How to Dispose of a Grill

Things You Should Know Before Disposing of Your Grill

After countless cookouts, backyard parties, and grilling sessions, you’ve finally decided your grill is no longer cutting it. Whether your grill is too old and tired to be repaired or you’ve decided to upgrade to a newer model, the experts at BBQ Depot can walk you through how to get rid of a grill.

First, we suggest asking yourself a few questions. Is the grill worth selling? Is it working well enough to be donated? Or does it just need to be broken down and recycled? Check out our guide to assessing your grill's life expectancy to get a better idea of what to do with your old grill. If disposal is the answer, you’re likely wondering how to dispose of such a cumbersome piece of equipment.

This article will walk you through the options and processesfor getting rid of a grill. We’ll cover:

• What to consider when disposing of a grill
• Options for selling or donating a working grill
• How to dispose of a grill safely and responsibly
• How to break down a grill for easy disposal
• And more!

Considerations for Disposing of a Working Grill

If your grill is still working and you simply want to reclaim some space or upgrade your BBQ game, you have a few options.

If the grill is in pretty good condition and works well enough, you can likely donate or sell your grill. Sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are excellent avenues for finding a buyer in your area. Research similar items on the market to determine a fair asking price. Keep in mind that the buyer may want to inspect the grill before purchasing it.

If you can’t sell or donate it (many donation centers don’t accept grills), try giving it away for free to a friend or through an online marketplace. Someone may be willing to take it off your hands and even haul it away for you. 

Breaking Down Your Grill for Easier Disposal

If you can’t find any takers, disposal is your most viable option. Many customers ask ushow to dispose of a grill responsibly, without creating any environmental or safety concerns.

1. First, you’ll need to dispose of any propane tanks you might have (assuming you’re not keeping them for your new grill). Most refill centers will accept empty tanks as long as they’re in good condition. If not, many local municipalities offer locations with hazardous waste disposal services. DO NOT leave a propane tank in the trash, even if it seems empty.
2. After removing the propane, you can start pulling out many of the metal components. We’ll go over what you can do with metal components in our step-by-step guide to dismantling a grill later in the article.
3. Other parts, such as fuel hoses and wheels, will have to be disposed of separately. Batteries and other electrical components should be taken to an electronics recycling center for proper disposal.

Disposal Methods for an Intact Grill

If you don’t want to worry about how to dispose of a grill, most areas offer several options for disposing of a grill without the bother of breaking it down first. These include contacting your local waste removal service, selling or donating the grill, or participating in a bulk-item pickup event.

Contacting local waste removal services

Your city’s waste removal service provides one of the best methods for how to get rid of a grill. Many waste management companies offer bulk-item pickup services on a regular basis or by appointment. Get in touch with your community’s waste removal and recycling service to find out more.

If your waste management company doesn’t offer this service, a haul-away company may provide a similar solution.

Selling or Donating your grill

As we discussed earlier, you can usually sell or donate a working grill.

If you’re looking to sell your grill, here are a few steps to follow:

• Make sure your grill is clean, functional, and looking good.
• Take good pictures of your grill in proper lighting.
• List your grill’s specifications and be honest about its current condition.
• Put up a listing on online marketplaces such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
• Set a fair price based on similar grills for sale online.

If you’re looking to donate, call around to local donation services, but be aware that some don’t accept items such as grills. If you can’t donate to an organization, check with family, friends, and coworkers. If all else fails, consider listing it on an online marketplace as a free item.

Participating in Bulk Pickup

Many municipalities host disposal events for residents to drop off their unwanted items that can’t go in the trash.If available in your area, this is a great option. Not only can you dispose of your grill easily, but you’re also freed from the burden of taking your grill apart and disposing of the parts separately. However, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for getting the grill to the disposal event.

Check with your local municipality and county to find out if they host any bulk-item drop-off events.

Contacting a Professional Disposal Service

If none of the above are viable options and you’re still wondering how to get rid of a grill, consider hiring a professional disposal service. Though you’ll have to pay for this service to haul away your grill, it’s also one of the easiest ways to dispose of a hazardous item. All you have to do is set up an appointment for pickup, pay for the service, and let the company do the rest.

Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking Down Your Grill for Disposal

Should you opt to break down your grill yourself, following the steps below will help ensure a safe and responsible disposal.

Preparing the grill for dismantling and disassembling

First, make sure your grill is clean and free of greasy buildup. Give it a quick wipe down before you do any dismantling. To make disassembly a little easier, spray the joints with a lubricator (like WD-40)to loosen up any rust that may have accumulated. Be sure to wear work gloves for protection against sharp edges.

Disposing of Different Components

Metal components can often be recycled fairly easily. Check the lid, racks, and sides of the grill for a recycling symbol. Metals like steel, cast iron, and aluminum can usually be sold for scrap if in good condition.

Properly Disposing of Propane Tanks

Empty propane cylinders that can longer be refilled must be taken to a specialized center that can dispose of hazardous waste. You can find these centers by calling a local propane supplier or consulting your city government’s website. Many cities offer a drop-off location for empty propane tanks. DO NOT put used propane tanks in the trash. It is hazardous waste. Even a partially filled cylinder can still be potentially explosive.

Recycling Plastic Parts

Some plastic parts on a grill can be recycled, such as handles, sides, and other components. Check for the recycling logo. You can either dispose of these items in your regular recycling pickup or bring them to a recycling center.

Discarding Non-Recyclable Parts and E-Waste

Electronic waste must be taken to an electronics recycling center. Search for a local e-waste recycler or check your city’s website to find a list of certified recycling centers or e-waste drop-off events.

Whether you’re scrapping your old grill or looking for a new one, BBQ Depot is here for all your grilling needs. We’ll not only help you find the best grill for your situation, but we’re also your go-to partner for grill recipes, maintenance, and advice on how to dispose of a grill. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our grill experts by phone at 1-877-983-0451. We can’t wait to help you upgrade your grill and take your grilling skills to the next level!