A treadmill is among the heaviest items in a home. It folds, but it does not shrink, and it has a motor and a console that make the disposal rules less clear. Begin with the free options your city may offer before you pay to move it.
City large item pickup
Several cities list exercise equipment in their large item programs.
- Richmond lists weight training equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, stair masters and weight sets, among items accepted in Large Item Pick-Up. It counts toward the six items per year. Book through Sierra Waste Services at 604-270-4722 or the City's online form.
- Surrey lists a treadmill, an elliptical machine, an exercise bike, a rower machine, a stepper machine, an exercise bench and a home gym without weights as accepted. Households can schedule up to 6 items per year, or 8 with a registered secondary suite. Call 604-590-7289, option 3.
- Coquitlam lists exercise equipment, including a treadmill, an exercise bench and an exercise or stationary bike. The City sets a maximum of 70 kg (150 lbs) per item and says items that cannot safely be lifted will not be collected. Call 604-636-3521.
Before you book, think about weight and how you will get it to the curb. A treadmill can be hard to move.
Depots and scrap metal
Richmond's Recycling Depot lists exercise equipment under scrap metal, for items that are at least 50% metal. The depot is at 5555 Lynas Lane, phone 604-276-4010, and is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 6:15pm. Because a treadmill has a motor and a console, ask the depot attendant where those parts go. Electrical products have their own program. Our guide to electronics disposal explains why electronics never go in a bin. Our metal recycling page covers scrap metal.
Donate or sell
If it still works, donate or sell it. Metro Vancouver Recycles can help you find a place that takes it.
Bulky junk in a bin
When you are clearing a basement or garage, home gym gear is often one of many items. Our garage cleanout post covers the planning. A treadmill can go in a junk bin as bulky junk. We drop it off, you fill it, and we haul it off when you are done. A 20-yard bin is where most people start for a cleanout.
FAQ
Does Richmond take treadmills for large item pickup? Yes. Richmond lists treadmills under weight training equipment in its accepted items.
Is there a weight limit in Coquitlam? Yes. Coquitlam says 70 kg (150 lbs) per item, and items that cannot safely be lifted will not be collected.
Can I take a treadmill to the Richmond depot? Richmond lists exercise equipment under scrap metal for items with at least 50% metal. Ask the attendant about the motor and console.
Can a treadmill go in a Trash King bin? Yes. It goes in a junk bin as bulky junk.