Old bathtubs can be disposed of or repurposed through several avenues, depending on the tub's condition and material. Best options include:
Removing an old bathtub requires a logical step-by-step approach. The process involves shutting off the water, exposing the tub, disconnecting the drain and plumbing, removing wall fasteners, and carefully lifting or cutting the unit out for disposal.
How to recycle bathroom suites
Bathtubs are generally not biodegradable, so it's best to find a more responsible disposal option than the landfill. LoadUp offers flexible options for bathtub removal and disposal, including convenient curbside pickups.
How to Remove a Bath
8 ways to Reuse Your Old Bathtub After A Renovation
Yes, you can cut a fiberglass tub. Whether you are hacking it into smaller pieces for easier removal or cutting down a section to create a walk-in shower, it requires the right tools and strict safety precautions.
Customer Recycling Services
The Home Depot takes back rechargeable batteries, CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and plastic bags. You can find a recycling bin with directions for dropping off these materials near the entrance of your local Home Depot store.
To quickly tell if your bathtub is steel or cast iron, first use a magnet. Both are magnetic, but cast iron is significantly heavier (weighing 300-500 lbs), doesn't flex when pushed, and makes a dull, solid, bell-like sound when tapped. Steel tubs are lightweight, have a higher-pitched, tinny sound, and feel thinner at the edges.
Costs to load, haul away and dispose of old materials, installation waste and associated debris. In January 2026 the estimated cost to Remove a Bathtub starts at $134 - $260 per bathtub. Use our Cost Calculator for cost estimate examples customized to the location, size and options of your project.
Cost to remove an old bath
Andy Simms, building expert for MyBuilder, shares typical costs: “Removal costs will usually range between £100 and £250, depending on factors such as the tub's size, weight, and accessibility.”
Increased Space
Bathtubs take up a lot of room, so removing your tub can significantly increase your floor space, making your bathroom feel larger and less cramped. You can use this additional space for extra storage, a larger shower or simply to provide a more open environment.
Here's the short answer: You can recycle or dispose of your mattress by reaching out to a mattress retailer or local Bye Bye Mattress program, contacting your town's public works department, scheduling a bulk waste pickup or donating it if it's in good condition.
Take it to your nearest recycling centre where it will be weighed and you will be charged based on the weight of the items. They will accept toilets, basins, baths, taps, old tiles and plasterboard etc. Call your council to come and collect the items. There is a charge involved with this.
Yes, you can sell your old bathtub. On average, a reused or salvaged bathtub will run anywhere from $300-$1,000, depending on the material and quality of the bathtub.
Not every bath is scrap-ready. Some are perfectly usable with a wash, others just have scrap value.
Bathtubs in the 1950s were primarily made of cast iron coated in porcelain enamel. Stamped steel also began to emerge as a lighter, cheaper alternative. Unlike earlier clawfoot models, 1950s tubs were built-in, recessed styles known as "apron" or "alcove" tubs.
Dish soap isn't just for dishes; it can serve as an effective cleaner for your bathtub when you're alone at home. The surfactants in dish soap break down grease and grime, making it an efficient choice for tackling soap scum and dirt in your bathroom.
The Magnet Test
If the magnet sticks firmly, your tub is made of cast iron or steel with a porcelain enamel coating. If the magnet doesn't stick at all, you have a fiberglass, acrylic, or stone-based material.
Lowe's recycling programs:
Many common everyday items cannot go in curbside bins because they contaminate batches, ruin equipment, or lack recyclable materials. Three frequent examples include:
Best Buy accepts most electronics and large appliances, with a few exceptions. See the Electronics and Appliances Recycling main page for more information on recycling restrictions for specific products in your state.
Bathtub cut outs are an affordable solution to convert your tub into a walk-in shower. In just over an hour of installation, you get the benefits of both—while preventing nasty slips and falls!
To quickly tell if your tub is fiberglass or acrylic, firmly press the side of the tub. Fiberglass is thinner, more flexible, and will give slightly when pushed. Acrylic is backed by heavier reinforcement, making it much more rigid and solid to the touch.
Fiberglass is a synthetic material that contains fragile glass fibers. These fiberglass particles can penetrate the skin, leading to pain and a rash. When a person cuts or saws fiberglass, the dust can irritate the eyes and airways.