How to dispose of a satellite dish depends on who owns it. Some providers lease equipment and want it back; others leave it with you. If it is yours, remove it carefully, especially from a roof. The dish reflector and mounting arm are usually steel or aluminum and can go to scrap metal. The LNB, the electronic unit at the end of the arm, along with receivers and coax cables, belong in e-waste. Fiberglass or plastic dishes go in the trash or bulky waste.
Check with your provider
Call your satellite company before removing anything. Leased receivers usually must be returned to avoid fees. Many providers do not want dishes back, but some will remove them on request. Ask before you take it down.
Removing a roof-mounted dish
- Disconnect the coax cable at the dish.
- Remove the dish from the mount, often with a few nuts.
- Unbolt the mount from the roof or wall.
- Seal the lag bolt holes with roofing sealant or flashing patches to prevent leaks.
Work only with proper ladder safety, and consider hiring a handyman or roofer for steep or high roofs.
Materials and disposal
| Part | Material | Disposal |
|---|---|---|
| Reflector dish | Steel or aluminum | Scrap metal |
| Reflector dish | Fiberglass or plastic | Trash or bulky |
| Mast and arm | Steel or aluminum | Scrap metal |
| LNB | Electronics | E-waste |
| Coax cable | Copper and plastic | E-waste or scrap wire |
| Receiver | Electronics | Return to provider or e-waste |
See scrap yard versus landfill for clean metal.
Leftover cable and grounding wire
Coaxial cable running across walls and roofs can be pulled and recycled as insulated wire or e-waste. Grounding wire is often bare copper, which scrap yards buy. Remove clips and staples. See sorting remodel scrap metal.
Reuse ideas
Old dishes are sometimes reused for over-the-air antenna mounts, Wi-Fi experiments, or garden art. Mounts can hold outdoor antennas.
Curbside rules
Most curbside recycling programs do not accept dishes. Some cities take metal items in bulky pickup. Transfer stations often have a free scrap metal pile.
Roof repair
Holes left in shingles should be sealed properly. If the dish was on a metal roof, follow manufacturer guidance for patching. See how to dispose of metal roofing if you are replacing the roof too.
Dishes on poles and in yards
Some dishes are mounted on steel poles set in concrete in the yard. Cut the pole near ground level with a reciprocating saw and metal blade, or dig out the concrete footing if you want the area clear. The pole is scrap steel, and broken concrete can go to a concrete recycler.
How to dispose of a satellite dish FAQ
Will my satellite provider take back the dish?
Some will; call to ask, and always return leased receivers.
Is a satellite dish recyclable?
Metal dishes and mounts are scrap metal; electronics go to e-waste.
What is the LNB on a satellite dish?
The electronic receiver unit at the end of the arm; it is e-waste.
How do I fix holes left by a satellite dish?
Seal them with roofing sealant or a flashing patch.
Can a satellite dish go in curbside recycling?
Usually not. Use scrap metal or bulky pickup.
The bottom line
How to dispose of a satellite dish: ask your provider whether they want equipment back, remove the dish safely and seal any roof holes, scrap metal dishes and mounts, and send the LNB, receiver, and cables to e-waste. Use the map to find a scrap or e-waste site near you.
Guides and tools
Electronics recycling guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides