How to Dispose of a Space Heater (Electric or Fuel)

How to dispose of a space heater depends on what kind you have. Electric ceramic and fan heaters are small appliances that can be recycled as electronics or scrap metal. Oil-filled radiator heaters are sealed units that scrap yards often accept. Kerosene and propane heaters are different again: the fuel or cylinder must be handled separately before the heater itself can go anywhere. Never put a heater with fuel in the trash.

Should it be replaced?

Space heaters with frayed cords, melted plugs, burn marks, cracked cases, or a broken tip-over switch should be retired. Check the model against recall lists on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website, since space heaters are a frequent subject of recalls for fire hazards. Do not donate or sell recalled or damaged heaters.

Electric space heaters

Ceramic, fan-forced, infrared, and quartz heaters contain heating elements, wiring, a fan motor, and sometimes circuit boards.

1. Electronics recycling drop-offs commonly accept them.
2. Scrap yards take metal-bodied heaters.
3. Retailer take-back programs may accept small electronics.
4. Donation, if the heater works, is not recalled, and has all safety features.

Oil-filled radiator heaters

These look like old radiators and contain a sealed reservoir of oil that never needs refilling. Do not cut or drain them. Many scrap yards accept them whole, though some ask that you call first because of the oil. Some electronics recyclers and household hazardous waste programs also take them.

Kerosene heaters

1. Run the heater until it is out of fuel, or siphon remaining fuel into an approved container following the manual.
2. Take leftover kerosene to a household hazardous waste program. See how to dispose of kerosene.
3. Remove the wick if your scrap yard asks.
4. Scrap the metal body or take it to a transfer station metal pile.

Propane heaters

Disconnect and remove the propane cylinder. Small 1-pound cylinders and larger tanks go to propane exchange, a household hazardous waste site, or another accepted drop-off. See turning in a propane cylinder. The heater, once disconnected, can usually be scrapped.

Wall and baseboard heaters

Hardwired heaters should be disconnected by someone qualified, with the breaker off. Once removed, they are scrap metal.

Safety reminders

• Unplug and let heaters cool fully before handling.
• Keep fuel heaters upright while transporting so no fuel spills.
• Do not leave a fuel-filled heater in a hot vehicle.

How to dispose of a space heater FAQ

Can I throw away an electric space heater?

Some areas allow it, but recycling as electronics or scrap metal is widely available and recommended.

How do I dispose of an oil-filled radiator heater?

Do not drain or cut it. Many scrap yards accept them whole; call ahead to confirm.

What do I do with leftover kerosene from a heater?

Take it to a household hazardous waste program in an approved container.

Can I donate a used space heater?

Only if it works, is not recalled, and has all safety features. Many charities are cautious about heaters.

Where do propane heater cylinders go?

To propane exchange, a household hazardous waste site, or an approved cylinder drop-off.

The bottom line

How to dispose of a space heater: recycle electric models as electronics or scrap metal, take oil-filled radiators to scrap yards that accept them, and empty fuel heaters, sending fuel and cylinders to the proper drop-off before scrapping the body. Check for recalls before donating any working unit.