Disposing of a hot water heater can be tricky. It’s too large and heavy to just throw away, but it also can’t be recycled like other household items. Fortunately, there are several options for how to get rid of your old water heater.
Donating your water heater is a great way to help out those in need, as well as make a tax-deductible donation.
Many local Goodwill and other donation centers will accept working water heaters, so be sure to check with them first. If they don’t accept it, you can try running an ad in the newspaper or on Craig’s List.
This could be a good option even if your old heater isn’t working anymore as there are lots of handy people out there with the right skills that could make the heater work.
Just make sure whoever comes to pick up the unit knows how to safely remove and dispose of the tank and any hazardous materials inside it.
Donating your old water heater can not only help someone in need but also provide some financial relief for yourself in the form of a tax deduction.
Put Your Water Heater In The Garbage
If you’re not able to donate it’s still possible to put it in the garbage. Make sure you drain all of the water from the tank and disconnect any gas lines before attempting to move it.
Once emptied, you can wrap the tank with plastic and tape it shut so that no hazardous materials leak out during transport.
Depending on where you live, there may be additional disposal fees associated with putting your old water heater in the garbage, but this is usually a last resort after trying to donate or recycle.
Remember to take all necessary safety precautions when disposing of a water heater, as these tanks can be heavy and awkward to maneuver.
Recycle Your Water Heater
Recycling your water heater is a great way to reduce waste and help preserve the environment. Not only that, but some recycling centers may even pay you for your old appliance!
As mentioned earlier, make sure you drain all of the water from the tank and disconnect any gas lines before attempting to move it.
Be sure to contact your local recycling center in advance as laws vary from state to state pertaining to scrap metal recyclers.
Depending on where you live, they may be able to pick up the unit at your home or you can deliver it yourself.
Most centers will pay you a going rate for the metal parts, so don’t forget to bring along a valid ID if they require proof of age!
Recycling your water heater is not only good for the planet but also puts a few extra dollars in your pocket.
Take Your Water Heater To A Landfill
If you can’t find a recycling center that will take your old water heater, you can always take it to the landfill.
Contact your local landfill to find out what their specific policies are regarding disposal of water heaters. You may have to pay a fee or provide proof of age in order to drop off the appliance.
Be sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling the tank, as there may be sharp edges or other hazardous materials present.
Taking your old water heater to a landfill may not be ideal but it is a way to ensure that it does not end up in landfills illegally or cause harm to animals or humans by releasing toxins into the environment.
Hire A Junk Removal Service To Haul Your Water Heater Away
Hiring a junk removal service is a great way to dispose of your old water heater quickly and responsibly.
Whether you don’t have the means to transport it yourself, or don’t want to deal with the hassle of disposing of it yourself, these junk removal services will take care of all the hard work for you.
Most companies will offer same day pickup, meaning you can get rid of your water heater in no time!
They may even offer additional services such as cleaning up after themselves and making sure your water heater is recycled or donated if possible. All you need to do is make the call and they’ll take care of everything else.
Be aware that there may be an additional fee associated with hiring a junk removal service, but this fee should be well worth it considering how convenient and safe it is compared to other disposal methods.
Scrap Your Water Heater Yourself
If you’re feeling ambitious, why not try your hand at scrapping your own water heater? It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done with the right tools and some patience.
Start by checking the fittings and pipes on top of the tank to determine if they are iron or non-ferrous metals like copper or brass. Use a magnet to check.
Once you have determined this, you can start to take apart the water heater and separate out any valuable metals that can be sold for scrap.
This is an especially lucrative option for gas water heaters as they often have higher value due to the regulator components.
Of course, safety should always be your first priority when taking apart a water heater – make sure to wear gloves, protective eyewear and other necessary items while working on it.
With a bit of effort and knowledge, you can easily scrap your old water heater yourself!
Repurpose Your Old Hot Water Heater
With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, there are tons of ways to turn an old water heater into something new.
For example, you can lay it horizontally and cut out a section to turn it into a large planter. You can even use it as a smoker or fire pit, or as a wood burning stove for your patio.
And if you’re feeling particularly crafty, why not try turning it into an outdoor bar or kitchen counter?
All it takes is some paint and supplies from your local hardware store and you’ll be ready to go! So don’t just throw away that old hot water heater – repurpose it instead!
Check youtube for some ideas and again be sure to make it safe before starting your project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disposing of a water heater correctly is essential to ensure that it is done in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
