How to Dispose of a Range Hood: Scrap, Resale, or Pickup

How to dispose of a range hood is simple once it is off the wall. Most hoods are a steel or stainless shell with a small fan motor, a light, and grease filters. A working hood in a common width can be sold or donated to a reuse store. A dented or dead one is good scrap metal. Many transfer stations take range hoods in their metal pile at little or no cost, and they contain no refrigerant or hazardous fluids.

Removing the hood safely

1. Turn off the breaker for the hood, and confirm with a tester that the wires are dead.
2. Remove the filters and set them aside.
3. Disconnect the duct at the top or back; the duct may be taped or clamped.
4. Support the hood while removing the mounting screws. Wall chimney hoods can be heavy and awkward; use two people.
5. Disconnect and cap the wires with wire nuts, and cover the junction box.

If the wiring is hardwired and you are not comfortable working with it, have an electrician disconnect it.

Grease filters and residue

Aluminum mesh filters are recyclable as scrap aluminum if you clean them. Charcoal filters from recirculating hoods go in the trash. Wipe heavy grease off the hood so it does not drip in your vehicle or attract pests while it waits for pickup.

Reuse options

Hoods in standard 30 or 36 inch widths, especially stainless or name-brand models, sell or donate easily. Habitat for Humanity ReStores and similar reuse centers often accept working hoods with all parts. Include the mounting hardware and filters, and note whether it vents outside or recirculates.

Scrap metal

Most hoods are steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, which makes them easy scrap. A transfer station metal pile is usually the cheapest route, and scrap yards accept them too. Some yards prefer you remove the plastic light lens and control panel, but many take the whole unit. See separating metal before it is buried.

Bulky or appliance pickup

Cities with appliance pickup usually include hoods. Small hoods sometimes fit in a bulky pickup with other remodel debris. Ask whether they want it as scrap metal or general waste.

Remodel disposal

If the hood comes out during a kitchen remodel, group it with the old range, cabinets, and countertops. See disposing of kitchen cabinets and disposing of a kitchen range to plan one trip. Separating metal from wood and drywall often lowers the bill at weight-based sites.

Ductwork left behind

Old flexible or rigid duct from the hood is light metal or foil and goes in the metal pile or trash. If you are replacing the hood, check the duct for grease buildup, which is a fire risk.

How to dispose of a range hood FAQ

Can a range hood go in the trash?

It is usually too big for regular trash. Use scrap metal, appliance pickup, or a transfer station.

Is a range hood scrap metal?

Yes. Most are steel, stainless, or aluminum and are accepted as scrap.

Do range hoods contain refrigerant?

No. They only have a fan motor, lights, and controls.

Can I donate a used range hood?

Working hoods in common sizes are often accepted by reuse stores like Habitat ReStores.

What do I do with range hood filters?

Clean aluminum mesh filters can go to scrap aluminum. Charcoal filters go in the trash.

The bottom line

How to dispose of a range hood: turn off power, take it down with help, clean or remove the filters, and then sell or donate a working unit or take the shell to a scrap yard or transfer station metal pile. Hoods have no refrigerant, so disposal is usually free or cheap. Use the map to find a site that accepts appliances or scrap metal.