Wecycle makes clearing away your junk or unwanted debris quick, efficient, and convenient—on your schedule.
18 July, 2025
Tearing out an old toilet is one of those messy jobs that marks progress in a home project, but it also leaves you with one big, awkward problem: what to do with it now. You can’t exactly toss it in your regular trash bin, and leaving it on the curb doesn’t always cut it either.
Figuring out how to dispose of a toilet isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Some cities have specific rules. Some recycling centers won’t take them. And if you’ve ever tried lifting one by yourself, you already know, they’re no joke to move.
When I first had to deal with an old toilet after a small bathroom reno, I had no idea where to start. I ended up googling in frustration, wondering if I could donate it or if I’d need to rent a truck just to get it out of the way.
The good news is, there are smarter (and greener) ways to get rid of a toilet, without wrecking your back or sending it straight to the landfill. In this guide, we’ll walk through your best options and how to make the whole process easier.
Before you decide where your old toilet should go, you’ve got to remove it and get it ready. It’s messy and manual, but totally doable if you take it step by step.
Start by turning off the small valve behind the toilet, and turn it clockwise until it stops. Then, flush to empty the tank and bowl. You’ll still have a bit of water in there, so grab a sponge or towel and soak it up before things get messy.
Unhook the water line from the tank; often, you can do this with a wrench. If you've got a two-piece toilet, unscrew the bolts so you can remove the tank first. That makes the rest easier. Then loosen the bolts at the base, rock it gently, and lift it onto a towel or tarp to protect your floor.
After the toilet is out, scrape off the old wax ring using a putty knife. It's a sticky business, but necessary. Then stuff the drain with an old rag or towel to block any sewer gas coming up while it's gone.
Once it’s out of the way, it’s a good idea to clean and prep it properly. Wipe it down, especially if you plan to donate it or recycle parts. Separate plumbing hardware or plastic pieces as needed. If it’s cracked or broken, wrap sharp edges with towels or bubble wrap. These precautions will help when someone else handles it next.
Learn more: How Does Junk Removal Work
Once your toilet is removed and prepped, here are six practical and eco-friendly ways to dispose of it:
This is one of the easiest ways to dispose of a toilet. Lots of cities offer this service where they come right to your house to collect big stuff like toilets.
This waste management toilet disposal is a straightforward option, but you usually need to plan ahead and follow your local waste management’s rules about what can be picked up and when.
You’ll just need to call your local waste department to book a pickup. They’ll tell you how it works and if there’s a fee, usually somewhere between $20 and $50.
When the day comes, make sure your toilet is out on the curb early so it doesn’t get missed. Pickup times can vary, so it might take a few days for them to come by.
A lot of recycling centers will take old toilets, especially if they’re made of porcelain. Some places crush the porcelain down and use it in things like road base. In fact, during a project in Denver, the GSA recycled more than 500 toilets this way.
Recycling centers usually try to separate out anything they can reuse, like the porcelain and metal parts, but it’s best to check with them first. Give them a quick call to see if they take toilets and whether you’ll need to clean them or remove anything before bringing them over.
If you’re not sure where to go, your city or county waste website usually has a list of nearby drop-off locations.
If your toilet is still in good shape, it might be worth donating instead of tossing. Habitat for Humanity ReStores sometimes accept toilets to resell for affordable housing projects.
That said, not all locations take used toilets, so it’s important to call your local ReStore first. Some only accept brand-new or low-flow models that meet current efficiency standards.
Also, be prepared to transport it yourself. ReStores don’t usually offer pickup for individual items, especially something bulky like a toilet.
If you don’t want to throw it out just yet, you can actually get a little creative with an old toilet. Some folks turn them into backyard planters or quirky flower pots, and honestly, it kind of works. You’ve already got a bowl and drainage built in.
It might not be everyone’s style, but if you’ve got a garden or a sense of humor, it’s a fun way to reuse something instead of sending it straight to the dump. Just give it a good scrub first, and maybe warn your guests before they spot it in the yard.
Learn more: 10+ Creative Ways to Upcycle Old Furniture
Junk removal services are another easy way to choose to dispose of a toilet. These companies make toilet disposal super simple. They’ll come to your house, pick it up, and handle the rest, whether that means recycling it, donating it, or taking it to the dump.
The convenience does come at a price. For one item like a toilet, you can expect to pay somewhere between $75 and $150, depending on where you live and which company you go with.
This is a solid option if you’re in the middle of a busy renovation or just don’t feel like lugging a heavy toilet around.
When you’re doing a big bathroom makeover, renting a dumpster can really help. It’s an easy way to get rid of everything in one go: old tiles, cabinets, drywall, and yes, the toilet too. Prices usually depend on the dumpster size and how long you keep it.
Just keep in mind, some companies might charge extra for heavy stuff like toilets, so it’s smart to ask about any extra fees before you rent. This option is best if you’re clearing out a lot, not just a single toilet.
Sometimes, the easiest option is to just take the toilet directly to the landfill. Most landfills will accept toilets, but they often charge a toilet disposal fee. This fee varies depending on your location, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and find out the cost.
While this isn’t the most eco-friendly choice, it’s useful if other disposal options aren’t available in your area.
Before getting rid of your old toilet, keep these points in mind:
Lead glaze alert: If your toilet was installed before the 1980s, it might have a lead glaze. That stuff isn’t great for you or the environment, so you’ll need to handle it carefully. I recommend checking with your local waste folks to see what you should do.
Moving safety: Toilets are heavy and awkward to carry. Make sure you wear gloves and ask someone to help you if you can. Be careful not to damage your floors or tiles when moving them.
Local disposal rules: Every area has different guidelines about what you can throw in the landfill or include in bulk pickups. It’s always a smart idea to check with your local waste office so you don’t run into any unexpected fines or hassles.
Figuring out how to dispose of a toilet might seem like a small part of your home project, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From understanding local rules and safety concerns to picking the best disposal method, knowing your options can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you schedule a bulk pickup, drop it off at a recycling center, or donate it, doing it the right way really makes a difference.
Now that you know how to dispose of a toilet properly, it’s easier to choose the method that works best for your situation. Maybe you care most about convenience, maybe it’s eco-friendliness, or cost. Either way, staying mindful of safety and local rules helps everything go smoothly.
Ready to take the next step? Sign up with WeCycle today to access local disposal options, schedule pickups, and get expert tips on responsible waste management.
1. Can I put a toilet in my garbage can?
No, toilets are too bulky for standard garbage bins and are usually not accepted in regular trash. Check with your local waste service for proper disposal options.
2. What to do with a porcelain toilet?
You can recycle a porcelain toilet at a local recycling center. Many centers crush porcelain for use in road base or construction materials. Call ahead to confirm.
3. How much does it cost to dispose of an old toilet?
Toilet disposal costs typically range from $20 to $50 for municipal pickup or recycling drop-off. Junk removal services may charge $75 to $150, depending on your area.
4. What do you do with a broken toilet?
A broken toilet can be taken to a landfill, dropped off at a recycling center (if they accept it), or picked up by a junk removal service. Always check local regulations first.
5. Where can I recycle my old toilet?
Old toilets can be recycled at select local recycling centers or construction and demolition facilities. Search your city or county’s waste management site for locations.
