🏃‍♂️How Do I Get Rid of a Treadmill?

It might be outdated, broken, or simply taking up space. “How do I get rid of a treadmill?” is possibly what you want to know.

Treadmills are bulky and challenging to dispose of, but there’s no need to fret. These tips will show you safe, smart, and environmentally friendly ways to get rid of your machine. Consider all the possibilities, whether your treadmill is working or not.

🤔 First, Ask Yourself: Is It Still Working?

Before deciding on how to dispose of a treadmill, assess its condition.

✅ Still works perfectly? You can sell or donate it.
⚠️ Partially working? Consider repairs or give it away for parts.
❌ Completely broken? It’s time to either recycle it or dispose of it.

Figuring out the status of your treadmill helps you pick the best route.

💰 1. Sell Your Treadmill (If It Works)

One of the best and easiest ways to get off your treadmill is to sell things.

Best Places to Sell:

Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
OfferUp
eBay (local pickup only)

Quick Selling Tips:

Take pictures that are clear from different spots.
Give a short, honest description of the item, including the name, state, and features.
Determine a reasonable price by researching the selling prices of similar items.
If you can, offer to bring or help load.

Tip: Clean your bike before you put it on the market. To sell faster, a clean bike looks like it’s brand new.

🎁 2. Donate Your Treadmill

Would you prefer not to handle the selling process? Think about giving it another chance.

Where to Donate:

🏋️ Local gyms or community centers
🏠 Senior centers or assisted living homes
🎓 Schools or colleges with fitness rooms
🏢 Non-profits or charities (like Goodwill or Salvation Army)

Make sure to call ahead—some places don’t accept large items, especially if they’re broken.

♻️ 3. Recycle It (Eco-Friendly Option)

If your bike is old or broken, the best thing to do is recycle it. A lot of the parts can be used again, like the motor and metal frame.

How to Recycle:

🔧 Call your local recycling center. Ask if they accept treadmills.
♻️ Use Earth911.com or RecyclingCenters.org to find a facility near you.
🛠️ You might want to consider disassembling it yourself to facilitate easier transpor.

Avoid dumping a treadmill on the curb to protect the environment and prevent potential fines for illegal disposal in some states.

🚚 4. Use a Junk Removal Service

However, this is the fastest (but not the cheapest) way to get rid of it if you need it gone right away.

Popular Junk Removal Services:

1-800-GOT-JUNK?
Junk King
College Hunks Hauling Junk

They’ll come, lift, load, and remove the treadmill in minutes.

Cost Alert: Prices vary but expect $100–$200, depending on your location and treadmill size.

🧰 5. Repurpose or Upcycle Your Treadmill

Get creative! Various parts of the machine can be repurposed in exciting and unique ways.

Cool Ideas:

📺 You can use the frame of the bike as a TV stand or a clothes rack.
For a home project, use the bike belt as a makeshift conveyor belt.
🛋 Use metal bars to make frames for furniture again.

What your mind can do might surprise you!

🛠️ 6. Trade It In (For Store Credit)

Some fitness stores and brands let you trade in your old machine when you buy a new one.

Try These Options:

NordicTrack: Sometimes offers trade-in deals.
ProForm: Ask about upgrade promotions.
Local fitness equipment stores may offer store credit.

Always inquire about trade-in options before purchasing a new treadmill. Trading in your old one could significantly reduce the cost of your new purchase.

🧹 7. Leave It on the Curb (With Caution)

Some places let you pick up large items. If you want the simplest free choice, this might work.

Check First:

Get in touch with your city’s cleaning or trash management office.
Find out when and how to pick up your things.
Put a note on it that says “Free”; someone may take it before the city does.

Note: Not all places let you do this, and some may fine you for putting big things outside.

🤝 8. Give It Away Online

Give money away if you’re feeling kind and don’t need it.

Best Sites to Use:

Freecycle.org
Nextdoor app
Facebook Freebie Groups
Reddit (r/Freebies or r/BuyNothing)

Just post a short note:

“Free working treadmill. You haul. First come, first served.”

You’ll be amazed at how fast people take advantage of free stuff.

🏋️‍♂️ 9. Sell for Parts (If It’s Not Working)

Even broken treadmills have value.

Sell These Parts:

Motor
Control board
Walking belt
Frame or handrails
Screws and bolts (especially for rare models)

Put them on eBay or in a Facebook group for people who like to do their own repairs or hire repair technicians. Someone out there may need the specific part you have.

🧱 10. Disassemble It for Easy Transport

Disassemble the treadmill first if it’s difficult to move.

Tools You May Need:

Screwdriver
Allen wrench
Adjustable wrench
Zip bags (for screws and bolts)

Break it down into:

Deck
Console
Frame
Motor

Parts are easier to carry, recycle, or get rid of because of this feature.

🧾 Bonus:

If you’re getting rid of your treadmill to donate it for a tax break, move, or protect your health:

📸 Take photos
🧾 Keep receipts
📝 Note down who picked it up or where you donated it

These details might be helpful later.

✅ Final Checklist: How to Get Rid of a Treadmill

Step	Option	Best For
✅ 1	Sell it	Still working & in good condition
✅ 2	Donate it	Giving it to a good cause
✅ 3	Recycle it	Eco-friendly disposal
✅ 4	Junk removal	Fast & hassle-free
✅ 5	Repurpose it	Creative reuse
✅ 6	Trade-in	Buying a new treadmill
✅ 7	Curb pickup	Easy if your city allows it
✅ 8	Give it away	Generosity & convenience
✅ 9	Sell for parts	Broken but valuable inside
✅ 10	Disassemble it	Easier handling & storage

💡

You don’t have to fight to get rid of a bike. How should you get rid of your old machine? You can sell it, give it away, recycle it, or break it up. Your method should be based on the situation, your time, and your options. Use these tips to effectively declutter your space.

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with a friend who may be wondering how to dispose of a treadmill. Get rid of stuff, help someone, and you might even make some money!