Water Heater Disposal in Orange County: Your Options

A new water heater usually shows up after the old one fails, and suddenly you have a 150-pound steel tank sitting in the garage. Water heater disposal takes a little planning, because the tank is heavy, awkward and often still full of sediment. This guide walks you through the safe ways to get rid of one in Orange County.

Before Water Heater Disposal: Disconnect It Safely

First, a licensed plumber should shut off and disconnect the gas line, the water lines and any electrical connection. A loose gas fitting is a serious hazard, so don’t guess on this step. Next, the tank needs to be drained completely. Even a small amount of water adds a lot of weight, and sediment can spill out on the way to the truck.

In most cases, the plumber who installs your new unit handles the disconnection at the same visit. Therefore, ask about it when you get your installation quote.

Option 1: Ask Your Plumber to Haul It Away

Many plumbers take the old tank with them after they install the new one. Some include this in the price, while others add a separate fee. Either way, it’s worth asking first, because it’s often the simplest route.

Option 2: Take It to a Scrap Metal Recycler

Tank water heaters are mostly steel, so scrap metal yards often accept them. Some yards even pay a small amount for the metal. However, policies vary, and some yards want the tank fully drained or cut open. So call ahead before you load it up.

Option 3: Water Heater Disposal at a County Landfill

According to OC Waste & Recycling, county landfills accept household appliances at their normal fees. Orange County residents can use the Olinda Alpha Landfill in Brea or the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano. Bring proof of Orange County residency, and check the current fee schedule before you go. For more detail on hours and fees, read our Orange County dump guide.

Option 4: Check Your City’s Bulky Item Pickup

Some Orange County cities include appliances in their bulky item collection programs, but rules differ from city to city. For example, some haulers limit weight per item or won’t take certain appliances. Call your trash hauler to confirm before you set a water heater at the curb.

Option 5: Hire a Junk Removal Company

If you don’t have a truck, or the tank sits in a tight closet or attic, a junk removal crew can do the lifting. Once the unit is disconnected and drained, the crew carries it out, loads it and takes it to be recycled. In addition, you can add other junk from the garage to the same trip.

Tankless Water Heater Disposal

Tankless units are much smaller and lighter than tank models. Still, they contain metal and electronic parts, so they belong at a recycler rather than in your trash cart. A plumber should disconnect them too.

What Not to Do

Don’t leave a water heater in an alley or vacant lot. Illegal dumping can bring fines, and it creates a hazard for your neighbors. Also, don’t try to cut open a tank yourself. Old tanks can hold pressure, sediment and sharp edges.