Getting rid of a treadmill can be a real headache. These machines are heavy, bulky, and awkward to move, often leaving homeowners with little space and a lot of frustration. Whether it’s outdated, broken, or simply no longer needed, figuring out the best way to dispose of it can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are practical solutions to handle your old treadmill safely and efficiently. From selling and donating to recycling or scheduling professional removal, you have options that save time and effort. At Junk Masterz, we make it simple to reclaim your space. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get rid of a treadmill responsibly, quickly, and without any heavy lifting.
Quick Answer
You can get rid of a treadmill through five main methods: selling it (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist), donating to charity (Goodwill, Salvation Army), recycling at e-waste centers, scheduling bulk waste pickup through your city, or hiring professional junk removal services. The best choice depends on your treadmill’s condition, your timeline, and whether you want to make money or just clear space fast.
5 Ways to Get Rid of a Treadmill
Getting rid of a treadmill doesn’t have to be a headache. Depending on its condition, your timeline, and whether you want cash or a free pickup, you have several options. Here are five practical ways to dispose of your treadmill safely and efficiently:
Method 1: Selling Your Used Treadmill
Even if it feels old to you, someone else might want it. Selling is a great way to make some money while clearing space.
Tips for selling:
- Price it realistically: Older models $50–$150, mid-range $150–$300, newer $300–$700.
- Best platforms: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, Nextdoor.
- Create a clear listing: Include photos, exact model info, condition, and features. Honesty builds trust and speeds up the sale.
This method works best if the treadmill is still functional and in decent shape.
2. Donate to Charity
Donating your treadmill helps others get active and might give you a tax deduction. Many charities accept exercise equipment, but rules vary.
Charities that often accept treadmills:
- Goodwill: Accepts working treadmills; staff checks belts, motors, and safety.
- The Salvation Army: Offers free pickup in some areas; treadmills must be in good condition.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Accepts clean, safe, and movable treadmills.
- Local gyms or community centers: Often welcome treadmills if they’re functional and not too heavy.
Call ahead to confirm, and keep a donation receipt if you want a tax deduction.
Method 3: Recycling and E-Waste Disposal
When a treadmill no longer works, recycling often makes the most sense. Treadmills contain metal, wiring, and electronic components that recyclers accept.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies treadmills as mixed-material products. That means they belong in recycling programs, not landfills, whenever possible.
How Recycling Works
Most recycling centers do not accept fully assembled treadmills. They prefer:
- Steel frames
- Aluminum parts
- Electronic boards
- Power cords
Local scrap metal recyclers often accept dismantled frames. Electronics usually go to e-waste facilities approved by state programs.
Method 4: Bulk Waste Pickup
Many cities offer scheduled bulk waste pickup for large items. This option works for treadmills that cannot sell or donate.
City sanitation departments usually list accepted items on official pages. Some require advance scheduling. Others follow monthly pickup routes.
Common rules include:
- Treadmill placed curbside
- Motor removed in some cities
- No loose parts
Bulk pickup answers the question of how to dispose of an old treadmill without paying private fees, as long as rules are followed.
Method 5: Professional Junk Removal Services
Junk removal services handle heavy lifting and fast removal. This option fits people with limited time or mobility.
Services usually include:
- In-home pickup
- Carrying and loading
- Disposal or recycling
Prices vary by region and treadmill size. Industry averages reported by national removal companies range from $100 to $250 per treadmill.
Some companies advertise treadmill removal free during promotions, though these offers remain rare and location-based.
Read Also: How to Dispose of Exercise Equipment
How to Recycle a Treadmill (Step-by-Step)
Breaking down a treadmill for disposal takes 30-60 minutes with basic tools.
What you need:
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Socket wrench set
- Pliers
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
Step 1: Unplug and remove the safety key. This prevents accidental starts.
Step 2: Remove the motor hood. Most snap off or have 4-6 screws underneath. Set aside all screws in a container.
Step 3: Disconnect the motor. Unplug wiring harnesses (they only fit one way). Unbolt the motor—usually 4 bolts. Motors weigh 20-40 pounds.
Step 4: Remove the console. Unplug display cables, then remove mounting screws. Consoles contain the main circuit board.
Step 5: Take off the running belt and deck. Loosen the tension bolts at the rear roller. Slide the belt off both rollers.
Step 6: Dismantle the frame. Remove side rails and support bars. The main frame breaks down into 3-5 large pieces.
Cost Comparison: All Methods
Here’s what each disposal method costs in time and money:
Selling: $0 cost, potential earnings of $50-500, requires 1-4 weeks for sale, moderate effort creating listings and meeting buyers.
Donating: $0 cost, possible tax deduction of $30-150, takes 1-2 weeks to schedule pickup, low effort with pickup service.
Recycling: $0-25 cost, no earnings but environmental benefit, can do same day if center is nearby, high effort for transport or disassembly.
Bulk Waste: $0 cost, no earnings, takes 1-4 weeks depending on city schedule, low effort just moving to curb.
Professional Removal: $80-200 cost, no earnings but immediate solution, available same day to 3 days, zero effort as they do everything.
The math changes based on your situation. If you’re moving next week, paying $100 for removal beats waiting for a buyer. If you have time and need cash, selling makes sense.
Conclusion
Getting rid of a treadmill doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Whether you choose to sell it, donate treadmill to charity, recycle treadmill, schedule a bulk treadmill pickup, or hire a professional service for treadmill removal, there are safe and practical ways to clear space in your home.
This guide has walked you through each method, costs, and step-by-step tips so you can decide the best option. At Junk Masterz, we make how to get rid of a treadmill simple, fast, and hassle-free.
Ready to reclaim your space? Contact Us for a free quote or call today to schedule your treadmill removal. Let us do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to!
FAQs
Can you put a treadmill in the trash?
Most regular trash services won’t accept treadmills. They’re too heavy for standard collection, and many contain electronic components requiring special handling. Check with your city about bulk waste pickup, which may accept exercise equipment on scheduled collection days. If your municipality doesn’t offer this service, consider professional junk removal or recycling centers.
How much does treadmill removal cost?
Professional removal services charge $80-200 for a single treadmill, depending on location, stairs, and urgency. Local companies often cost less than national chains. Same-day service adds 20-40% to the base price. Many services provide instant online quotes. Bulk waste pickup through your city is usually free but requires waiting for scheduled collection dates.
Will Goodwill take a treadmill?
Goodwill accepts working treadmills at most locations, but policies vary by region. The equipment must power on, run smoothly, and show no safety hazards like frayed cords or unstable frames. Call your local store before hauling it over some locations have space or weight restrictions. Many Goodwill stores offer pickup services for large items, though you may need to schedule 1-2 weeks in advance.
What parts of a treadmill can be recycled?
The steel frame, motor housing, and metal components go to scrap metal recycling. Electronic circuit boards and displays qualify as e-waste. Copper wiring from the motor has value at recycling centers. The running belt typically goes to landfills rubber recycling options are limited. Plastic covers may be recyclable depending on your area’s programs. Contact local treadmill recycling centers near me to confirm what they accept.
How do you move a treadmill by yourself?
Moving a treadmill alone is risky most weigh 200-300 pounds. If you must try, remove the console and motor first to reduce weight. Use a dolly rated for 300+ pounds. Tilt the treadmill and slide the dolly underneath. Secure with straps. Move slowly and watch for doorways and corners. For stairs, hire help or professional movers. Back injuries aren’t worth the savings.
Is my treadmill worth selling?
Working treadmills under 10 years old usually sell, especially known brands like NordicTrack, ProForm, or Life Fitness. Check sold listings on eBay for your model. If similar units sold in the past 90 days, yours probably will too. Broken treadmills rarely sell unless they’re high-end models someone wants for parts. Manual treadmills have limited resale value most sell for under $50.
Where can I find eco-friendly treadmill disposal options?
Look for electronics recycling events in your area many municipalities host them quarterly. Earth911’s website helps locate recycling centers accepting exercise equipment. Some fitness equipment retailers offer trade-in programs when buying new machines. Habitat for Humanity ReStores resell donated items, keeping them out of landfills. Local repair shops sometimes accept broken treadmills for parts, extending the life of other machines.
Do I need to disassemble my treadmill before disposal?
Professional removal services handle treadmills while disassembly isn’t required. For bulk waste pickup, check your city’s rules, some require breaking down large items. If recycling, separating components helps ensure proper processing. Metal recyclers prefer frames without attached electronics. E-waste centers want circuit boards separate from metal parts. How to disassemble a treadmill for disposal takes about an hour with basic tools.
