How to Get Rid of a Piano [Recycle, Sell or Throw?]

(Last Updated On: December 30, 2022)

So you’ve been staring at your piano for a while now, thinking about how you haven’t played it in who knows how many years and wondering if perhaps it’s time to get rid of it. Or maybe you’re moving, and your new home doesn’t have enough space for your piano, so you’re debating whether to buy a smaller piano or get rid of it altogether. Whatever reason you have for wanting to dispose of your piano, we have you covered.

There are many ways to get rid of a piano, but remember that just because you no longer have any use for it doesn’t mean that someone else won’t enjoy it. One person’s trash could be someone else’s treasure! 

We’ll show you how to easily get rid of it through various means, such as donating it, selling it, or incorporating it into your home’s décor if you no longer want to use it as a musical instrument and would rather use it as a unique bar or table instead. So let’s explore all the possible ways you can dispose of your piano.

How to Get Rid of a Piano

There are many ways to get rid of your piano. Some include selling, donating, recycling, finding a new use for it, or simply dumping it. Most of these options will cost you next to nothing. You just have to put in a bit of work, and you’ll get rid of your piano in no time.

Selling it

If you’re not ready to get rid of your piano for free, you should probably consider selling it. You could always try listing your piano on online auction sites like eBay or classified ad websites like Craigslist or Facebook’s Marketplace.

All you have to do is take high-quality pictures of your piano. Take 5-8 pictures from all angles without using any filters or editing. It’s also best to take them during the day. (Nighttime photos are discouraged because flash is often frowned upon on these sites).

You should be completely honest with your customers and describe the instrument in great detail, including flaws such as scratches, dents, loose parts, etc., as well as its overall condition. You don’t want the buyer of your piano to arrive expecting one thing and get something completely different. That won’t do anything but kill the deal. So, being open and honest is crucial.

Additionally, when advertising your piano for sale, it’s a good idea to add a few hundred dollars to the asking price. Have some wiggle room in case the client chips away at the price you initially set.

You can also increase the exposure of your post in different regions by running ads and paying to sponsor it.

Last but not least, see if anyone you know is interested in purchasing your piano before putting it up for sale, you’ll make a quicker sale and know that your piano is in good hands.

Trade it

If you’re having trouble selling your piano, perhaps you could trade it for something you need instead. Maybe another person is in need of a 88-Key Digital piano and has something else they would like to get rid of too. Try advertising the piano on a website like Craigslist to see if anyone is interested in taking it off your hands in exchange for something you need.

There is also the option of visiting a music store or repair shop, where you may be able to trade in your piano for another instrument, cash, or a gift card to use in the store.

Donating it

If you’re not interested in turning a profit from selling your piano, you always have the option of donating it to a local school, church, or charity. These organizations will likely be more than happy to accept your donation to help other students or children learn how to play the piano and improve their skills.

You could also list your piano online as a “free” item and wait to see who gets in touch with you first to come and pick it up. Simply let them know in advance that they will be the ones responsible for the shipping and delivery charges, and that will ensure that you are exempt from any fees and will be able to get rid of your piano without having to pay any additional costs.

If you’d rather go a different route with this, you could sell the piano online and give the proceeds to a charity or someone in need.

Recycle or Repurpose it

You can always keep your piano but transform it into something else. There are plenty of DIY (Do It Yourself) techniques for repurposing your old piano into a stylish bar, table, garden planter, and many other beautiful and eye-catching additions to your home. They show you how to take out the soundboard, hammers, strings, lid, and other components of the piano and make use of the extra room created to convert it into a secret bar, a storage area, or even a desk. Simply use a website like Pinterest to find ideas and inspirations, and transform your piano from a musical instrument into a distinctive piece of furniture for your home.

Dump it

If you’re really eager to get rid of your piano and aren’t interested in any of the alternatives we previously mentioned, you might have to regrettably dump it. We don’t recommend taking it to a landfill, but if all else fails, you might have to. This is not only the most heartbreaking, but also the most expensive way to get rid of your piano. The landfill, and possibly any other disposal service, will charge you to take it off your hands. So if at all possible, try to avoid this choice.

Visit James Mann’s article on “Best Small Pianos for Apartments”

FAQs

What do I do with an old piano?

You could sell it by listing your piano on online auction sites like eBay or classified ad websites like Craigslist or Facebook's Marketplace. Trade it for another instrument or something you need. Donate it to a school or charity. Repurpose it into a piece of furniture, or dump it.

Where can I donate an old piano near me?

You could donate it to your local schools, recreation centers, service clubs, churches, senior centers, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or any other place in need of a piano and doesn’t mind that it might need some repairs. Just pick your go-to organization and make your donation.

Are old upright pianos worth anything?

It all depends on the piano’s condition, brand, and age. A piano that has been kept in pristine condition is more valuable than one that has seen better days. And a piano with a more prestigious brand name, such as Steinway, Sauter, or Steingraeber & Söhne, is much more valuable than one with a more generic brand name.

Conclusion

The process of getting rid of a piano is never simple. Often, the piano holds sentimental value for the owner. Whether they have played it for years or inherited it from a close relative, it can be difficult to let go. In other cases, it’s possible that you’re ready to get rid of your old piano because of the hassle and expense of its ongoing maintenance and repair needs.

No matter what your circumstances are, we have outlined the most effective ways for you to get rid of your piano. And hope that we have provided you with a wide variety of options to think about. Ranging from selling it to donating it to finding another use for it, so that you can get rid of your piano without having any second thoughts.