installation cost ($1,000-2,000+ depending on unit type and complexity) includes haul-away.
Neither store accepts old water heater drop-offs at their retail locations. You cannot drive an old water heater to Lowe's or Home Depot and leave it there. The haul-away is strictly tied to a new installation purchase.
Independent plumbers may or may not haul away the old tank. Some include it in their installation fee, others charge $50-100 extra. Ask upfront before hiring.
How to Get Rid of an Old Water Heater
Turn off power and water
Flip the breaker (electric) or turn gas valve to OFF (gas). Close the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank.
Drain the tank
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Run to a floor drain or outside. Open the valve and a hot faucet. Takes 20-45 minutes.
Disconnect water lines
Cut or unscrew water connections. Cap the gas line on gas units. Hire a plumber ($75-150) if not comfortable with gas.
Choose disposal method
Scrap yard (earn $10-25), Dropcurb curbside ($129), or city bulk pickup (free, 2-8 week wait). If buying new, ask installer to haul away.
Move to pickup location
Use an appliance dolly. Empty tank weighs 100-150 lbs. Strap to dolly for stairs. Two people recommended.
Water heater at the curb? Dropcurb removes it for $129. Book online in 60 seconds.
Get Instant PricingFrequently asked questions
Can I put a water heater in the trash?
No. Regular curbside trash does not accept water heaters. Schedule city bulk pickup (free, 2-8 week wait), take it to a scrap yard ($10-25 cash), or book Dropcurb curbside removal ($129). The tank must be drained before any disposal method.
How much is a scrap water heater worth?
A standard 40-50 gallon residential water heater is worth $10-25 at a scrapyard. The value comes from steel (100-150 lbs), copper pipes, and brass fittings. Commercial units (80+ gallons) bring $25-50+. Drain the tank completely before taking it to the yard.
How much does water heater removal cost?
Water heater removal costs $129 through Dropcurb (curbside pickup). Full-service companies like traditional full-service junk removal charge $150-250+. Retailer haul-away is free when buying a new water heater from Lowe's or Home Depot with professional installation.
Do plumbers take away old water heaters?
Some plumbers include old water heater removal in their installation fee. Others charge $50-100 extra for haul-away. Always ask before hiring. Plumbing supply houses (Ferguson, Johnstone Supply) also accept drop-offs for recycling at some locations.
How long does it take to drain a water heater?
Draining a water heater takes 20-45 minutes. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve, run it to a drain or outside, and open a hot water faucet to let air in. Tanks with heavy sediment buildup take longer. The drain valve is at the bottom of the tank.
Can I leave a water heater at the curb?
You can place a drained water heater at the curb for scheduled city bulk pickup (call 311 to schedule) or for a Dropcurb pickup ($129, same day). Do not leave it at the curb without scheduling, since many cities fine for unpermitted curbside items ($50-200).