After 15+ years helping people upgrade their massage chairs, I’ve seen every possible scenario when it comes to getting rid of an old one. Whether you’re upgrading, moving, or downsizing, here’s the stress-free playbook I give my own customers for donating, reselling, recycling, or removing an old chair.
Quick Take: Plan ahead. Massage chairs often weigh 200–300 lbs and contain electronics, so you can’t just set them out with regular trash. The fastest routes are:
- Donate if it still works
- Trade-in or resell if it’s valuable
- Book professional removal or recycling if it’s at end-of-life
Why Is Disposing of a Massage Chair So Difficult?
Massage chairs are heavy, bulky, and made with motors, wiring, foam, and synthetic coverings—none of which belong in standard trash pickup. I’ve even seen people fined for leaving them curbside without a scheduled collection. A bit of planning makes the process painless.
Can I Donate My Old Massage Chair?
Yes—if it still works, donation is the most rewarding option.
Where to Donate:
- Charities: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat ReStore (always call first to confirm acceptance policies)
- Community Locations: Senior centers, rehab or wellness clinics, churches, shelters, youth centers
Pro Tip: Take photos, note the brand, age, and condition, and mention whether it’s a smoke- or pet-free household. Many rehab centers appreciate older chairs for light relaxation use.
Is It Possible to Resell or Trade In?
Absolutely. If your chair still has life left, it may hold resale or trade-in value.
- Trade-In: Ask your retailer whether they offer credit toward a new model.
- Local Resale: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp—just be transparent about condition.
Listing Checklist:
- Brand and model
- Purchase year
- Known issues or repairs
- Dimensions and delivery/pickup details
Upgrading soon? Check out our Massage Chair Buyer’s Guide for quick pointers.
What About Recycling or Professional Removal?
If donation or resale isn’t viable, go straight to professional removal and recycling.
- Junk Haulers: National services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or LoadUp can disassemble and haul it away.
- City Bulk Pickup: Many municipalities offer scheduled large-item pickups—book in advance.
- E-Waste Centers: Because massage chairs include motors and circuit boards, e-waste centers may accept them for recycling.
Always check a hauler’s reviews or BBB profile before booking.
Can I Repurpose or Gift My Chair?
Yes. Even a partially working chair can be repurposed as a casual lounger for reading or gaming. Offer it to family, neighbors, or local groups—it might save you time and disposal fees.
What Should I Avoid Doing?
- Leaving it on the curb without an approved pickup (fines are common).
- Dropping broken units at donation centers (they’ll refuse them).
- Storing it outdoors or in damp garages—foam and electronics degrade quickly.
Expert Tips to Make Disposal Easier
- Measure & Plan: Most chairs are 28–32" wide and up to 72" long when reclined. Have a dolly and two helpers ready.
- Keep Packaging: Reuse original boxes if possible for easy transport.
- Ask Your Retailer: Some offer buy-backs or coordinate haul-away when delivering your new chair.
- Schedule Early: Book removal before your new chair arrives to keep walkways clear.
Trusted Resources
- Mayo Clinic — Massage Therapy Benefits
- Cleveland Clinic — Why Massage Helps
- Your local government’s bulk pickup or recycling page (search “[Your City] large item pickup”).
Final Thoughts
Disposing of a massage chair doesn’t have to be stressful. If it still works, donate or resell it. If not, plan a professional removal or recycling. You’ll save time, avoid fines, and know your old chair is handled responsibly.
Need help upgrading? Check out our Top 10 Massage Chairs, learn about Track Types, or Get a Personalized Recommendation.
Author: 15+ years helping customers upgrade and safely dispose of old massage chairs. Transparent, brand-agnostic advice—always.
