If you’ve got old exercise equipment gathering dust in your basement, garage, or spare room, you might be wondering what to do with it. Whether it’s a treadmill that’s been sitting idle for years or a set of dumbbells collecting rust, getting rid of old gym gear can feel like a hassle. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
As a professional junk removal specialist with Junk Robbers in Chicago, I’ve seen it all. I understand how important it is to dispose of your equipment the right way—safely, efficiently, and responsibly. Here are 10 ways to get rid of that old exercise equipment cluttering up your space, starting with the easiest options and working our way down to more specialized methods.
1. Donate Your Old Equipment to Local Charities
One of the simplest ways to get rid of old exercise equipment is to donate it. Many Chicago-based charities and nonprofit organizations are happy to accept gently used gym equipment. Whether it’s a stationary bike, a yoga mat, or some dumbbells, there’s a chance someone could use it.
Where to Donate:
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Donating helps those in need, and it keeps your equipment out of landfills. But sometimes, donation centers won’t accept larger items or equipment in poor condition. If that’s the case, Junk Robbers can step in and pick up the items for you, making the whole process easier.
2. Sell It Online
If you think your old exercise equipment still has value, why not sell it? Chicago has a number of platforms that make it easy to sell used items locally, and you might even make a little cash in the process.
Popular Online Marketplaces:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- OfferUp
When selling online, make sure to take clear pictures and provide an honest description. Don’t forget to set a fair price—it’s better to move the item quickly than to hang on to it forever. If it doesn’t sell, or you just don’t want to deal with it, Junk Robbers is ready to take it off your hands.
3. Recycle Your Equipment
If your exercise equipment is no longer usable or too worn out to donate or sell, recycling is a great option. Many parts of gym equipment, like metal frames or plastic components, can be recycled at local recycling centers.
Recycling in Chicago:
- Lakeshore Recycling Systems
- Chicago Recycling
- Scrap metal yards
By recycling, you’re keeping harmful waste out of landfills and contributing to a more sustainable environment. If you’re not sure how to recycle your equipment, Junk Robbers can help guide you to the right places or pick it up for recycling.
4. Repurpose Your Equipment for New Uses
Before you throw away or donate that old exercise equipment, consider giving it a second life. There are many creative ways to repurpose gym gear. For example, an old treadmill base can be turned into a standing desk, and resistance bands can be used for home DIY projects.
Some Ideas:
- Turn weights into doorstops or bookends.
- Use a yoga ball as a funky chair.
- Repurpose exercise mats as floor cushions.
Not into DIY? That’s okay! If you’d rather not deal with it, Junk Robbers can take care of your old gear without a second thought.
5. Contact a Local Gym or Fitness Center
If your equipment is still in decent shape, some local gyms or fitness centers may be interested in taking it off your hands. Some gyms run trade-in programs or accept donations to help outfit their facilities.
What to Ask:
- Do they accept used gym equipment?
- Are they offering any trade-in programs for store credit or discounts?
Even if they don’t take your items, Junk Robbers can remove them quickly and efficiently. We’ve helped many customers with this exact situation!
6. Get Exercise Equipment Removal Service From Junk Robbers
When it comes to getting rid of old exercise equipment fast, nothing beats professional junk removal. Junk Robbers specializes in hauling away large and bulky items, including gym gear. We make it easy for you—we’ll come right to your home, give you an upfront price, and take care of everything.
Why Choose Junk Robbers?
- Quick and easy scheduling
- Affordable and transparent pricing
- Eco-friendly disposal
We’ll make sure that your equipment is disposed of responsibly—whether that means recycling it, donating it, or safely disposing of it.
7. Trade-In at a Sporting Goods Store
Some sporting goods stores, like Play It Again Sports, offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your old gym equipment for store credit or discounts on new products. If your equipment is in decent condition, this could be a win-win situation.
Before you head to the store, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and see if they’re accepting your specific equipment. And if they aren’t, don’t worry—Junk Robbers can help get rid of it hassle-free.
8. Contact a Local Scrap Yard
If your equipment is mostly made of metal, such as old weightlifting machines or metal exercise bikes, you might be able to take it to a scrap yard. Many local scrap yards will pay for scrap metal, and it’s an excellent way to recycle large items.
Chicago Scrap Yards:
- A-1 Recycling
- Chicago Scrap Metal Recycling
But if you don’t have the time or means to transport the equipment, Junk Robbers can remove it and ensure it gets sent to the right place for recycling.
9. Host a Garage Sale
If you’ve got multiple pieces of old equipment you’d like to get rid of, hosting a garage sale could be a fun and effective option. Put up some signs in your neighborhood, share the sale on social media, and you might just find someone eager to buy your treadmill or elliptical machine.
Tips for a Successful Sale:
- Set a fair price
- Clean the equipment beforehand
- Advertise locally on Facebook or neighborhood groups
If you don’t manage to sell everything, or if you just don’t want the leftover gear, Junk Robbers can haul away the unsold items at a great price.
10. Hire a Professional Disposal Service (Junk Robbers!)
If all else fails, or if you simply want a quick and easy solution, hiring a professional junk removal service like Junk Robbers is the best option. We specialize in removing old gym equipment—no matter the size or condition—and we do it in an environmentally responsible way.
- We handle all the heavy lifting.
- Fast and reliable service.
- We donate and recycle as much as possible.
All you need to do is give us a call, and we’ll take care of the rest.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of ways to get rid of your old exercise equipment in Chicago. Whether you choose to donate, sell, recycle, repurpose, or call in a professional junk removal service, you have options that are convenient and environmentally responsible.
We’re always here to help with fast, affordable, and hassle-free junk removal. If you need to get rid of that old treadmill, set of weights, or any other gym gear, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let us make the process as easy as possible for you!
