Inheriting This Household Item Is Really Just A Curse In Disguise

When you get a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bike, or weight station from someone else, you also take on the challenge of getting rid of it. These machines are hard to recycle and usually need special handling or a paid haul-away, which means you spend time and money even if you never use the equipment. Junk removal for one large item runs $130 to $400, per Home Guide. Costs average around $240 and can go as high as $700 to $1,000 for a full truckload, depending on how much you have and where you live. Some cities will help, but they set limits. For instance, St. Paul, Minnesota allows one bulky item pickup per month and charges $30 for each extra item. This could make you question whether hiring a moving company is worth it. 

Donating is not always an easy way out either, as many charities do not accept large machines. Goodwill programs generally say they will not take large exercise units like treadmills and ellipticals. So, anyone who inherits these machines should always check their local charity's list before loading up the equipment. If you skip this step, the machine could end up right back in your garage, leaving you to pay for disposal.

To dispose of your inherited heavy exercise equipment, use your free city services and DIY downsizing. Break the unit into manageable parts using the manual. Remove the console and cables, and then separate the frame so two people can carry pieces safely. Some cities offer no-fee bulk pickup on regular collection days. In New York City, for instance, residents have the option to set out up to six large items per collection day at the curb, which lets you stage parts over multiple pickups if needed. Treat the electronic console as e-waste; bag it separately, and use your state or city electronics drop-off program. This is general advice for when you sell electronics before you move out of an area.

If your city will not pick up the equipment (or you cannot get it to the curb), find interested parties on online marketplaces. Or, give it away for free using sites like Freecycle or the Buy Nothing Project. Post clear photos, the model, and the size of the machine, and say that the person must pick it up from your home. Many groups are made for large, reusable items, and people who want them often bring their own tools and help because they might want the parts, scrap metal, or a project to fix up. Set a pickup time, clear a path for moving, and, if you list locally, watch for telltale signs of Facebook Marketplace scams.