Piano disposal — how to get rid of an old piano
Pianos are heavy: Yamaha's full-size U1 upright weighs 502 pounds, and its taller U3 weighs 517. Getting one out of a house is the hard part, so it's worth knowing your options before you start — and asking whether yours is worth keeping in use first.
Short answer
- Ask before you scrap it. A piano technician can tell you whether it's worth selling or giving away.
- Moving it is the real job — it takes several people and the right equipment.
- A junk-removal crew handles the lifting, the stairs and the hauling.
- Taking it to the dump yourself? Call first; bulky-item rules and fees vary.
Your options
- Sell or give it away. Have a piano technician look at it first, so you know what you're offering.
- Hire a crew. Junk-removal companies move and haul pianos; get an upfront price below.
- Haul it yourself. Many landfills take bulky household items by weight. Check your city's page, and plan for several people and a dolly rated for the weight.
Why weight matters
At around 500 pounds for a full-size upright, a piano is a lot of weight to move, and stairs make it harder still. If you're moving it yourself, use a dolly and straps rated well above the piano's weight, and check that your vehicle can carry it. Our guide to furniture disposal covers lighter bulky items.
Find a dump near you
Enter your city or ZIP for the nearest landfills and transfer stations, then check each site's page for bulky-item rules.
Common questions
How do I get rid of an old piano?
Have a piano technician tell you whether it's worth selling or giving away, then either list it, hire a junk-removal crew, or haul it to a landfill that takes bulky items. Call the landfill first.
How much does a piano weigh?
A full-size upright can weigh around 500 pounds: Yamaha lists its U1 at 502 pounds and its U3 at 517.
Will the dump take a piano?
Many landfills take bulky household items by weight, but rules vary. Check your city's page or call the site before you load it.