How to Dispose of an Old Toilet in Chicago – Safely and Legally

If you’ve ever tried to replace an old toilet, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of the old one. But did you know it’s important to dispose of a toilet properly and legally? In this blog post, we’ll go over all the dos and don’ts of disposing of an old toilet.

We’ll cover everything from proper preparation to finding a place to take it, so you can safely and legally get rid of your old toilet.

Let’s get started!

DO Call Your Local Waste Management Company

When it comes to disposing of an old toilet, the best and safest thing to do is to call your local solid waste management company. They will be able to provide you with specific information on how to properly dispose of your old toilet. They can also tell you whether or not they have a specific facility in your area where you can take the toilet for disposal.

Your local waste management company may also provide other services, such as pickup and haul-away services. They can also offer advice on how to properly package the old toilet so that it can be safely transported. You may also be eligible for a discount if you choose to hire their services for disposal.

It is important to always follow the guidelines given by your local solid waste management company, as this is the best way to ensure that your old toilet is disposed of in a safe and legal manner.

DON’T Put It in Your Regular Garbage Can

If you are getting rid of an old toilet, it is important not to just throw it in the regular garbage can. The materials used in older toilets may be hazardous or even toxic and could leach into the environment if left in a landfill for too long. Additionally, a broken toilet can be quite heavy and may cause damage to the garbage truck if it attempts to pick it up.

In most cases, it is best to take your old toilet to a designated dump site. These sites will safely dispose of the toilet, often by recycling the porcelain material, so that it does not end up in a landfill.

If you cannot find a designated dump site near you, check with your local solid waste management company, as they may have suggestions on how to safely and legally dispose of your toilet.

DO Recycle It If Possible

Yes, you can recycle an old toilet. Toilet recycling has become increasingly popular in recent years as an eco-friendly option for disposing of an old toilet. Recycling a toilet is a great way to keep hazardous materials out of landfills and can actually be beneficial for the environment.

When recycling a toilet, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure it’s done safely and legally.

• First, you’ll need to remove all remaining water from the tank and bowl and adequately dispose of it.
• Then, you’ll want to contact a local recycling center to confirm that they accept toilets for recycling.
• Many centers will also advise on how to properly disassemble the toilet for easy transport.
• If you can’t find a local center that accepts toilets for recycling, you may want to consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. This can help keep your old toilet out of the landfill while benefiting someone in need.

No matter which option you choose, do your research first to ensure you dispose of your old toilet safely and legally.

DON’T Put It In Your Recycling Can Either

When disposing of an old toilet, it’s important to remember that you should not put it in your recycling can. Toilets are not easily recyclable by your everyday waste management company, so putting them in your recycling can lead to your whole load of recyclables being rejected by the recycling facility.

Even if the toilet is made of recyclable materials like porcelain, the components and potential for contamination mean that it can’t be recycled.

Additionally, putting a toilet in your recycling can is dangerous for sanitation workers. The weight of a toilet can cause injury or damage to workers when they are handling the items from your recycling can. It’s best to avoid putting toilets in your recycling bin to avoid this potential hazard.

Finally, placing an old toilet in your recycling can is illegal in many cities and towns. The City of Chicago may issue fines if sanitation workers find an old toilet in a recycling can, so it’s important to dispose of toilets properly.

The best way to get rid of an old toilet is to call your local solid waste management company to arrange for curbside pickup. You can take it to a designated dump site if that’s not an option. Recycling a toilet may be possible in some cases, so if you have the time to research a recycling option, you may be able to safely and legally recycle your old toilet.

DO Drain the Tank Before You Remove It

When disposing of an old toilet, it is important to remember to drain the tank before removing it. This will help reduce the risk of any hazardous material getting into your plumbing or the environment. To do this, first, turn off the water supply to the toilet and then flush the tank until it is empty. Once the tank is empty, use a wrench or pliers to disconnect the supply line from the bottom of the tank. Then use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the tank and bowl.

It is also important to remember that if you are recycling your old toilet, you must make sure that all of the parts are still intact. If there are any broken pieces or missing components, they cannot be recycled. Make sure you check with your local recycling center to see if they accept toilets and what their requirements are for accepting them.

By following these steps, you can safely and legally dispose of your old toilet. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to ensure that your toilet is properly disposed of so that it does not end up polluting our water sources.

DON’T Break Your Toilet Into Smaller Pieces

Breaking a toilet into smaller pieces may seem like an easy way to dispose of it, but it is actually not a good idea. Breaking up the toilet can create sharp and hazardous objects that could cause serious injury. It can also create sharp edges that can damage other items at the disposal site, as well as make it more difficult to transport the pieces.

Additionally, breaking the toilet into smaller pieces might not be allowed at some disposal sites, so you should check with your local solid waste management company first.

When disposing of your old toilet, the safest and most effective option is to transport it in one piece. This will minimize the risk of injuries, protect other items at the disposal site, and ensure that you comply with local regulations.

If you are unable to transport the toilet in one piece, you should take extra care when breaking it down into smaller pieces. Always wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection, and make sure all pieces are small enough that they won’t be hazardous when transported.

DO Use a Curbside Pickup Option

If your local waste management company offers a curbside pickup option for disposing of an old toilet, then you should take advantage of it. This is a great option that is both convenient and safe. With this method, all you have to do is call the waste management company to set up a time for them to come to your home and pick up the old toilet.

They will take care of the rest and make sure that it is disposed of safely and legally. It’s important to note that there may be a fee associated with this service, so make sure to check with your local waste management company for their rates and policies.

Curbside pickup is an easy way to dispose of an old toilet, and it takes the worry out of making sure it is done properly and safely.

DON’T Attempt to Lift The Toilet By Yourself

Attempting to lift a toilet by yourself is not only dangerous but could lead to severe injuries. Toilets are made of heavy, hard materials and can weigh up to 200 pounds or more, depending on the type and size. If you’re not strong enough to lift the toilet, it’s best to call a professional or use a curbside pickup option instead.

Some potential injuries from trying to lift an old toilet include strains or sprains in your back, arms, legs, and neck; herniated discs; and torn ligaments and muscles.

Additionally, you could also suffer fractures, cuts, scrapes, bruises, and more. In other words, don’t risk it! Find a way to safely and properly dispose of your old toilet without attempting to lift it by yourself.

It is always best to dispose of an old toilet at a designated dump site or by taking advantage of curbside pickup options. This will ensure that you are disposing of your toilet legally and safely.

DON’T Put It In Somebody’s Large Dumpster

When disposing of an old toilet, it’s important to remember that you should never put it in somebody else’s large dumpster without their permission. This is illegal in cities like Chicago and could result in hefty fines.

It is important to remember that dumpsters are not public property and are owned by someone else. If you do not have permission to use the dumpster, do not leave your old toilet there, as it is considered illegal dumping. Additionally, if the dumpster is full, the extra weight of your old toilet can damage the container, potentially leading to costly repairs for the owner.

DO Research What Type of Toilet You Have

When it comes to disposing of an old toilet, it is important to research what type of toilet you have. Different types of toilets are made from different materials, and some of these materials may not be safe or legal to dispose of in your regular garbage. Toilets can be made from porcelain, ceramic, plastic, and even wood or metal.

Porcelain toilets, which are the most common type found in homes, are non-toxic and considered safe for disposal. However, if you have an older model, it may contain hazardous materials like lead paint and should be taken to a designated hazardous waste collection center for disposal. Ceramic toilets, on the other hand, should never be thrown away as they contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals.

Plastic toilets are not usually considered a hazard, but depending on the age of the toilet and its components, they may contain dangerous substances such as mercury or formaldehyde. Wood or metal toilets must be recycled at a designated recycling center or given to a scrap metal recycler.

In short, before you dispose of an old toilet, make sure you do your research to find out what type of toilet you have and what materials it is made of. Knowing this information will help you safely and legally dispose of your old toilet.

DO Call Junk Relief

When it comes to disposing of an old toilet, you should never attempt to do it on your own. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also result in fines and other consequences if you are not following the proper regulations.

That is why it is always best to call Junk Relief for assistance. Our experienced and knowledgeable team can help you remove your old toilet from your house safely and legally, as well as any other junk that you’re looking to get rid of.

We will take care of the entire process from start to finish and make sure that everything is disposed of properly. So, if you need any help getting rid of an old toilet, give us a call today!