Trampoline Removal: Disassembly, Hauling, and Recycling
Quick Answer
Trampoline removal in Oregon costs $100 to $250 for professional pickup, depending on the trampoline size and condition. A standard 12 to 15-foot round trampoline runs $100 to $175. Large rectangle trampolines or trampolines with extensive enclosures cost $150 to $250. The steel frame is recyclable as scrap metal, which helps offset disposal costs.
Oregon's wind and rain are not kind to trampolines. After a few years of Willamette Valley weather, the mat is sagging, the springs are stretched, the safety net is torn, and the whole thing lists to one side every time the wind picks up. If you have ever chased a trampoline across your yard after a November storm, you know it is time to let it go.
The good news: trampoline removal is one of the simpler backyard items to deal with. Here is how to get it done.
Trampoline Removal Cost
| Trampoline Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small round (8-10 ft) | $100 - $150 |
| Standard round (12-15 ft) | $100 - $175 |
| Large round (16+ ft) | $150 - $225 |
| Rectangle (competition style) | $150 - $250 |
| In-ground trampoline | $200 - $350 |
Prices include disassembly, loading, hauling, and disposal or recycling.
What a Trampoline Is Made Of
Understanding the components helps you understand removal and disposal:
- Steel frame — The legs, support rails, and frame ring are galvanized steel. This is the heaviest component and the most valuable for recycling. A standard 14-foot trampoline frame weighs 80 to 150 pounds.
- Springs — Steel springs connect the mat to the frame. A 14-foot trampoline has 72 to 96 springs.
- Jumping mat — Made of woven polypropylene. Not recyclable in most Oregon facilities.
- Safety enclosure (net and poles) — Fiberglass or steel poles with nylon or polyester netting. Poles may be recyclable; netting is not.
- Padding (spring cover) — Foam padding covered in vinyl or PVC. Not recyclable.
The steel components (frame, springs, poles) make up the majority of the trampoline's weight and are fully recyclable. The mat, net, and padding are typically landfilled.
DIY Trampoline Removal
Trampoline removal is one of the more feasible DIY projects. Here is the process:
Step 1: Remove the Safety Net and Enclosure
Take down the safety net first. Detach it from the poles and frame. Remove the enclosure poles — they usually slide out of brackets at the base.
Step 2: Remove the Springs
This is the most tedious step. You need a spring removal tool ($10 to $15 at any sporting goods store) or a flathead screwdriver. Hook the tool under the spring, pull, and unhook from the frame.
Pro tip: Springs under tension can snap and cause injury. Wear safety glasses and work gloves. Remove springs from alternating sides of the trampoline to release tension evenly.
Step 3: Remove the Mat and Padding
With the springs removed, the mat lifts right off. Roll it up. Remove the spring cover padding.
Step 4: Disassemble the Frame
The frame typically comes apart by removing pins or bolts at the joints. Frame sections and legs separate into manageable pieces. Older or corroded trampolines may require a wrench, pliers, or a reciprocating saw to separate frozen joints.
Step 5: Dispose of Components
- Steel frame and springs — Take to a scrap metal recycler. Many Oregon scrap yards accept these for free and may even pay a small amount.
- Mat, net, and padding — Bag and place in your regular trash over a couple of collection cycles, or take to the transfer station.
DIY cost:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Spring removal tool | $10 - $15 |
| Transfer station fees (for non-metal parts) | $15 - $30 |
| Your time (1-3 hours) | Free in theory |
| Total DIY | $25 - $45 |
DIY trampoline removal is one of the cases where doing it yourself genuinely saves significant money over professional service.
Professional Trampoline Removal
If you would rather not spend a Saturday afternoon wrestling with 90 springs, professional removal is straightforward:
- The crew arrives and assesses the trampoline
- They disassemble it (typically 30 to 90 minutes)
- All components are loaded and hauled away
- Metal components go to recycling; non-recyclable parts go to proper disposal
The whole process takes under 2 hours from arrival to departure.
When professional removal makes more sense than DIY:
- The trampoline is severely corroded and difficult to disassemble
- You do not have a vehicle to transport the parts
- You are removing the trampoline along with other backyard items (swing set, old furniture, etc.) and want one crew to handle everything
- Physical limitations make the disassembly impractical
What to Do with a Trampoline in Good Condition
Before you throw it away, consider:
Sell it: Working trampolines in decent condition sell for $50 to $300 on Facebook Marketplace. The buyer handles disassembly and transport. List it with honest photos showing the condition of the mat, springs, and net.
Give it away: A free trampoline in working condition will be claimed within hours on marketplace sites. This is the fastest way to get rid of a functioning trampoline at zero cost.
Donate it: Some community centers and youth organizations accept donated trampolines. The trampoline must be in safe, working condition.
Repurpose the frame: Creative homeowners have turned trampoline frames into garden structures, chicken coops, and greenhouse frames. The circular steel frame is surprisingly versatile.
Oregon-Specific Considerations
Wind storms: If your trampoline is still assembled and you are planning removal in the near future, anchor it down in the meantime. Oregon's fall and winter wind storms can turn an unsecured trampoline into a projectile. Windborne trampolines cause property damage and downed power lines every storm season.
Rust: Oregon's moisture accelerates corrosion. If your trampoline has been sitting unused for a year or more, expect heavily rusted components. Disassembly will take longer, and some bolts may need to be cut rather than unscrewed.
Spring removal timing: Do this job during a dry spell if possible. Wet springs and wet hands make the removal tool slip, turning a tedious job into a frustrating one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a trampoline out for bulk trash pickup? Generally no. Municipal bulk pickup programs do not accept trampolines because of their size and awkward shape. You need to either disassemble it for piece-by-piece disposal or use a private junk removal service.
How heavy is a trampoline? A standard 14-foot round trampoline with enclosure weighs 150 to 250 pounds fully assembled. The frame alone is 80 to 150 pounds.
Can I cut a trampoline mat and put it in regular trash? Yes. The mat can be cut into pieces and disposed of through regular trash collection over multiple weeks. Each piece should fit in your garbage cart.
Is the steel from a trampoline worth anything? A small amount. Scrap steel prices fluctuate, but a trampoline frame typically yields $5 to $20 at a scrap yard. The real value is avoiding the transfer station tipping fee by recycling the metal separately.
What about in-ground trampolines? In-ground trampolines require excavating the frame and retaining walls. This is more involved than a standard above-ground removal and costs $200 to $350 depending on the installation depth and ground conditions.
Get Your Trampoline Removed
At Otesse, trampoline removal is a quick job. We disassemble, load, and recycle the metal components across Oregon's I-5 corridor. Bundling with other backyard items like a swing set saves on volume pricing.
See our junk removal cost guide for full pricing details on our junk removal services.
Get Your Free Quote or call us at 541-844-2585.
