Replacing a toilet is one of those tasks most people don’t think about until it becomes necessary. Once the new fixture is installed, the next question is usually what to do with the old one sitting in the bathroom or out by the curb. Because toilets are heavy, bulky, and made of porcelain, they are not treated like normal household trash. Knowing how to dispose of a toilet properly matters for safety, local regulations, and environmental reasons.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best way to dispose of a toilet, explain realistic disposal options, and give you step‑by‑step instructions. We’ll also touch on costs, safety, and legal points so you handle this in the right way.
Quick Answer: How to Dispose of a Toilet
To dispose of a toilet, first check local waste rules. Usable toilets can be donated to reuse centers. Broken toilets can be taken to a recycling facility that accepts porcelain, scheduled for municipal bulky pickup, or delivered to a landfill or transfer station. These options follow local regulations and support environmentally safe toilet disposal.
Why Proper Toilet Disposal Matters
A toilet is not regular household trash. Most curbside services won’t pick it up in your weekly bin. Leaving it out with regular waste could lead to rejected collections or even fines from your city. Toilets are heavy and bulky, and parts like porcelain and metal require special handling. Because many regions have rules on how construction‑related waste must be dealt with, tossing an old toilet into a general bin can be against local guidelines.
Porcelain doesn’t break down quickly in landfills. Many waste programs encourage recycling or reuse so materials like ceramic and metal can be repurposed instead of filling up dumps. Proper disposal helps reduce landfill pressure and gives materials a second life when possible.
6 Best Ways to Dispose of Your Old Toilet
1. Donate If It’s Still in Good Shape
If your toilet is still functional and clean, consider donating it to a local nonprofit or resale center. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStores sometimes accept building materials for reuse. This keeps usable fixtures out of the trash and gives someone else a chance to benefit from them.
2. Schedule Bulky Waste Pickup
Many cities offer special bulky item pickup days where large objects like toilets can be collected. Contact your waste management service to see if toilets are allowed, what rules apply, and whether a sticker or appointment is needed. Often these pickups cost less than other services since the city already schedules them.
3. Take It to a Local Landfill or Transfer Station
If your city doesn’t take toilets curbside, you can transport the old toilet to a landfill or solid waste transfer facility yourself. Most accept toilets but may charge a small fee based on size or weight. This is one of the more straightforward environmentally safe toilet disposal options if recycling isn’t available nearby.
4. Use a Recycling Center That Accepts Porcelain
Some recycling centers take porcelain fixtures like toilets. Porcelain can be crushed and reused in construction materials like road base. Call ahead to confirm they accept toilets and what preparation they require (usually removing non‑porcelain parts first).
5. Hire a Junk Removal Service
A junk removal company can handle removal from your home and take the toilet to the right facility. These services can make things much easier, especially if you’re disposing of more than one item. They often partner with recycling centers or donation programs to keep reusable parts out of landfills.
6. Repurpose the Toilet
If the toilet is broken and you’re feeling creative, some people turn old fixtures into planters or garden features. This isn’t ideal for everyone, but it keeps the porcelain out of a landfill and gives it a second life in a different form.
Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Remove a Toilet
Removing a toilet isn’t hard, but it does take some care. Follow these steps to get the job done without damaging yourself or your space.
- Turn Off the Water: Locate the shut‑off valve near the base of the toilet and turn it clockwise until the water stops flowing.
- Drain the Toilet: Flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible. Use a sponge to get the remaining water out of the bowl and tank.
- Disconnect the Supply Line: Unscrew the water supply line with a wrench.
- Unbolt the Toilet: Remove the nuts holding the toilet to the floor. These can be stiff, so applying a bit of penetrating oil can help.
- Break the Seal: Carefully break the wax ring seal beneath the toilet by gently rocking the bowl back and forth.
- Lift and Move: With help if needed, lift the toilet straight up and out. Toilets are heavy and awkward, so protect your back by lifting with your legs.
- Cover the Drain Pipe: Once the toilet’s gone, cover the exposed drain with a rag or cap to prevent sewer gas or debris from entering.
If you need to know how to break a toilet for disposal (like for bulk trash or recycling site rules), that usually involves removing any metal and plastic parts first, then using a hammer or mallet to break the porcelain carefully into smaller sections. Always wear eye protection and gloves if you go this route, and check with your local facility before doing this.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Cleaning up a bathroom isn’t just about manual labor; it’s about protection.
- Lead Glaze: If your toilet was made before the mid-1970s, it might have lead in the glaze. If you decide to break it apart, wear a high-quality respirator. You don’t want to breathe in ceramic dust, leaded or not.
- Sharp Edges: Broken porcelain is sharper than surgical steel. Always wear thick leather work gloves and eye protection.
- The “Weight” Factor: A standard toilet weighs between 70 and 120 pounds. If you are moving it yourself, use a dolly.
- Local Bans: Some states, like California and Massachusetts, have strict “Waste Bans” on bulky items. Always verify your local ordinances via your city’s .gov portal to avoid fines.
How to Break a Toilet for Disposal Safely
If you must break it down to fit it into a bin:
- Wrap the toilet in a heavy moving blanket or a tarp.
- Wear a face shield and gloves.
- Hit the tank first, then the bowl.
- The blanket keeps the “shrapnel” from flying across the room.
- Double-bag the pieces in “contractor bags.”
Cost Comparison: All Methods
Understanding how much you might pay helps you pick the best option for your situation:
- Municipal bulky pickup: Often low‑cost or free, depending on your city’s program.
- Drop‑off at landfill/transfer station: The facility may charge a small disposal fee, commonly $10–$50.
- Recycling center drop‑off: Some centers charge a small fee; others accept toilets free of charge.
- Junk removal: Professional services typically range from $100–$300 or more, depending on your area
- DIY removal: You only pay for your time and transport costs, but you must do the heavy lifting yourself.
These costs tie directly into old toilet removal cost, so weigh your time and convenience against what you’re willing to do yourself.
Conclusion
Disposing of a toilet doesn’t have to be complicated when you know the right approach. We make how to dispose of a toilet simple, safe, and environmentally responsible. Whether your toilet is still in good condition for donation, ready for recycling, or needs professional removal, our team can handle it efficiently while following all local regulations.
Ready to get rid of your old toilet without the hassle? Visit our Contact Us to reach Junk Masterz, get a free quote, or call us directly. Let us take care of your old toilet so you can focus on your home renovations worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw my toilet in the regular trash?
No. Toilets are too large and heavy for regular trash collection in most places. Your waste service likely has rules for bulky items.
How to throw away a toilet?
To throw away a toilet, first turn off the water supply, flush to empty the tank and bowl, and disconnect it from the plumbing. Then, wrap it carefully to avoid injury and take it to a construction and demolition (C&D) landfill, a recycling center, or schedule a bulk waste pickup with your local waste management service.
Who will pick up an old toilet?
Old toilets can be picked up by:
- Local municipal bulk waste collection
- Private junk removal services
- Plumbers or renovation contractors (if replacing your toilet)
- Donation centers like Habitat for Humanity ReStores, if it’s still usable
Where can I dispose of a broken toilet?
Broken toilets should be taken to a C&D landfill or a recycling facility that accepts porcelain. Do not place it in regular curbside trash, as it can damage trucks and cause safety hazards.
What is the best way to get rid of an old toilet?
The easiest way is to:
- Turn off the water supply and drain the toilet.
- Disconnect it from the floor and water line.
- Wrap it for safety.
- Arrange bulk pickup, or transport it to a landfill or recycling center.
If the toilet is still functional, consider donating it.
Is it hard to remove a toilet by yourself?
Removing a toilet is moderately easy with the right tools: an adjustable wrench, putty knife, and towels. The hardest part is lifting the heavy porcelain base safely and disconnecting the water line without leaks. If unsure, hire a plumber.
How to empty a toilet before removing it?
- Turn off the water supply.
- Flush the toilet to remove most of the water.
- Use a sponge or wet-dry vacuum to remove remaining water from the tank and bowl.
- Ensure the trap is empty before detaching the toilet.
Can I throw away an old toilet?
Yes, you can throw away an old toilet, but it must go to a landfill, recycling center, or bulk waste collection. Leaving it on the curb with regular trash can cause fines or environmental hazards.
