Gas vs. Electric: Different Safety Concerns
How you dispose of a stove depends heavily on whether it is gas or electric. Both are heavy (100 to 250 pounds), but gas stoves introduce an additional safety dimension that electric models do not.
Gas Stoves
Connected to a gas line that must be properly shut off and disconnected before removal.
The gas supply valve must be turned off and the line capped after disconnection to prevent leaks.
If you smell gas at any point during disconnection, leave the area and call your gas utility immediately.
Some jurisdictions require a licensed plumber or gas technician to disconnect gas appliances. Check with your local building authority.
Electric Stoves
Connected via a heavy-duty 240-volt outlet. Simply unplug it (the plug is usually behind the unit).
The main safety concern is the weight and bulk of the unit, not the power source.
Smooth-top electric ranges have glass cooktops that can crack during transport -- handle with care.
Professional Removal
Ask whether a professional appliance removal crew includes disconnection (for electric models), loading, transport, and disposal or recycling.
What to Expect
Cost: priced by size, weight, and access.
Timeline: Varies by hauler and week; check availability for your date when you request a quote.
Gas models: Most junk removal crews will remove a gas stove if you have already had the gas line disconnected and capped by a technician. They generally will not disconnect gas lines themselves due to liability.
Bundling: Removing a stove along with other appliances or kitchen items brings the per-item cost down.
If you are doing a kitchen renovation and need to get rid of multiple appliances, cabinets, or countertops, ask about full kitchen cleanout pricing. It is typically much more cost-effective than removing items individually.
Retailer Haul-Away
Buying a new stove? Most major retailers will haul away the old one at the time of delivery.
Home Depot -- Free haul-away with delivery of a new range. For gas models, they require the old unit to be disconnected before they arrive.
Lowe's -- Free haul-away with delivery. Same gas disconnection requirement.
Costco -- Free haul-away with most major appliance deliveries.
Best Buy -- Haul-away for a per-unit fee with delivery.
Retailer haul-away is the most convenient option when you are replacing the stove. Make sure the gas line is disconnected before the delivery crew arrives or they will not remove the old unit.
Donating a Working Stove
Working stoves and ovens are in high demand at donation centers. They are expensive appliances that many families need.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore -- Accepts working ranges and ovens at Oregon locations. Some locations offer free pickup.
St. Vincent de Paul -- Willamette Valley locations accept working cooking appliances.
Community Warehouse (Portland) -- Provides kitchen appliances to families setting up new homes.
The stove should be clean, fully functional (all burners and oven working), and free of significant cosmetic damage. Gas lines must be disconnected before donation pickup. Our guide on where to donate appliances in Oregon has a full list of organizations.
Scrap Metal Recycling
Stoves are mostly steel, which has good scrap value. A typical range yields a modest amount at a scrap metal yard, depending on current metal prices and the size of the unit.
Post it as free scrap on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Metal scrappers in the Portland, Eugene, and Salem areas actively look for free appliances.
Some scrap haulers will pick up for free if you have enough metal. A stove alone may or may not meet their minimum, but pairing it with other appliances usually does.
Self-haul to a scrap yard to get paid directly. Call ahead to confirm they accept ranges.
Transfer Stations
Oregon transfer stations accept stoves and ovens at standard weight-based rates. Since cooking appliances do not contain refrigerants, there is no surcharge for special handling.
Metro Transfer Stations (Portland): priced by weight; check current rates.
Lane County (Eugene): Glenwood Transfer Station; check current rates.
Marion County (Salem): the county transfer station; check current rates.
You will need a truck or trailer. Secure the stove upright with ratchet straps. Remove oven racks and any loose parts before transport.
Safety Tips for Stove Removal
For gas stoves: Turn off the gas supply valve (usually located behind or beside the stove). Have a licensed technician disconnect and cap the gas line if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
For electric stoves: Unplug from the 240V outlet. The plug is heavy-duty and may require firm pulling.
Clean the stove before removal, especially if there is grease buildup. This reduces fire risk during transport and makes the unit more attractive if being donated.
Remove oven racks and any loose grates or drip pans. These can shift during transport and cause damage.
Use an appliance dolly if moving it yourself. Stoves are top-heavy and can tip easily on a regular hand truck.
Protect your floors by sliding the stove onto a piece of cardboard or a moving blanket before pulling it away from the wall.
Cost Comparison
Industry Baseline Range
| Service | Industry baseline range |
|---|---|
| Appliance removal | $60 to $180; average $100 |
Source: Angi, "Appliance Removal Cost" national cost guide.
These are industry baseline ranges for planning only and may not reflect Otesse's price. Otesse pricing is calculated for your specific home and ZIP code, so enter your ZIP in the price box on this page for your instant price.
Current Market Reality
Stove removal is priced by size, weight, and access. Gas ranges need the gas line capped by a qualified person before anyone moves them, and basement or upstairs kitchens add labor.
| What moves the price | Pushes it up | Keeps it lower |
|---|---|---|
| Size and weight | Heavy or oversized items | Light items one person can lift |
| Access | Stairs, basements, tight doorways | Ground floor or curbside |
| Disassembly | Items that must be taken apart | Items that leave in one piece |
| Disposal route | Items with special handling or disposal fees | Items that can be donated or recycled |
Every home is different. For a price built on your own home rather than a national range, enter your ZIP in the price box on this page for your instant price.
| Method | Cost | Effort | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrap metal pickup (free listing) | Free | Low | 1-3 days |
| Retailer haul-away (with purchase) | Free to a small fee | None | At delivery |
| Donation (working unit) | Free | Low | 3-14 days |
| Self-haul to transfer station | Facility fee; check current rates | High | Same day |
| Scrap yard (self-haul) | Small payment to you | High | Same day |
| Professional junk removal | See the national range above | None | Ask about availability |
For a full breakdown of appliance disposal options and costs, read our junk removal cost guide.
