How to dispose of your old toilet

It’s time for a new throne! But what do you do with the old one? No, throwing it in the trash is not the royal treatment we had in mind. Toilets are bulky, heavy, and classified as “construction waste,” which means they can’t just be tossed in with your everyday household trash. Luckily, there are plenty of eco-friendly, legal, and convenient ways to dispose of your old toilet. Let’s dive into your options.

Why you shouldn’t put your old toilet in the trash

As much as we’d love to just chuck that old toilet into the trash and move on with our lives, that’s not the best idea. In most cities, large items like toilets are classified as “bulk waste,” and can’t be disposed of with your regular trash.

Here’s why:

• Bulk waste restrictions: Toilets are heavy and cumbersome. They can overload waste systems and cause issues with your local trash pickup.
• Long breakdown time: Toilets are made from porcelain and metal, materials that take a long time to decompose in a landfill (we’re talking decades here).
• Recycling potential: Many parts of a toilet can be recycled—so why let them go to waste?

Here are the parts of your toilet you’ll need to think about:

• Porcelain bowl: This can generally be recycled, but toilets made before the 1980s may have lead-based glazing or enamel. If you have an old toilet, make sure to check with a local recycling center or hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.
• Metal bolts and hinges: These are recyclable and can be sent to a scrap metal facility.
• Rubber & plastic parts: These parts aren’t biodegradable but can often be recycled. If they can’t be, they can be disposed of with household waste.
• Wooden or composite seats: These can’t be recycled and are typically disposed of with regular waste (unless they contain asbestos).
• Asbestos: Some older toilets may have asbestos-containing materials, so if you suspect that, you should contact a hazardous waste specialist for proper disposal.

As you can see, it’s not just about getting rid of a toilet—it’s about making sure you dispose of it the right way!

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How to responsibly dispose of an old toilet

When it comes to toilet disposal, you have several options. The good news? You can dispose of it in a responsible, eco-friendly way! Here are your best options:

• Donate: If your toilet is still in decent condition, why not donate it? Some organizations accept old toilets, especially if they’re in reusable condition.
• Give it away for free: Local classifieds or neighborhood groups (like Facebook Marketplace) might be happy to take it off your hands for free.
• Municipal recycling programs: Some local municipalities have special programs for recycling construction and demolition waste. This is a great option for safely and sustainably disposing of your toilet.
• Local recycling centers: Check with local centers—they may accept the porcelain bowl and metal parts for recycling.
• Plumbers: If you’re hiring a plumber to install a new toilet, ask if they will take your old one for recycling. Many plumbers are happy to handle that for you.
• Dumpster rental: If you’re doing a bigger renovation and need to dispose of more than just a toilet, a dumpster rental could be a viable option. However, consider a junk pick up service for a more convenient, no-permit-needed solution.
• Bulk waste pickup: Some areas allow bulk waste pickup for large items like toilets, though this may not be the most environmentally friendly option as your toilet could end up in the landfill.
• Landfill or dump: If nothing else works, you can take it to a landfill or dump. However, this may come with a fee, and it’s not the most sustainable option.

For the last three options, it’s important to note that while they may be legal, they aren’t the most eco-friendly. Plus, you’ll likely need to break your toilet into smaller pieces. For an easy and eco-conscious solution, consider using a junk removal service.

Junk removal services

Junk removal services are a super convenient option when you want to get rid of your old toilet. At 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, we handle everything for you. No need to worry about breaking your toilet into pieces or dealing with waste management systems—we’ll pick up your old toilet, ensure it’s properly recycled, and make the process as easy as pointing to your unwanted junk.

How to prepare your old toilet for disposal

Before you wave goodbye to your old throne, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Clean the toilet: It’s best to give your toilet a good clean before removing it.
2. Remove the toilet: If you’re replacing it yourself, remove the toilet and break it down into parts. You can get tips on how to remove a toilet here.
3. Sort the parts: Separate the porcelain, metal, and rubber/plastic parts. The porcelain can usually be recycled, while the metal parts can go to a scrap facility.
4. Call ahead: Make sure to check with your local provider or junk removal service to confirm which parts they’ll take and what the requirements are.
5. Dispose of non-recyclable parts: Non-recyclable parts like wooden seats should be disposed of with your regular household trash.
6. Break down the porcelain: If needed, break the porcelain toilet bowl into smaller pieces to make disposal easier.

We take all kinds of junk

Handling bulk or construction waste like toilets is tricky. Getting it wrong could result in penalties, and harm the environment. Recap the disposal tips in this post and keep in mind that the best way to responsibly dispose of a toilet is through a junk removal service.

At 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, we’re always ready to help! We offer junk removal services across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Plus, we offer easy, upfront pricing and a hassle-free experience.