A public resource guide
A tank water heater is 100 to 150 pounds of steel once drained, which makes it one of the easiest appliances to recycle for free. The trap is the water still inside.
Last updated: October 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource
A 40 or 50 gallon tank water heater weighs 100 to 150 pounds empty and 450 to 550 pounds full, which is why the first rule is to drain it completely before anyone tries to move it. Once drained, it is a steel cylinder with a glass-lined interior, a sacrificial anode, and either a gas burner or electric elements. Scrap yards accept them free, most city bulk programs take them, and the plumber installing a replacement should haul the old one. Tankless units are smaller and go through electronics or scrap channels. Heat pump water heaters are the exception: they contain refrigerant and follow air conditioner rules.
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The weight problem is entirely water. People try to tip a tank that has not fully drained and discover that 30 remaining gallons weigh 250 pounds. Sediment at the bottom can also clog the drain valve, leaving the tank heavier than it looks. Flushing with the cold supply on for a minute often clears it.
Gas water heaters have a gas line that must be shut and capped and a flue that comes off the top. Electric heaters are on a 240V circuit that must be off at the breaker. Both have a temperature and pressure relief valve that may drip.
Heat pump (hybrid) water heaters contain refrigerant in the compressor on top. Under EPA Section 608 that refrigerant has to be recovered before scrapping, so these units follow the same path as refrigerators and air conditioners rather than ordinary tanks.
A drained tank water heater is free to dispose of almost everywhere. Choose based on who is doing the lifting.
Plumber or installer haul-away
Included in most replacementsPlumbers and big-box installers remove and recycle the old tank as part of a replacement job. It is already disconnected when the new one goes in, and the installer has the dolly and the truck. Confirm haul-away is on the quote.
Ask whether a separate disposal fee applies. A few installers add $25 to $50; most include it.
Emergency replacements sometimes leave the old tank behind when the crew is in a hurry. Mention it before they leave.
Scrap metal recyclers
Free, sometimes paid to youA tank is 100 to 150 pounds of steel plus copper fittings, so scrap yards accept them at no charge and independent scrappers pick them up from the curb within hours of a free listing. Fully drained is a condition every yard enforces.
Remove the drain valve after draining so the yard can see the tank is empty.
Tankless units contain a copper heat exchanger and are also accepted; many yards pay more for them.
City bulk or appliance pickup
Free in most citiesMost municipal bulk programs accept drained water heaters as a large item or an appliance. Some cities ask that they be set out on their side, and a few require a separate appliance appointment.
Heat pump water heaters usually need the refrigerant appliance route rather than regular bulk. Check the city rule below.
Set out drained. Crews will leave a tank that is still heavy.
Paid options come into play for basement tanks with difficult stairs, heat pump units, and situations where no replacement is being installed.
Self-haul to a transfer station or scrap yard
Free to $15A drained tank lies flat in a pickup bed or a large SUV. Scrap yards take them free; transfer stations may charge a small bulky item fee.
Strap it down. An empty tank rolls.
LoadUp paid pickup
$80+For households not eligible for free programs, or who need a water heater gone this week, LoadUp connects you with independent loaders in cities across all 50 states. Upfront pricing, same-week scheduling, in-home pickup from any floor, and licensed disposal or recycling handled for you.
What’s included: Loading, hauling, and disposal. No prep needed beyond pointing out what goes.
Pricing: Starts around $80 for a single item; full-truck pickups range from $300 to $600 depending on volume.
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.
Get a water heater pickup price from LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
Drained tank water heaters are accepted by most city bulk programs as a large item or appliance. Heat pump water heaters follow refrigerant appliance rules. Tap a city for the specifics on tanks, set-out position, and appointments. Each city link opens a dedicated free water heater removal guide for that city, built from the same researched city data.
Akron, OH Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free curbside on regular collection day. If working: donation pickup. Many…
Free water heater removal in Akron →
Albuquerque, NM Launching
Free Large Item Pick-Up. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Albuquerque →
Allentown, PA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free curbside on second collection night. If working: donation pickup. Many…
Free water heater removal in Allentown →
Anaheim, CA Launching
Republic Services bulky pickup, no fee.
Free water heater removal in Anaheim →
Anchorage, AK Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, or appliance): SWS Saturday bulk pickup (fee). Anchorage Regional Landfill (tipping…
Free water heater removal in Anchorage →
Arlington, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Bi-weekly bulk if under 35 lbs and 2 cu yd. Otherwise special pickup or…
Free water heater removal in Arlington →
Atlanta, GA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, or other appliance): If working: donation pickup. If not: city bulk pickup (most accepted),…
Free water heater removal in Atlanta →
Augusta, GA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free curbside on regular collection day. If working: donation pickup. Many…
Free water heater removal in Augusta →
Aurora, CO Launching
See the Aurora guide for bulk rules.
Free water heater removal in Aurora →
Austin, TX Launching
On-demand bulk pickup (metal pile). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Austin →
Bakersfield, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): 1 of 2 free monthly pickups by appointment. If working: donation pickup. Many…
Free water heater removal in Bakersfield →
Baltimore, MD Launching
White goods accepted at Drop-Off Centers (free) and monthly bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Baltimore →
Baton Rouge, LA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free out-of-cart pickup on weekly collection day. If working: donation pickup.…
Free water heater removal in Baton Rouge →
Birmingham, AL Launching
Generally accepted in biweekly bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes appliances). Otherwise bulk pickup or paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Birmingham →
Boise, ID Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free large item pickup (Freon removed at no charge). Retailer haul-away with new…
Free water heater removal in Boise →
Boston, MA Launching
Free curbside on regular trash day. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Boston →
Bridgeport, CT Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Transfer Station (Mon-Sat). Seasonal Bulk Program. Retailer haul-away with new…
Free water heater removal in Bridgeport →
Buffalo, NY Launching
Free 2-piece weekly bulk. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Buffalo →
Camden, NJ Launching
Special appliance pickup, 856-757-7000. Free.
Free water heater removal in Camden →
Cape Coral, FL Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher (no refrigerant)): Free curbside bulk on regular collection day.
Free water heater removal in Cape Coral →
Chandler, AZ Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): 1 free use (curbside bulk). Separate recyclable metal bulk from trash bulk.
Free water heater removal in Chandler →
Charlotte, NC Launching
Bulk pickup via CLT+ (75 lb item limit applies). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Charlotte →
Chattanooga, TN Launching
Free Bulk Trash pickup. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Chattanooga →
Chesapeake, VA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances): Bulk trash request (washers, dryers, water heaters, HVACs accepted).
Free water heater removal in Chesapeake →
Chicago, IL Launching
Bulky Item Pick Up via 311. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes appliances). Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Chicago →
Chula Vista, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Free Republic bulky pickup. Use landfill pass for many items at once.
Free water heater removal in Chula Vista →
Cincinnati, OH Launching
Free 311Cincy scheduled bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Cincinnati →
Cleveland, OH Launching
Accepted at monthly bulk (counts toward 3-item limit) or Ridge Road. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Cleveland →
Colorado Springs, CO Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Call your hauler for bulk pickup terms. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…
Free water heater removal in Colorado Springs →
Columbia, SC Launching
Often exceeds 40-lb limit. Donation if working. Otherwise paid hauler.
Free water heater removal in Columbia →
Columbus, OH Launching
MUST schedule first via 311. Free bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup.
Free water heater removal in Columbus →
Corpus Christi, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Twice-annual brush/bulky pickup (separate from brush). Or J.C. Elliott…
Free water heater removal in Corpus Christi →
Dallas, TX Launching
Not accepted in regular bulk pickup. Free landfill self-haul. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Dallas →
Denver, CO Launching
Large Item Pickup accepts non-Freon appliances (counts toward 5-item limit). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Denver →
Des Moines, IA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): 7 stickers ($35) plus call (515) 283-4950 to schedule. Collected following…
Free water heater removal in Des Moines →
Detroit, MI Launching
Accepted at curbside weekly bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes appliances). Otherwise weekly bulk or paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Detroit →
Durham, NC Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Free bulky pickup (up to 3 items per request).
Free water heater removal in Durham →
El Paso, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Fee-based curbside (doors must be removed, refrigerant removed) or retailer…
Free water heater removal in El Paso →
Fayetteville / Bentonville, AR Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance (freon)): Fayetteville: Requires Freon recovery fee form before scheduling…
Free water heater removal in Fayetteville / Bentonville →
Fort Wayne, IN Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): FREE bulk pickup via 311. NO Freon means OK for city pickup.
Free water heater removal in Fort Wayne →
Fort Worth, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Monthly bulk pile (free). Drop-Off Station alternative.
Free water heater removal in Fort Worth →
Fresno, CA Launching
Free OCU. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Fresno →
Garland, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Weekly brush/bulky pickup (separate from brush). Remove contents, tape…
Free water heater removal in Garland →
Gilbert, AZ Launching
SEPARATE Gilbert appliance pickup ($16/$85). NOT in regular bulk.
Free water heater removal in Gilbert →
Grand Rapids, MI Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): $40 Appliance Sticker (same as Bulk Sticker). Retailer haul-away with new…
Free water heater removal in Grand Rapids →
Greensboro, NC Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, or appliance): NOT bulk, call 336-373-CITY (2489) for free appointment. Doors must be…
Free water heater removal in Greensboro →
Greenville, SC Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free bulk pickup by appointment. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon…
Free water heater removal in Greenville →
Hartford, CT Launching
Free Bulky Waste Collection (counts as 1 of 5 items). Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Hartford →
Henderson, NV Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Bi-weekly bulk (one major appliance per day). Henderson Transfer…
Free water heater removal in Henderson →
Honolulu, HI Launching
See the Honolulu guide for bulk rules.
Free water heater removal in Honolulu →
Houston, TX Launching
Accepted in Junk Waste months (call 311). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise heavy trash or paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Houston →
Indianapolis, IN Launching
Free heavy trash pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Indianapolis →
Irvine, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): 2 free WM bulky pickups/year (4 items per appointment).
Free water heater removal in Irvine →
Jackson, MS Launching
Public Works bulk pickup or retailer haul-away. Free for residents.
Free water heater removal in Jackson →
Jacksonville, FL Launching
Accepted in weekly bulk pickup (no appointment). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Jacksonville →
Kansas City, MO Launching
Free Bulky Item Pickup. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Kansas City →
Knoxville, TN Launching
Free WEEKLY bulky pickup. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Knoxville →
Lakeland, FL Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): 1 of 4 free bulk collections/year (schedule first). Retailer haul-away with new…
Free water heater removal in Lakeland →
Las Vegas, NV Launching
Free biweekly bulk, one major appliance per day limit applies. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Las Vegas →
Lexington, KY Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Free LexCall 311 bulky pickup (must be scheduled).
Free water heater removal in Lexington →
Lincoln, NE Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Hauler bulk pickup. Bluff Road Landfill self-haul.
Free water heater removal in Lincoln →
Long Beach, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances): Special Collection (12/year, max 40 lb item).
Free water heater removal in Long Beach →
Los Angeles, CA Launching
LASAN free bulky pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Los Angeles →
Louisville, KY Launching
Free Large Item Pickup (USD only). If working: donation pickup. Paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Louisville →
Lubbock, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Self-haul to FREE Citizen Convenience Station.
Free water heater removal in Lubbock →
Madison, WI Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance (refrigerant)): $35 fee, work order required. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…
Free water heater removal in Madison →
McAllen, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Drop-off site at 4101 N. Bentsen Rd accepts appliances. Retailer haul-away with…
Free water heater removal in McAllen →
Memphis, TN Launching
Accepted at Outside-the-Cart pickup. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes appliances). Otherwise bulk pickup or paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Memphis →
Mesa, AZ Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Mesa bulk pickup ($29/load).
Free water heater removal in Mesa →
Miami, FL Launching
Accepted in Miami-Dade bulky pickup as “white goods.” If working: donation pickup. Otherwise: bulky pickup, T&R Center, or paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Miami →
Milwaukee, WI Launching
PREPAID STICKER REQUIRED. Free pickup with sticker. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Milwaukee →
Minneapolis, MN Launching
Free Large Item Pickup on recycling day (metal items). Note “For Solid Waste” required.
Free water heater removal in Minneapolis →
Nashville, TN Launching
Convenience Center (1st bulk item free, fees for additional). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Nashville →
New Orleans, LA Launching
Bulky waste pickup via 311. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in New Orleans →
New York, NY Launching
Metal items can go on recycling day. Otherwise: free curbside on trash day. Paid haul.
Free water heater removal in New York →
Newark, NJ Launching
White goods appointment via 973-733-4311. Free.
Free water heater removal in Newark →
Norfolk, VA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances): Bulk waste request. Free of trash and debris before pickup.
Free water heater removal in Norfolk →
North Las Vegas, NV Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Bulk pickup (under 6 ft). Cheyenne Transfer Station alternative.
Free water heater removal in North Las Vegas →
Oakland, CA Launching
Free Bulky Pickup. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Oakland →
Oklahoma City, OK Launching
Free monthly bulky pickup. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Oklahoma City →
Omaha, NE Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free cleanup events accept appliances. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Paid…
Free water heater removal in Omaha →
Orlando, FL Launching
Weekly Large Items pickup. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes appliances). Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Orlando →
Philadelphia, PA Launching
Water heaters eligible for Residential Bulk Collection. Other appliances accepted at Convenience Centers. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise…
Free water heater removal in Philadelphia →
Phoenix, AZ Launching
Appointment bulk pickup accepts these (counts toward 10 cu yd limit). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Phoenix →
Pittsburgh, PA Launching
Free 2-per-week bulk pickup. Items too heavy for two-person pickup will NOT be collected.
Free water heater removal in Pittsburgh →
Plano, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher)): Bulky waste request (free, 6 cu yd max).
Free water heater removal in Plano →
Portland, OR Launching
Hauler bulky pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Portland →
Providence, RI Launching
FREE curbside pickup with 24-hour notice. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Providence →
Provo, UT Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Seasonal cleanup dumpsters or SUVSWD transfer station (suvswd.org). Retailer…
Free water heater removal in Provo →
Raleigh, NC Launching
Bulky Load. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Raleigh →
Reno, NV Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Lockwood Landfill 1 free bulky OR transfer station trip.
Free water heater removal in Reno →
Richmond, VA Launching
$50 fee for City pickup. Free at transfer stations (self-haul). Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Richmond →
Riverside, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Bulky item appointment, Agua Mansa drop-off, or retailer haul-away with new…
Free water heater removal in Riverside →
Rochester, NY Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free curbside bulk pickup. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon recovery…
Free water heater removal in Rochester →
Sacramento, CA Launching
Free Household Junk Pickup. If working: donation pickup. Paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Sacramento →
Saint Paul, MN Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher)): Monthly bulky (counts toward 3 appliances/electronics annual…
Free water heater removal in Saint Paul →
Salt Lake City, UT Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Call 2 Haul accepts refrigerators (Freon-containing appliances handled properly).…
Free water heater removal in Salt Lake City →
San Antonio, TX Launching
Brush & Bulky pickup OR Bulky Center. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in San Antonio →
San Diego, CA Launching
Self-haul to Miramar. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes appliances). Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in San Diego →
San Francisco, CA Launching
Free Bulky Item Recycling if under 100 lbs. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in San Francisco →
San Jose, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free junk pickup (haulers handle refrigerant compliance). Retailer haul-away with…
Free water heater removal in San Jose →
Santa Ana, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): 4 free Republic bulky pickups/year. Or donate to Habitat ReStore if…
Free water heater removal in Santa Ana →
Scottsdale, AZ Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Salt River Landfill (FREE, weight allowance) OR monthly brush/bulk.
Free water heater removal in Scottsdale →
Seattle, WA Launching
SPU Special Item Pickup ($30/each). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Seattle →
Spokane, WA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Load Truck service (call 311). Transfer station self-haul ($30 fee for…
Free water heater removal in Spokane →
St. Louis, MO Launching
Accepted at monthly bulk pickup (counts toward 3-item limit) or Transfer Station drop-off. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in St. Louis →
St. Petersburg, FL Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Free Special Pickup (call 727-893-7398 first).
Free water heater removal in St. Petersburg →
Stockton, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Clean Sweep or paid pickup (209-946-5711). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…
Free water heater removal in Stockton →
Syracuse, NY Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Contact Cityline (315-448-2489) for appliance pickup options. Retailer haul-away…
Free water heater removal in Syracuse →
Tampa, FL Launching
Accepted in S.W.E.E.P. or special pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Tampa →
Tucson, AZ Launching
Free Brush & Bulky Plus, doors removed. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Tucson →
Tulsa, OK Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Bulky waste pickup (accepted). Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Refrigerant…
Free water heater removal in Tulsa →
Virginia Beach, VA Launching
Free Bulky/Large Item Pickup. Donation if working.
Free water heater removal in Virginia Beach →
Washington, DC Launching
Bulk pickup via 311 (counts toward 7-item limit). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.
Free water heater removal in Washington →
Wichita, KS Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Hauler bulk. Brooks Landfill self-haul.
Free water heater removal in Wichita →
Winston-Salem, NC Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer): Annual Bulky Pick-Up (during scheduled week, no separate appointment…
Free water heater removal in Winston-Salem →
Worcester, MA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Drop-Off Center or Casella curbside. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon…
Free water heater removal in Worcester →
How do I drain a water heater before disposal?
Turn off the gas or the breaker and shut the cold water supply. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain or outside. Open a hot tap upstairs and the T&P valve to let air in. When the flow stops, open the cold supply briefly to flush sediment, then close it and let the tank finish draining. Expect 20 to 40 minutes for a 50 gallon tank.
Can a water heater go out with bulk trash?
In most cities, yes, as long as it is drained. Some cities treat it as an appliance with its own appointment. Check the local rule in the directory below.
Will a scrap yard pay for an old water heater?
Usually a few dollars for the steel, more for a tankless unit with a copper heat exchanger. Most yards require the tank to be fully drained and some ask that the drain valve be removed.
Is there anything hazardous in a water heater?
Standard gas and electric tanks contain no refrigerant or regulated materials. Heat pump water heaters contain refrigerant in the compressor and must be handled like a refrigerator. The glass lining and the magnesium or aluminum anode rod are inert.
How much does a water heater weigh?
Empty, a 40 gallon tank weighs about 100 to 120 pounds and a 50 gallon tank 120 to 150 pounds. Full, add roughly 8.3 pounds per gallon, which is why a 50 gallon tank weighs over 500 pounds before draining.
What about tankless water heaters?
They weigh 40 to 80 pounds and contain a copper heat exchanger and electronics. Scrap yards accept them, some e-waste programs take them, and most bulk programs accept them as a small appliance.
What does LoadUp charge to remove a water heater?
A drained tank typically prices at the single-item minimum, around $80 to $100 in most metros, with stairs and in-home removal included in the upfront quote. Independent loaders on the LoadUp marketplace can drain a tank for an added charge if you mention it when booking.
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.