Start With the Propane Tank
If you have a gas grill, deal with the propane tank before anything else. Propane cylinders — whether a small 1-lb camping canister or a standard 20-lb grill tank — should never go in the trash or curbside recycling, even if you think they're empty. Take the tank to a hardware store or an exchange location such as Blue Rhino or AmeriGas; many of these accept empty tanks for exchange or recycling. If you aren't certain the tank is empty, treat it as pressurized and let the exchange location handle it rather than trying to vent or dispose of it yourself.
If You Have a Charcoal or Pellet Grill: Handle the Ash Safely First
Charcoal ash can hold enough heat to smolder for a surprisingly long time. Let ash cool completely — as long as 48 hours — before you dispose of it. Coals that look cold can still ignite a trash bag or bin if they're moved too soon. Once fully cooled, ash can typically go out with regular household trash in a metal container or heavy bag; check your local waste hauler's specific guidance if you're unsure.
Your Options for the Grill Itself
| Option | Best For | What to Expect |
| Sell or donate | Working grills in decent condition | Clean grates and working ignition or grate help it sell; buyer typically handles pickup |
| Scrap metal yard | Rusted or non-working grills, mostly steel/cast iron | Modest payout at best; call ahead about current rates and whether tank/plastic parts need removing first |
| Curbside bulk pickup | Cities that accept large metal items on scheduled bulk days | Free, but check your city's rules — many exclude anything with a fuel tank attached |
| Junk removal pickup | Fastest, no-hassle option | Usually falls within a standard minimum-load charge, often $75–$150 |
Selling or Donating a Working Grill
A grill that still lights reliably and has usable grates is a reasonable candidate for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a local donation center. Clean off grease and built-up residue before listing or dropping it off — it makes a real difference in whether someone wants it. If the burners are unreliable, the body is rusted through, or major parts are missing, it's more realistic to move straight to scrap or junk removal instead of spending time trying to sell it.
Scrapping an Old Grill
Most grills are built from steel or cast iron, so they do carry some scrap metal value — but grills are much lighter than appliances like washers or refrigerators, so the payout is typically modest rather than a meaningful windfall. Call a local scrap yard to ask about current rates and whether they want the propane tank and any plastic side tables or wheels removed before you bring it in. Some yards will take the whole thing as-is; others prefer just the metal components.
Junk Removal Cost for an Old Grill
If you'd rather skip disassembly, scrapping, or trying to sell it, junk removal crews take grills as a routine item. A single grill on its own is small enough that it typically falls within a company's standard minimum-load charge — commonly in the $75–$150 range — rather than requiring a special quote, especially if it's bundled with other items you're clearing out at the same time.
- Remove or empty the propane tank first. Crews won't load a pressurized tank — you'll need to detach and drop it off separately.
- Let charcoal ash fully cool before pickup. Crews won't haul warm ash or coals due to fire risk.
- Bundling helps. If you're already having other items hauled away, adding a grill to that load usually costs little to nothing extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a propane tank in the trash?
No. Propane cylinders — from small 1-lb camping canisters up through standard 20-lb grill tanks — should never go in the trash or recycling, even when empty. Take them to a hardware store or an exchange location like Blue Rhino or AmeriGas, many of which accept empty tanks for exchange or recycling. If you're not sure a tank is fully empty, treat it as pressurized and let the exchange location handle it.
How long should I wait before throwing away charcoal ash?
Let ash cool completely before disposing of it — up to 48 hours is the safe rule of thumb, since coals can hold enough heat to smolder and ignite a trash bag or bin long after they look cold. Once fully cooled, ash can typically go in regular household trash in a metal container or bag; check your local waste hauler's guidance if you're unsure.
Is an old grill worth anything as scrap metal?
Grills are mostly steel or cast iron, so they do have some scrap value, but grills are lighter than large appliances and typically bring a modest payout at best — often just enough to make drop-off worthwhile rather than a meaningful windfall. Call a local scrap yard to ask about current rates and whether they'll take it as-is or want the propane tank and any plastic parts removed first.
Will junk removal companies take an old grill?
Yes, grills are a standard item for junk removal crews. A grill on its own is small enough that it typically falls within a company's minimum-load charge — commonly in the $75–$150 range — unless it's part of a larger pickup. Just remove or empty the propane tank first and let any charcoal ash fully cool, since crews won't haul a pressurized tank or hot ashes.
Can I donate or sell a working grill instead of throwing it away?
Yes, a working grill in decent condition is a good candidate for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a local donation center. Clean grates and a functioning ignition or working charcoal grate make it more attractive to buyers. If it's rusted through, missing major parts, or the burners no longer work reliably, scrap or junk removal is usually the more realistic path.