Get rid of old exercise equipment by selling it on Facebook Marketplace ($50-300 for working machines), scheduling curbside junk removal through Dropcurb (a weight bench is $79, a treadmill $159), donating to Habitat ReStore or Play It Again Sports, or taking metal equipment to a scrapyard for free. Treadmills and ellipticals are the hardest to move — plan disassembly before disposal.
What Is the Easiest Way to Get Rid of Old Exercise Equipment?
The easiest way depends on the equipment condition and whether you want money for it.
For working equipment in good shape, selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist gets you $50-300+ for treadmills, $50-200 for ellipticals, and $20-100 for weight benches. Used exercise equipment sells fast in January and after New Year resolution season.
For broken or outdated equipment, curbside junk removal is the fastest path. Dropcurb prices exercise equipment per item at the curb: a weight bench is $79, an exercise bike $119, and a treadmill or elliptical $159. Move the equipment to the curb or driveway, book online by 2 PM, and a hauler grabs it the same day.
For bulky machines you cannot move yourself, traditional full-service junk removal send 2-person teams into your home. Prices start at $130-200+ depending on the equipment and location.
Scroll to compare all columns
| Disposal Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sell on Facebook Marketplace | Free (earn $50-300) | 3-14 days | Working equipment, want cash |
| Curbside junk removal (Dropcurb) | Weight bench $79, treadmill $159 | Same day | Broken/outdated, want it gone fast |
| Donate to Habitat ReStore | Free | 3-10 days for pickup | Working equipment, want tax deduction |
| Play It Again Sports | Free (consignment or buy) | Same day | Brand-name equipment in good shape |
| Scrap metal yard | Free (may pay $5-20) | Same day | All-metal equipment, have a truck |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Varies by local availability | Full-service; confirm included scope |
How to Get Rid of a Treadmill
Treadmills are the most common piece of exercise equipment people need to get rid of — and the hardest to move. A standard treadmill weighs 200-300 pounds.
If the treadmill still works, list it on Facebook Marketplace for $50-300 depending on brand and condition. NordicTrack, Peloton, and ProForm treadmills hold value best. Price it at 30-50% of what you paid. Buyer picks up, which solves your moving problem.
If the treadmill is broken or outdated, disassembly makes disposal much easier. Most treadmills separate into the deck, console, and frame with basic tools. Remove the safety key, fold the deck (if folding model), and disconnect the console. This reduces a 300-pound machine to 3-4 manageable pieces.
Traditional full-service junk removal charges starting at $150 for treadmill removal according to their website. Traditional full-service junk removal charges $150-300+ for treadmill removal with their 2-person team. Consumer Reports recommends checking local resale shops like Play It Again Sports before paying for disposal.
Before paying for collection, compare free treadmill removal options near you and confirm the unit's condition and access requirements.
Where to Donate Old Exercise Equipment
Several organizations accept exercise equipment donations, but availability varies by location.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts exercise equipment in working condition. Most ReStores offer free pickup for large items. Call your local ReStore or schedule at habitat.org.
The Salvation Army accepts smaller exercise equipment (dumbbells, kettlebells, yoga equipment) but may refuse large machines like treadmills or ellipticals. Call 1-800-728-7825 to check.
Play It Again Sports buys and consigns used exercise equipment. They accept treadmills, ellipticals, weight benches, free weights, and more. You get cash or store credit. Coverage: 250+ locations across the US and Canada.
Local schools, community centers, and YMCAs sometimes accept donated exercise equipment. Call directly — many have specific needs and will pick up if the equipment matches.
For all donations: equipment must be clean, working, and safe. No one accepts broken treadmills or machines with frayed cables or cracked frames.
Old treadmill, elliptical, or weight bench at the curb? Dropcurb picks up a treadmill or elliptical for $159 and a weight bench for $79. Book in 60 seconds.
Book Equipment PickupCan You Scrap Old Exercise Equipment?
Yes. Most exercise equipment contains significant amounts of steel, iron, and aluminum.
A treadmill frame weighs 100-150 pounds of steel after removing the belt, deck, and electronics. An elliptical machine has 80-120 pounds of metal. Weight benches are almost entirely steel.
Current scrap steel rates in 2026: $0.04-0.08 per pound. A stripped treadmill frame nets $4-12 at a scrapyard. Not much cash, but the scrapyard handles disposal at no cost to you.
Free weights (dumbbells, barbells, weight plates) have higher scrap value because cast iron is denser. A set of old iron plates might net $10-30 at a scrapyard — though selling on Marketplace almost always gets more.
Will the Trash Company Take Exercise Equipment?
Regular weekly trash service will not pick up exercise equipment. Treadmills, ellipticals, and weight benches are classified as bulky items.
Schedule bulk pickup through your city waste department (call 311). Bulk pickup is free in most cities but has wait times of 2-8 weeks. Place the equipment at the curb on your scheduled pickup day.
Some cities limit the number of bulk items per pickup (typically 3-5 items). If you are clearing out a full home gym, you may need multiple scheduled pickups or a single junk removal service visit.
How to Get Rid of Old Exercise Equipment
Assess condition and value
Working equipment from known brands (Peloton, NordicTrack, Bowflex) is worth selling. Broken or generic equipment is not worth the hassle — go straight to removal.
Try selling or donating first
List on Facebook Marketplace for 30-50% of retail. Contact Play It Again Sports for consignment. Call Habitat ReStore for free pickup of working items.
Book removal for what remains
Anything that does not sell in 7-10 days: move to the curb and book Dropcurb for same-day pickup (a weight bench is $79, a treadmill $159), or schedule free city bulk pickup (2-8 week wait).
Done with the home gym? Dropcurb removes treadmills ($159), ellipticals ($159), weight benches ($79), and more from your curb.
Get Instant PricingFrequently asked questions
How do I get rid of a broken treadmill?
Move the treadmill to your curb (disassemble if needed to get it through doorways) and book Dropcurb same-day pickup for $159. Alternatively, schedule free city bulk pickup through 311 (2-8 week wait) or take it to a scrap metal yard if you have a truck.
Does Goodwill take exercise equipment?
Goodwill accepts smaller exercise items like dumbbells, yoga mats, and resistance bands at drop-off locations. Most Goodwill stores do not accept large machines like treadmills or ellipticals. Call your local Goodwill to confirm.
How much does exercise equipment removal cost?
Dropcurb prices curbside exercise equipment pickup per item: a weight bench is $79, an exercise bike $119, and a treadmill $159. Traditional full-service junk removal starts at $150 for treadmill removal. Traditional full-service junk removal charges $150-300+ with in-home pickup. City bulk pickup is free but takes 2-8 weeks.
Can I put a treadmill in a dumpster?
Most dumpster rental companies accept treadmills. However, apartment complex dumpsters typically prohibit large items. If you are renting a dumpster for a cleanout, a treadmill is fine. For shared dumpsters, schedule bulk pickup or junk removal instead.
Is old exercise equipment worth anything?
Working treadmills sell for $50-300 on Facebook Marketplace depending on brand and condition. Ellipticals sell for $50-200. Free weights (dumbbells, plates) hold value well — cast iron plates sell for $0.50-1.00 per pound. Broken equipment has minimal value beyond scrap metal ($5-20).
Does Play It Again Sports buy old treadmills?
Yes. Play It Again Sports buys and consigns used exercise equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, and weight benches. Equipment must be in working condition. Call your nearest location for a quote — they have 250+ stores across the US and Canada.