How do I get rid of old exercise equipment?

Getting rid of exercise equipment depends heavily on what type you have and whether it works. A functioning treadmill is worth selling or donating. A broken elliptical has one real option: removal. Here's a complete breakdown by equipment type.

Dropcurb pricing for exercise equipment:

Treadmills and ellipticals — the hardest to move:

Residential folding treadmills (NordicTrack, ProForm, Peloton, iFIT) typically weigh 150–250 lbs and fold to roughly 4×3 feet. This makes them manageable for two people with a furniture dolly. Commercial/gym-grade units (Precor, Life Fitness, Woodway) weigh 200–400 lbs and don't fold — these require a proper appliance dolly and two people in good shape.

Before selling or donating, know your model: the serial number plate is usually on the front stabilizer bar or rear foot rail. Look it up to get the exact weight.

Donation options that actually work:

Most charities that accept furniture do not accept exercise equipment. The ones that do:

• YMCA: The best option for functional treadmills, ellipticals, and cardio equipment. Call your local branch directly — ask specifically whether they accept treadmill donations and if they have pickup capacity. Many YMCA locations actively seek cardio equipment and will arrange their own transport for working units.
• Local boxing gyms and CrossFit boxes: Post in local Facebook groups or call directly. Many will pick up working cardio equipment at zero cost to you.
• Church athletic programs and community centers: Community gyms often welcome free equipment. A Facebook post in your neighborhood group frequently generates leads.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Some locations accept exercise equipment depending on condition and available space. Call first — acceptance varies significantly by branch.
• Salvation Army: Rarely accepts exercise equipment. Don't count on this.

What "working condition" means for exercise equipment donations:

• Powered on and operates normally (for motorized equipment)
• Belt/flywheel functions without slipping, burning, or unusual noise
• Console displays correctly and programs work
• Safety key present and functional (for treadmills)
• No burning smell when run for 5+ minutes
• Structurally sound — no cracked frames or broken welds

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist free section:

For working equipment, list it at a low price ($25–$75) — someone will come with their own truck. Alternatively, list as "Free — must haul" in the free section. A working treadmill generates responses within 24–72 hours. A broken treadmill may take 3–7 days to place even for free.

Free weights and dumbbells — always worth selling first:

Free weights have consistent resale value: $0.50–$1.50 per pound depending on type (rubber hex dumbbells sell faster than chrome). A 200 lb set of dumbbells can easily go for $100–$200 on Marketplace. List them and you'll likely have a buyer within 48 hours. Scrap metal dealers will also take cast iron and steel weights — call first to confirm they want them.

Getting heavy equipment to the curb:

A furniture dolly ($10–$20 rental from Home Depot/U-Haul) is not optional for treadmills over 150 lbs. Two people minimum. For folding treadmills: fold first, then dolly. Clear the path from the equipment's location to the curb before you start moving. Garage exits are usually easier than front doors for large equipment — consider which route you'll use.

City bulk pickup and exercise equipment:

Most cities technically accept exercise equipment in bulk pickup programs, but weight and size limits often disqualify treadmills and ellipticals. Phoenix, Mesa, and Denver have pile size limits that a large treadmill would typically violate. Las Vegas requires advance scheduling. The 2–9 week wait also makes bulk pickup impractical for anyone on a timeline.