Swing Set Removal Cost: What You'll Actually Pay [2026]

Swing set removal cost depends on three factors: the type of set, whether it needs disassembly, and how it's anchored.

Metal swing sets ($79–$200) are the cheapest to remove. They're lighter (50–150 lbs), bolt together simply, and can often be disassembled with basic wrenches in under an hour. Some scrap metal yards accept them for free. Dropcurb hauls away a disassembled metal swing set at the curb for $79.

Wooden swing sets ($150–$600) cost more because they're heavier (500–2,000+ lbs), harder to disassemble, and generate more waste. A basic wooden A-frame with swings runs $150–$300 for removal. Multi-platform playsets with slides, clubhouses, and climbing walls run $400–$600+.

Large playsets with concrete footings ($400–$1,000+) are the most expensive. Digging out and removing concrete footings adds $50–$200 to the job. Tube slides add roughly $200 each. If the structure includes a built-in sandbox, elevated deck, or rock wall, expect the higher end of the range.

Contractors on Facebook groups report charging $50–$100 for simple metal swing set removal, $300–$500 for standard wooden sets, and $600–$800+ for complex playsets.

Five ways to remove an old swing set, from free to full service:

1. Give it away online (free). List on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor with "free — you disassemble and haul." Reddit users report playsets getting claimed within days when the condition is decent. This saves you all removal costs but requires someone wanting the set.

2. Donate to a charity or church (free). Local churches, daycares, and community centers sometimes accept swing set donations. Call ahead — they'll need to confirm it meets current safety standards. Most won't accept sets with rotted wood, rust, or missing hardware.

3. DIY disassembly + self-haul ($10–$80). For a metal swing set, use socket wrenches to unbolt the frame — most come apart in 30–60 minutes. For wooden sets, use a screwdriver for screws or a reciprocating saw to cut through nailed joints. Start from the top and work down. Rent a Home Depot flatbed truck for $29/75 minutes. Dump fees run $10–$50 per truckload.

4. Curbside junk removal ($79). Disassemble the swing set yourself and move the pieces to the curb. Book Dropcurb for $79 same-day pickup — a local hauler loads, hauls, and disposes of everything. No truck needed, no dump run.

5. Full-service removal ($114–$1,000+). Companies like LoadUp (starts at $114), 1-800-GOT-JUNK, and local junk haulers handle the entire job — disassembly, hauling, and disposal. They come to your backyard, take it apart, and remove everything. Expect $200–$500 for standard sets and $500–$1,000+ for complex playsets.

Yes. Metal swing sets contain steel tubing that scrap yards accept. A typical metal swing set weighs 50–150 lbs and fetches $5–$15 at current scrap steel prices ($0.08–$0.12/lb for light iron).

To maximize scrap value, separate metal from plastic components (seats, caps, slide pieces). Most scrap yards won't accept mixed loads with plastic attached.

Some scrap yards offer free pickup for large metal items — call local yards and ask. If they won't pick up, disassemble the frame, load it in a truck or trailer, and drop it off. Many yards pay on the spot in cash.

Taking apart a swing set yourself saves $100–$500+ in labor costs. Here's how to do it safely:

• •Remove accessories first. Take off swings, slides, climbing walls, and rope ladders before touching the frame. This reduces weight and makes the structure less top-heavy.

• •Work top to bottom. Start with the roof or canopy, then the crossbar, then the legs. This keeps the structure stable as you dismantle it.

• •Use the right tools. Metal sets: socket wrenches, adjustable wrench. Wooden sets: drill/driver for screws, reciprocating saw for stubborn joints, pry bar for nailed connections.

• •Cut sections to manageable size. Many cities accept bundled wood waste at the curb if pieces are under 4 feet long. Cut long beams down to fit.

• •Don't forget the anchors. Ground anchors and concrete footings remain after the set is removed. Dig around footings to expose them, then use a pry bar to lever them out. Alternatively, break them with a sledgehammer and fill the holes with dirt.