Why Pianos Are Different
An upright piano weighs 400–800 lbs and is awkwardly shaped with no good handholds. Getting one out of a house typically requires equipment (piano dollies, skid boards), experienced crew who know how to navigate stairs without damaging floors, and sometimes doorframe removal. This is why piano removal commands a premium and why some junk removal companies refuse them.
Option 1: Donate or Give Away
If the piano plays (even if it needs tuning), it likely has a taker:
- Facebook Marketplace: List as “free, must provide own movers.” Include photos. Expect interest within days from music teachers, churches, and families with children taking lessons.
- Craigslist Free section: Same approach. CL still has strong traffic for large free items.
- Nextdoor: Good for local reach. Neighbors with musicians in the family will respond.
- Schools and churches: Call directly. Many have ongoing need for practice pianos.
- Freecycle.org: Post in your local group.
The one friction point: whoever takes it must arrange professional piano movers. This narrows the pool of takers. Some people offer to split the moving cost with the recipient to close the deal faster.
Option 2: Sell It
Playable pianos in decent condition have real market value:
| Piano Type / Condition | Typical Resale Range |
| Spinet/console, older, needs tuning | $0–$500 |
| Quality upright, recently tuned | $200–$1,500 |
| Baby grand, good condition | $1,000–$5,000+ |
| Named brands (Steinway, Yamaha, Baldwin) | Significantly higher |
| Non-playing or heavily damaged | $0 (disposal only) |
Option 3: Junk Removal
For pianos that can’t be donated or sold, professional removal is the safest option:
| Piano Type | Typical Removal Cost |
| Spinet / console upright | $150–$250 |
| Full upright | $200–$400 |
| Baby grand | $300–$600 |
| Grand piano | $400–$700+ |
| Stair carry surcharge | +$50–$150 |
When getting quotes, confirm: (1) the company has piano removal experience, (2) they carry liability insurance that covers floor/wall damage, and (3) they have proper equipment (not just a standard junk crew).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get rid of an old piano?
Junk removal for a piano costs $150–$400 for an upright, and $300–$700 for a grand piano. The cost is high because pianos are extremely heavy (400–900 lbs for uprights, 500–1,300 lbs for grands), require specialized equipment, and take a larger crew. Some companies refuse pianos entirely.
Can I donate an old piano?
Yes, if it’s in playable condition and recently tuned. Schools, churches, community centers, and music programs often want pianos. Post on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist — musicians and music teachers look for affordable practice pianos. Offer free with self-pickup and someone will almost always take it.
Will anyone take an old piano for free?
Often yes, if it’s in playable condition. Post as “free, must arrange own movers” on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor. Schools, churches, and piano teachers frequently take free pianos. Freecycle.org is another option. The catch: the recipient must arrange professional piano movers, which can deter takers.
Can a piano go in a dumpster?
Technically yes, but most dumpster rental companies prohibit it or charge extra due to the weight. A grand piano can weigh 1,000+ lbs — enough to exceed a dumpster’s weight allowance on its own. Getting a piano into a dumpster also requires equipment most homeowners don’t have. Junk removal is the more practical option.
How much does a piano weigh?
Spinet/console upright: 300–500 lbs. Full upright: 500–800 lbs. Baby grand: 500–700 lbs. Grand: 700–1,000 lbs. Concert grand: 1,000–1,400 lbs. This weight, combined with the awkward shape and fragile finish, is why piano moving is a specialty trade.