A public resource guide
Pianos are one of the heaviest household items, uprights weigh 300–500 lbs, baby grands 500–700, grands 800–1,200. Almost no city accepts them in regular bulk pickup. Here’s every legitimate option.
Last updated: May 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource
Pianos are heavy, awkward, and require specialized handling. Upright pianos weigh 300–500 lbs, baby grand pianos weigh 500–700 lbs, and concert grand pianos weigh 800–1,200 lbs. Almost NO U.S. city accepts pianos in regular bulk pickup, they exceed weight limits and require equipment regular crews don’t carry. The good news: pianos retain meaningful value for years, and free options exist via Craigslist takers and music school donations. The catch: you almost always need professional movers ($150–$500 to move within metro, $500–$1,500+ for cross-country) regardless of whether the piano goes to a buyer, donation, or disposal. This guide covers every legitimate option.
On this page
Pianos combine multiple disposal challenges: extreme weight, fragility (the soundboard cracks easily, harp and strings are under massive tension), valuable internals (cast iron harp is worth meaningful scrap value, soundboard wood may be antique), and specialized handling requirements (piano dollies, special straps, often staircase navigation).
Standard bulk pickup crews can’t safely lift a piano, even smaller upright pianos exceed the typical two-person 100–200 lb safe-lift capacity. Storage is tricky too: pianos must stay dry, climate-controlled, and protected from temperature swings, which means they can’t sit at the curb for days waiting for pickup.
The simplest framing: find a piano taker (free) or hire piano-specific movers (paid) BEFORE assuming disposal is necessary, even free pianos are valuable to someone.
Pianos almost always have takers if you list them properly:
Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace (Free Listings)
Free, often quickMost pianos, even older, out-of-tune ones, find takers within 1–3 weeks via free Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace listings. Buyer arranges and pays for pickup.
List details that matter: Brand, model, age (if known), serial number, last tuning date, condition notes, dimensions, photos from multiple angles, and access details (stairs, narrow doorways).
Be honest about condition: Cracked soundboards or stuck keys are deal-breakers for most buyers, but some pickup-only listings find takers anyway.
Music Schools, Churches, Community Centers
Free, if usableWorking pianos in tunable condition (no cracked soundboard, complete keyboard, functional pedals) are often welcomed by music schools, churches, community centers, schools, and rehab centers. Smaller upright pianos are most commonly accepted because they’re portable.
Tax receipt: Donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible at fair market value, typically $200–$2,000+ depending on brand and condition. Get a receipt.
Pre-tuning: Many recipients require pre-tuning before donation, but some accept “as-is” especially for student practice rooms.
Piano Adoption Networks (Online)
FreePianoAdoption.com and similar networks match free pianos with takers nationally. You list, takers travel to pickup. Especially useful for high-quality pianos (Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin) where the resale value justifies long-distance pickup. Less useful for lower-end uprights where local Craigslist works better.
When free options don’t work or you need fast disposal:
Specialized Piano Movers
$150–$500 localSpecialized piano movers (search “piano movers [your city]”) have the equipment and training to safely move pianos within metros. Pricing typically $150–$300 for upright pianos, $300–$500 for baby grands, $500–$800+ for concert grands.
Haul-and-dispose option: Many movers will haul AND dispose for an additional fee, ask explicitly. Often the cheapest path if you can’t find a free taker.
LoadUp paid pickup
$200+For households who need professional removal of a piano with no buyer and want full-service hauling, LoadUp offers piano removal in select markets. Loaders use piano dollies and proper equipment for safe pickup. Independent loaders in the marketplace handle pickup, loading, and licensed disposal.
If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. Every paid LoadUp customer can opt in to round up at checkout, and 100% of round-ups go directly to Freemoval’s subsidized jobs.
Book a piano pickup with LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
Piano Disassembly + Disposal Service
$300–$800For pianos that are unusable, damaged, or unwanted by takers, piano disassembly services break the piano down into components: cast iron harp (sold for scrap, partially offsets cost), keyboard (can be sold separately), case wood (lumber), and disposable parts. Some piano movers offer this as a discounted alternative to full removal.
Almost no U.S. city accepts pianos in regular bulk pickup, they exceed weight limits universally. The summaries below confirm paid hauler is required in most locations, with a few cities offering specific bulky-item exceptions for drained, accessible items. Tap any city to read the full guide.
Albuquerque, NM Launching
Bulky pickup possible, call 311 to confirm crew can handle weight; otherwise paid hauler.
Free piano removal in Albuquerque →
Arlington, TX Launching
Likely exceeds 35-lb bulk limit. Special pickup via Republic Services or paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Arlington →
Atlanta, GA Launching
Heavy and complex, typically requires paid hauler.
Free piano removal in Atlanta →
Anaheim, CA Launching
Republic Services bulky pickup (uprights). Grands likely need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Anaheim →
Anchorage, AK Launching
SWS Saturday bulk (uprights). Grands need paid specialist or LoadUp.
Free piano removal in Anchorage →
Akron, OH Launching
Weekly curbside (uprights). Grands may need Special Bulk Volume Pickup (call 311).
Free piano removal in Akron →
Allentown, PA Launching
Bulk on second collection night (uprights). Grands likely need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Allentown →
Aurora, CO Launching
Hauler bulk varies (uprights). Grands need paid specialist or LoadUp.
Free piano removal in Aurora →
Austin, TX Launching
Typically too heavy for Bulk Collection, paid hauler recommended.
Free piano removal in Austin →
Augusta, GA Launching
Weekly curbside (uprights under limits). Grands may exceed size limits; paid LoadUp.
Free piano removal in Augusta →
Bakersfield, CA Launching
Free pickup by appt (uprights). Grands may need paid specialist. Call 661-326-3114.
Free piano removal in Bakersfield →
Baltimore, MD Launching
Paid hauler typically needed due to weight.
Free piano removal in Baltimore →
Baton Rouge, LA Launching
Out-of-cart pickup (uprights). Grands require paid specialist or LoadUp.
Free piano removal in Baton Rouge →
Bridgeport, CT Launching
Transfer Station (uprights). Grands may need paid specialist. Seasonal Bulk Program for large items.
Free piano removal in Bridgeport →
Boise, ID Launching
1 of 6 free large item pickups (uprights). Grands likely require paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Boise →
Birmingham, AL Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Birmingham →
Boston, MA Launching
Typically requires paid hauler, weight exceeds curbside crew capacity.
Free piano removal in Boston →
Buffalo, NY Launching
Spring/Fall Large Bulk season may accept; otherwise paid hauler.
Free piano removal in Buffalo →
Camden, NJ Launching
Use a licensed NJ A901 hauler, pianos exceed city bulk pickup limits.
Free piano removal in Camden →
Chandler, AZ Launching
1 free use for uprights (curbside bulk). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Chandler →
Charlotte, NC Launching
Paid hauler typically required, exceeds 75-lb item limit.
Free piano removal in Charlotte →
Cape Coral, FL Launching
Free curbside bulk (uprights). Grands may need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Cape Coral →
Chattanooga, TN Launching
Typically requires paid hauler.
Free piano removal in Chattanooga →
Chesapeake, VA Launching
Bulk trash request (uprights). Grands need paid specialist or LoadUp.
Free piano removal in Chesapeake →
Chicago, IL Launching
Typically too heavy, paid hauler.
Free piano removal in Chicago →
Chula Vista, CA Launching
Uprights via free Republic bulky pickup (over 60 lbs may incur extra). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Chula Vista →
Cincinnati, OH Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Cincinnati →
Colorado Springs, CO Launching
No city pickup. Paid specialist hauler for all pianos.
Free piano removal in Colorado Springs →
Cleveland, OH Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Cleveland →
Columbia, SC Launching
Far exceeds 40-lb limit, paid hauler required.
Free piano removal in Columbia →
Columbus, OH Launching
Typically requires paid hauler.
Free piano removal in Columbus →
Corpus Christi, TX Launching
Uprights in twice-annual bulky. Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Corpus Christi →
Dallas, TX Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Dallas →
Des Moines, IA Launching
$5 stickers (uprights). Grands may need paid specialist. Call 515-283-4950.
Free piano removal in Des Moines →
Durham, NC Launching
Free bulky pickup (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Durham →
El Paso, TX Launching
Fee-based curbside likely insufficient for grands. Paid LoadUp pickup or specialist hauler.
Free piano removal in El Paso →
Denver, CO Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Denver →
Detroit, MI Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Detroit →
Fresno, CA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Fresno →
Fayetteville / Bentonville, AR Launching
Fayetteville: 1 free curbside (uprights). Grands may exceed limits; call 479-575-8398.
Free piano removal in Fayetteville / Bentonville →
Fort Wayne, IN Launching
Uprights via FREE bulk pickup. Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Fort Wayne →
Fort Worth, TX Launching
Monthly bulk pile (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Fort Worth →
Garland, TX Launching
Uprights in weekly bulky pickup. Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Garland →
Gilbert, AZ Launching
Uprights in every-5-weeks bulk pickup. Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Gilbert →
Grand Rapids, MI Launching
$40 Bulk Sticker (uprights). Grands may exceed 2 cu yd limit; use paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Grand Rapids →
Greensboro, NC Launching
Free bi-weekly bulk (uprights, 50-lb 2-2-2 rule). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Greensboro →
Greenville, SC Launching
Free bulk pickup by appointment (uprights). Grands require paid specialist hauler.
Free piano removal in Greenville →
Hartford, CT Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Hartford →
Henderson, NV Launching
Bi-weekly bulk (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Henderson →
Honolulu, HI Launching
Bulky appointment (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Honolulu →
Houston, TX Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Houston →
Indianapolis, IN Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Indianapolis →
Irvine, CA Launching
2 free WM bulky pickups/year (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Irvine →
Jackson, MS Launching
Use LoadUp paid pickup or licensed hauler, exceeds city bulk capacity.
Free piano removal in Jackson →
Jacksonville, FL Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Jacksonville →
Kansas City, MO Launching
May exceed 500-lb limit, paid hauler.
Free piano removal in Kansas City →
Knoxville, TN Launching
Items over 6 ft or too heavy for 2-person crew NOT eligible. Paid hauler required.
Free piano removal in Knoxville →
Lakeland, FL Launching
1 of 4 free bulk collections (uprights). Grands may need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Lakeland →
Las Vegas, NV Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Las Vegas →
Lexington, KY Launching
Free LexCall 311 bulky pickup (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Lexington →
Lincoln, NE Launching
Hauler bulk (uprights, Husker: 1 free/month). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Lincoln →
Long Beach, CA Launching
Far exceeds 40-lb Special Collection item limit. Paid specialist or LoadUp required.
Free piano removal in Long Beach →
Los Angeles, CA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Los Angeles →
Louisville, KY Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Louisville →
Madison, WI Launching
Work order required. Keep metal parts separate. Grands may need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Madison →
Lubbock, TX Launching
Uprights self-haul to Citizen Convenience Station. Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Lubbock →
Memphis, TN Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Memphis →
Mesa, AZ Launching
Mesa bulk pickup (uprights, $29/load). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Mesa →
McAllen, TX Launching
Monthly Brush and Bulky (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in McAllen →
Miami, FL Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Miami →
Milwaukee, WI Launching
Special Pickup required (fee-based), 414-286-CITY.
Free piano removal in Milwaukee →
Minneapolis, MN Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Minneapolis →
Nashville, TN Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Nashville →
New Orleans, LA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in New Orleans →
New York, NY Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in New York →
Newark, NJ Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Newark →
North Las Vegas, NV Launching
Bulk pickup (uprights only, under 6 ft). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in North Las Vegas →
Norfolk, VA Launching
Bulk waste request (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Norfolk →
Oakland, CA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Oakland →
Omaha, NE Launching
Cleanup events may accept uprights. Grands require paid specialist hauler.
Free piano removal in Omaha →
Oklahoma City, OK Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Oklahoma City →
Orlando, FL Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Orlando →
Philadelphia, PA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Philadelphia →
Phoenix, AZ Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Phoenix →
Pittsburgh, PA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Pittsburgh →
Plano, TX Launching
Bulky waste request (uprights). Grands likely need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Plano →
Portland, OR Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Portland →
Providence, RI Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Providence →
Provo, UT Launching
Seasonal cleanup dumpsters (uprights). Grands likely need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Provo →
Rochester, NY Launching
Free curbside bulk (uprights). Grands may need On Demand special pickup (call 311).
Free piano removal in Rochester →
Raleigh, NC Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Raleigh →
Reno, NV Launching
Lockwood Landfill (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Reno →
Richmond, VA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Richmond →
Riverside, CA Launching
Exceeds city bulk limits. Paid LoadUp pickup or licensed hauler required.
Free piano removal in Riverside →
Sacramento, CA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Sacramento →
Saint Paul, MN Launching
Monthly bulky pickup (uprights). Grands likely need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Saint Paul →
San Jose, CA Launching
Contact hauler directly; most franchise haulers handle pianos. Paid LoadUp pickup if urgent.
Free piano removal in San Jose →
Salt Lake City, UT Launching
Exceeds Call 2 Haul limits. Paid LoadUp pickup or licensed piano hauler.
Free piano removal in Salt Lake City →
San Antonio, TX Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in San Antonio →
San Diego, CA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in San Diego →
San Francisco, CA Launching
Often exceeds 100-lb limit, paid hauler.
Free piano removal in San Francisco →
Santa Ana, CA Launching
Uprights in 4 free Republic bulky pickups. Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Santa Ana →
Scottsdale, AZ Launching
Uprights via Salt River Landfill or monthly bulk. Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Scottsdale →
Seattle, WA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Seattle →
Spokane, WA Launching
Load Truck service with advance 311 call. Grands may need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Spokane →
St. Louis, MO Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in St. Louis →
St. Petersburg, FL Launching
Free Special Pickup (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in St. Petersburg →
Stockton, CA Launching
Clean Sweep (uprights, call 209-946-5711). Grands may exceed 3 cu yd; paid LoadUp.
Free piano removal in Stockton →
Syracuse, NY Launching
Non-wood furniture accepted (uprights). Grands may exceed 2 cu yd limit. Paid LoadUp for grands.
Free piano removal in Syracuse →
Tampa, FL Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Tampa →
Tucson, AZ Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Tucson →
Tulsa, OK Launching
Fee-based bulky may cover uprights; grands exceed 8 cu yd limit. Paid LoadUp pickup or specialist.
Free piano removal in Tulsa →
Virginia Beach, VA Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Virginia Beach →
Washington, DC Launching
Paid hauler typically required.
Free piano removal in Washington →
Wichita, KS Launching
Hauler bulk (uprights). Grands need paid specialist or LoadUp.
Free piano removal in Wichita →
Winston-Salem, NC Launching
Annual Bulky Item Pick-Up (uprights). Grands need paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Winston-Salem →
Worcester, MA Launching
Drop-Off Center by appt (uprights). Grands require paid specialist.
Free piano removal in Worcester →
I have a free piano. Will anyone really take it?
Yes, almost certainly. Pianos, even older, out-of-tune ones, have takers in nearly every U.S. metro. Craigslist Free section is the fastest channel: list with brand, model, age, condition, dimensions, photos, and access details. Most listings get inquiries within 24–48 hours. Buyer typically handles transportation. The takers include: piano hobbyists who restore for resale, families seeking starter pianos, churches, schools, theater companies. Even a free non-working upright piano typically finds a taker for the cast iron harp scrap value alone.
How much does piano removal cost?
Specialized piano movers typically charge $150–$300 for an upright piano move within a metro, $300–$500 for a baby grand, $500–$800+ for a concert grand. Removal-only (where the mover hauls and disposes) often costs slightly more than a typical move because of disposal fees ($30–$80 added). Stairs add $50–$150 per flight. Long carries (parking far from the home) add $50–$100. Total typical removal: $200–$500 for an upright, $400–$800 for grands. Always get 2–3 quotes.
Can I disassemble a piano myself?
Strongly discouraged. Pianos contain a cast iron harp under 18–22 tons of string tension, releasing it improperly can cause serious injury. Even disassembly of unstrung pianos is labor-intensive and requires specialized tools. If you absolutely want to DIY, watch instructional videos first, work with at least one helper, and never cut strings under tension. The labor-time cost-benefit usually doesn’t justify DIY disassembly, a piano disassembly service ($300–$500) handles 4–8 hours of work professionally.
My piano is 50+ years old. Is it valuable?
Maybe. Pre-1980 high-end American pianos (Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Knabe, Chickering) are often worth $1,000–$5,000+ in working condition because of solid construction and rebuildable mechanisms. Pre-1980 lower-end American or imported pianos are typically worth $0–$300 because of declining quality. Get a piano technician’s assessment ($50–$100 fee) before assuming low value, serial number lookups and condition checks can identify high-value pianos that look undistinguished. PianoBuyer.com has free serial number lookups.
What if my piano has bedbugs or pest damage?
Donation programs and most takers will refuse pianos with active pest infestations. Your options: (1) Pest treatment first (an exterminator can fumigate a piano case for $200–$400), then donate or sell normally. (2) Direct disposal via paid hauler, tell them about the pests in advance, some haulers charge extra or refuse. (3) Disassembly service that takes only the metal harp and case (which can be sterilized at high heat at the recycling facility). The cast iron harp scrap value typically partially offsets the disposal cost.
Is this page maintained?
Yes. Freemoval maintains this page as a public resource. We update it when programs change rules, fees, or contact methods. Last updated May 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.