How to Dispose of an Old Water Heater

Water Heater Disposal Basics

A standard 40 to 50-gallon tank water heater weighs 100 to 150 pounds empty. When full of water, it weighs 400 to 500 pounds. They are tall, cylindrical, and awkward to move. Most are installed in basements, garages, or utility closets with limited access.

The good news is that water heaters are almost entirely metal (steel tank, copper or steel piping, brass fittings), which gives them good scrap value. They do not contain refrigerants or other regulated hazardous materials, so disposal is simpler than refrigerators or freezers.

Let Your Plumber Handle It

If you are replacing your water heater, the simplest option is to have your plumber take the old one. Most plumbers include removal of the old unit in their installation price, or charge a small additional fee ($25 to $75).

• Confirm haul-away is included in the installation quote before the work begins.
• The plumber handles disconnection of water, gas (if applicable), and electrical connections safely.
• They have the tools and experience to maneuver a heavy tank out of tight utility spaces.
• Most plumbers sell the old unit for scrap, which partially offsets their costs.

This is the recommended approach because it eliminates the safety risks of DIY disconnection and the hassle of moving a heavy, water-filled tank.

Professional Junk Removal

If the water heater has already been disconnected (perhaps by a plumber who did not include haul-away), professional appliance removal handles the rest.

What to Expect

• Cost: $75 to $150 for a single water heater.
• Timeline: Same-day or next-day service in Portland, Eugene, Salem, and surrounding areas.
• Preparation: The unit should be disconnected from water, gas, and electrical. Drain the tank first to reduce weight (attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom).
• Location: Crews handle basement and utility closet removal. Stairs and tight spaces are factored into the pricing.

If you have other items to remove at the same time, bundling reduces costs. Check our cost guide for more details on bundled pricing.

Scrap Metal Value

Water heaters are one of the best items for scrap metal recycling because of their high metal content.

• Scrap value: $10 to $30 at current steel prices for a standard tank unit.
• Copper bonus: If the unit has copper piping or fittings, those add value. Separate copper from steel before taking to the scrap yard for better prices.
• Free pickup: Post on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace as free scrap. Metal scrappers in Oregon metro areas will pick up water heaters for free, often within hours.

The scrap route is ideal if the unit is already disconnected and accessible. Many scrappers will come to your home, but they generally will not disconnect plumbing or go into crawl spaces.

Transfer Stations

Oregon transfer stations accept water heaters at standard weight-based rates. No special handling or surcharges apply since water heaters do not contain refrigerants.

• Metro Transfer Stations (Portland): $10 to $25 for a water heater.
• Lane County (Eugene): $8 to $20 at Glenwood Transfer Station.
• Marion County (Salem): $8 to $20 at the county transfer station.

Drain the tank before transport. A 50-gallon tank full of water weighs over 400 pounds and can shift dangerously in a truck bed. Use ratchet straps to secure it.

Safety Considerations

Gas Water Heaters

• Turn off the gas supply valve before doing anything else. The valve is on the gas line leading to the unit.
• Do not disconnect the gas line yourself unless you are qualified. Gas leaks can cause explosions. Have a plumber or licensed gas technician handle the disconnection.
• Cap the gas line after disconnection to prevent leaks. Your plumber will do this during replacement.

Electric Water Heaters

• Turn off the breaker at your electrical panel before any work. Electric water heaters use 240-volt circuits.
• Verify power is off with a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wiring.

Draining the Tank

1. Turn off the water supply valve at the top of the heater.
2. Open a hot water faucet in the house to allow air into the system.
3. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
4. Route the hose to a floor drain, outside, or into buckets.
5. Open the drain valve. Let it drain completely (this can take 15 to 30 minutes).
6. The water will be hot if the heater was recently running. Let it cool or take precautions.

For more on the broader topic of appliance disposal, see our guide on the best way to get rid of old appliances in Oregon.

Tankless Water Heater Disposal

Tankless (on-demand) water heaters are much smaller and lighter than tank units — typically 20 to 40 pounds for wall-mounted models. Disposal is simpler:

• They fit in a car for transport to a transfer station or scrap yard.
• Scrap value is lower than tank units because of less metal, but the copper heat exchangers have value.
• Gas tankless units still require proper gas line disconnection by a qualified technician.
• They can usually go in a dumpster or with a professional junk removal pickup at minimal cost.

Cost Comparison