Upgrading your kitchen or replacing a broken appliance is exciting, but figuring out how to get rid of an old stove can feel like a heavy chore—literally. Stoves are bulky, awkward to move, and many disposal sites won’t accept them. Whether you’re making room for a new oven or clearing out an old range, this guide will show you what to do with an old stove, from safe removal to responsible disposal and recycling.
At 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses safely dispose of old appliances. Here’s everything you need to know to make stove disposal easy.
What to do with an old stove
Here are the most practical ways to handle stove disposal without breaking your back:
1. Schedule a bulky item pickup
Many municipal waste services offer bulky item pickups for large appliances like stoves or ovens.
- How it works: Schedule through your city’s waste management department.
- Best for: Homeowners with curbside services and working appliances that meet pickup guidelines.
2. Drop it off at a scrap metal recycling facility
Most stoves are made primarily of steel, which is highly recyclable.
- How it works: Load your stove into a truck or trailer and drop it off at a local scrap yard or appliance recycler.
- Best for: People with vehicles and the ability to lift heavy items.
3. Donate it if it still works
If your stove is functional, many charities or resale stores will gladly take it.
- How it works: Contact local donation centers, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, or community organizations.
- Best for: Homeowners upgrading to a new appliance.
4. Use a retailer’s haul-away service
Appliance retailers often offer removal when they deliver a new stove.
- How it works: Ask about haul-away services during purchase or delivery.
- Best for: Anyone buying a new stove who wants a simple exchange.
5. List it online for free or cheap
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Freecycle are great for giving away or selling a used stove.
- How it works: Take clear photos and list the appliance for pickup.
- Best for: Functional or repairable stoves and people comfortable with peer-to-peer exchanges.
6. Check with your utility company
Some energy providers offer appliance recycling programs or rebates for replacing old stoves.
- How it works: Visit your utility company’s website or call to ask about pickup options.
- Best for: Households replacing an old stove with an energy-efficient model.
7. Hire a junk removal service
Bulky appliances like stoves can be a hassle to move on your own. Let us handle everything for you.
- How it works: Book a pickup with 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. Our truck team will haul your stove away—sometimes the same day—and handle stove recycling or responsible disposal.
- Where: We operate across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Call 1-800-468-5865 or book a pickup online.
- Best for: Busy people who want a stress-free, full-service solution.
For appliances like microwaves, see our guide on disposing of a microwave.
Why many landfills don’t accept appliances
Many landfills no longer accept large appliances due to space, environmental concerns, and recycling opportunities. Stoves are highly recyclable—about 75% of their material is steel, and roughly 90% of appliance steel is reclaimed for new products. Recycling old stoves conserves natural resources, reduces landfill waste, and supports the growing North American home appliance recycling market, valued in the tens of billions of dollars.
Choosing recycling or donation over landfill disposal is better for the environment and may even be required in your area.
How to safely disconnect and remove your old stove
Before hauling away your stove, safety comes first.
For electric stoves:
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker.
- Unplug the stove carefully.
- Protect floors with cardboard or a furniture slider.
For gas stoves:
- Shut off the gas supply valve.
- Disconnect the gas line carefully or call a professional for help.
- Ventilate the area and avoid sparks.
Removal tips:
- Use an appliance dolly for heavy lifting.
- Get a helper to avoid injury.
- Protect floors and door frames during transport.
Pro tip: Ask when scheduling with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? if the team can assist with stove disconnection.
