To get rid of a piano, start by finding out whether it has any value, then try selling it, giving it away or donating it. If nobody wants it, the realistic options are recycling it in pieces or paying a crew to haul it out. The hard part is rarely finding a place for it to go. It's getting several hundred pounds of wood and cast iron out of the house safely.
First, is your piano worth anything?
Before you list it or book a pickup, get an honest read on its condition. Piano technicians often point out that a free piano is rarely free once you add moving, tuning and repairs, which is why many older instruments are hard to give away (Richard's Piano Service explains why).
A few quick checks help you set expectations:
- Type: spinets, consoles and older uprights are the most common pianos people want gone. Grands and well-known brands are more likely to have buyers.
- Condition: sticky keys, cracked wood, missing ivory and a piano that won't hold a tune all lower demand.
- Tuning history: a piano that hasn't been tuned in years may need more work than a buyer wants to take on.
If you think it could be worth real money, pay a piano technician to look at it. The Piano Technicians Guild lists Registered Piano Technicians at ptg.org. An inspection costs less than moving a piano you can't sell.
Selling or giving it away (and why many listings sit)
Online marketplaces are full of free pianos, and many of those listings sit for weeks. Buyers know the move often costs more than the piano, so they pass unless the instrument is in good shape.
To give your listing a better chance:
- Post clear photos of the keys, the inside and the brand name.
- Say plainly where it sits (ground floor, garage, upstairs) and how many steps are in the way.
- State that the buyer handles moving, or offer to split the cost.
- Set a deadline. If it hasn't moved by then, go to plan B.
Be careful about letting friends move it for free. Pianos are top-heavy and easy to tip, and an injury or a cracked tile floor costs far more than a pro.
Donating a piano: schools, churches, community groups
Donation works best for pianos that play well and hold a tune. Places to ask include:
- Local schools and school music programs
- Churches and community centers
- Community theaters and youth music groups
- Senior living communities
Call before you load anything. Many organizations already have more pianos than they can use, and most donation programs expect you to arrange and pay for the move. Ask for a donation receipt if you plan to claim it on your taxes.
General thrift stores usually won't take pianos because of the weight and the space they take up, so confirm with any donation center before you show up.
Recycling a piano: wood, cast iron plate, strings
When a piano can't be played, sold or donated, it can still be broken down. A piano is mostly three things:
| Part | What it is | Where it can go |
|---|---|---|
| Case, keys and action | Wood, felt, some plastic | Trash or wood recycling, depending on finishes |
| Plate (harp) | A heavy cast-iron frame | Scrap metal recycler |
| Strings and hardware | Steel, some copper-wound bass strings | Scrap metal recycler |
The cast-iron plate is the heaviest single piece and the hardest to deal with. It likely exceeds Phoenix bulk trash metal limits (KTAR has reported that bulk trash excludes metal over 20 pounds or longer than 4 feet), so don't plan on leaving it at the curb. Call a scrap yard to ask whether they accept it and whether they'll pay by weight.
The wood and other parts can go to a city transfer station. See our guide on where to dump trash in Phoenix for locations and rules. If you're taking a piano apart yourself, a dump trailer rental lets you load the pieces at your own pace and make one trip to the transfer station.
Piano removal: what it costs and what affects price
We don't publish a flat piano price, because the job changes a lot from one house to the next. As a reference point, Angi reports that a professional piano move averages about $400, with most people paying between $200 and $1,000 (Angi piano moving cost). Removal for disposal is a different job from a move, so use that as a rough guide, not a quote.
What pushes the price up or down:
- Piano type: a spinet is a smaller job than a full upright. Grands are the biggest job and often need specialized equipment.
- Stairs and access: every flight of steps, tight turn, narrow hallway or gravel path adds time and risk.
- Distance to the truck: a piano in the garage is easier than one in a back room.
- Disposal: someone has to pay to dump or recycle the parts.
- Other items: adding furniture or other junk to the same visit can make the trip more worthwhile.
For an exact number, request a free quote for piano removal. Tell us the type of piano, the floor it's on and how many steps are in the way, and we'll quote it before we come out. If you have more to clear, our furniture removal and general junk removal crews can take it on the same trip. We serve the whole valley, including junk removal in Scottsdale.
Can you move or dismantle a piano yourself? (safety)
You can, but go in with your eyes open.
Moving a whole piano takes several strong people, a heavy-duty dolly, straps and a plan for every doorway and step. Pianos are tall, narrow and top-heavy. If one starts to tip, don't try to catch it. Let it go and get out of the way.
Taking a piano apart is a common DIY route, but it has real hazards:
- String tension: the strings are under very high combined tension. Loosen them with a tuning wrench before you cut anything, and wear eye protection, gloves and long sleeves.
- The plate: even on its own, the cast-iron plate is very heavy. Plan how you'll lift it before you free it.
- Old finishes and dust: wear a dust mask and work in a ventilated space.
- Sharp edges: broken wood, screws and string ends are everywhere once you start.
If you're not sure you want to tackle this, ask about it when you call. It's often cheaper to pay for removal than to deal with an injury.
Frequently asked questions
Will anyone take an old piano for free?
Sometimes. Pianos that play well and hold a tune can find a home through a free listing, a school or a church, but many older uprights don't. Most people and organizations also expect you to pay for the move.
How much does piano removal cost?
It depends on the type of piano, stairs and access, and disposal. Angi reports professional piano moves average about $400, with most between $200 and $1,000. For a firm price in the Phoenix area, request a free quote and describe the piano and the path out.
Can I put a piano out for bulk trash in Phoenix?
A whole piano is not a good fit for bulk trash, and the cast-iron plate likely exceeds the program's metal limits. Check the current rules on the City of Phoenix bulk trash page before you set anything out.
Is it safe to take a piano apart myself?
It can be done, but the strings are under high tension and the cast-iron plate is very heavy. Release string tension before cutting, wear eye protection and gloves, and have help for the plate.