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How to Get Rid of Tiles

Tiles are a staple of homes — and we'll show you what to do with them when they've worn out their welcome.

A worker scraping tiles off the floor.

Tile Disposal From Any Home Project

Need to get rid of old tile? Whether you're updating your kitchen backsplash, renovating your cracked ceramic entryway or replacing a broken shower wall, there are plenty of ways to dispose of old tile quickly, easily and affordably. Learn how to earn money selling tiles in bulk, reuse pieces of tile to form a surface collage and more with our in-depth guide to disposing of old tile.

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6 Ways to Get Rid of Old, Leftover or Broken Tiles

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1. Sell It Online

Earn money selling your tile with a little research. Identify which brand of tile you have by viewing manufacturer’s catalogs or consider bringing a sample to a flooring store. Next, choose a selling method — online, antiques stores, interior designers, universities with art studios — and gather all the information before you advertise. Price your tile by comparing the condition, size and amount to other recent sales, and you’re all set.

A pile of old tiles sitting on cement curb for recycle, reuse or disposal.

Tips for Selling Old Tiles Online

Research Prices
Measurement Details
Take Clear Pictures
Schedule Safe Pickups
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Pro Tip

If you’re selling tile online, it’s a good idea to direct the sale to locals only. Tile can be expensive to ship as it’s heavy and delicate, especially in bulk. Be sure to assess your city’s market and go by demand. If there aren’t any local buyers, consider shipping in multiple packages with lots of bubble wrap.

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Keep in Mind

Big-name donation centers, like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, do not accept building materials, including tile.

3. Reuse It in Other Projects

Reuse ceramic tile by repurposing it into a new project. You don’t have to be an artist to make something out of old tile, especially with inspiration from sites like Pinterest. Take different pieces to form an abstract serving tray or centerpiece. Add paint and felt stickers to make coasters, or compile sections into a neat picture that hangs on the wall — you can do as much or as little as you want. If you’re especially good at crafting, try selling your handmade pieces on online marketplaces, like Etsy.

Hands holding multi-colored old tile pieces to be reused in art or home project.
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Wooden crates full of orange old tile to be recycled.

4. Find a Local Tile Recycler

Recycle ceramic tiles at a nearby recycling center for convenient disposal. Due to its makeup and weight, it cannot be thrown out with your regular trash or recycling service. You’ll need to contact your local recycling center to make sure they accept tile at their facility, then drop it off yourself. This is a good option if you don’t have a ton of tile to get rid of and live in an urban area.

Tile Recycling Tips

Contact Local Recycling Companies
Preparing for Transportation

5. Hire a Junk Removal Service

Consider consulting a junk removal company if your local recycling center doesn’t accept tile. They will come to your house and load the tile in their truck. Although some companies offer upfront quotes, the final cost is typically a surprise because they can’t give you a total price until they’ve assessed your items in person. Their staff also may not be used to handling construction debris on a regular basis.

Junk removal service worker with gloves and clipboard next to truck.
Dumpsters.com roll off dumpster in residential driveway by house with old tile.

6. Rent a Dumpster

If you want less work and no guessing games, a residential dumpster rental is a great way to get rid of tiles. Just order a container online or by phone, receive an upfront, bundled quote, then load it at your own pace after it arrives. This way, there’s no piles of broken tile in your house as you clean and no unexpected costs on your final invoice. Just request a pickup when you’re finished and our drivers will haul it away — it’s that easy.

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Keep in Mind

If renting a dumpster for tile disposal, be aware of your weight limit. Tiles are heavy and the weight can add up fast. Reach out and we'll recommend the right bin size to hold your old tiles.

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Tossing More Than Tiles?

Choose a construction material for detailed disposal options.

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Carpet Carpet Scrap Metal Scrap Metal Concrete Concrete
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Tile Disposal FAQs

How can I sell my tiles?

Can tile be recycled?

Can I throw tiles in the garbage?

Can tiles be removed and reused?

Can I remove tile myself?

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Safety Tip

Asbestos-based fastening paste for tiles was common during the production of flooring to make it stronger and more durable. It's typically seen in the floors of older buildings and isn't limited to just vinyl tiles or flooring in general — wall and ceiling tiles can include asbestos.

Please be careful when handling older tile as it can stir up asbestos dust in the air. Wear a mask and gloves for protection or hire a professional to remove them.

More Tile Removal Resources

Getting rid of more than just old, tired and broken tile? We take you through the disposal process for every unwanted item. Check out our helpful articles and blog posts to learn more.