How to Throw Away a Trash Can: 5 Easy Methods [2026]

This is one of the most common and frustrating waste disposal problems. You put your old, cracked trash can at the curb and the garbage truck drives right past it — every single week.

The reason is simple: garbage collectors are trained to empty cans, not take them. An empty can sitting at the curb looks like a can waiting to be filled, not a can being thrown away. Without a clear signal, they'll leave it every time.

City-issued wheelie bins (the large 64-to-96-gallon rolling containers) add another wrinkle — those bins often belong to the waste hauler, not you. Throwing away a Waste Management or Republic Services bin could result in a replacement charge. If your city-issued bin is damaged, call 311 to request a free replacement. The city picks up the old one when they deliver the new one.

The simplest method that works in most cities: turn the can upside down and attach a clear, weatherproof label. Write "TRASH — PLEASE TAKE THIS CAN" in large letters on a piece of cardboard or packing tape stuck directly to the can.

OCRRA (Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) officially recommends this approach. NYC's Department of Sanitation also confirms that old garbage cans placed out for collection will be taken — but only if it's obvious the can itself is the trash.

For extra certainty, fill the old can with your regular trash bags and tape the label on top. Facebook users report this works consistently because it gives collectors a visual cue that the can is done — it's full of trash and has a "take me" sign.

Every major US city operates a 311 non-emergency service line that handles bulk trash requests. Call 311 and explain that you need to dispose of an old trash can. Most cities will either:

• •Schedule a bulk item pickup (free to $25 depending on your city)
• •Swap the can if it's a city-issued bin — they deliver a new one and take the old one at no charge
• •Direct you to a drop-off site where you can bring the can yourself

This is the only correct method for city-issued wheelie bins. Those large rolling containers are often city or hauler property. Throwing one away without notifying the waste company can result in a lost-equipment charge of $50 to $75.

For small to medium trash cans (kitchen-size up to 32-gallon), the simplest approach is to put the can inside a contractor-grade trash bag.

Plastic trash cans can be cut into pieces with a reciprocating saw or heavy-duty shears if they don't fit in a bag. Trash Cans Unlimited recommends cutting plastic cans into pieces small enough to fit in standard trash bags — a saw or large scissors works fine.

This method works because your garbage collector sees a trash bag, not a trash can. It goes in the truck like everything else. A Reddit user in r/jerseycity suggested the direct approach: "Go outside when they come and toss it in the truck yourself."

Metal trash cans — galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel — are 100% recyclable. Take yours to a scrap metal yard or municipal recycling center.

Scrap yards pay $0.05 to $0.15 per pound for steel. A typical metal trash can weighs 10 to 20 pounds, so you'll earn $0.50 to $3.00 — not much, but better than paying for disposal. Stainless steel cans fetch higher prices.

Montgomery County, Maryland specifically recommends requesting a scrap metal collection for metal trash cans through their waste services portal. Many other municipalities offer similar programs.

For plastic trash cans, check if your recycling center accepts large rigid plastics. Most residential cans are made from #2 HDPE or #5 PP plastic, which many facilities can process. However, curbside recycling programs often reject items this large — you may need to drop it off at the recycling center directly.

If the can still functions, repurposing or giving it away is easier than disposal.

Give it away on Buy Nothing or Facebook Marketplace. Functional trash cans — even cosmetically damaged ones — get claimed quickly in local Buy Nothing groups. Someone moving into a new apartment, setting up a garage, or organizing a workshop will take it.

Repurpose it. Old trash cans make excellent:

• •Garden planters (drill drainage holes in the bottom)
• •Compost bins (drill ventilation holes in the sides)
• •Storage for garden tools, sports equipment, or pet food
• •Rain barrels (place under a downspout)
• •Recycling bins (label and use for cans, bottles, or paper)

Note: Goodwill and Salvation Army do not accept trash cans, even clean, functional ones. Don't waste a trip.