Disposal How-To
How to Get Rid of an Old Hot Tub in Michigan (Step by Step)
Removing an old hot tub? Here's how to disconnect, drain, cut up and haul it away safely, plus what size dumpster Michigan homeowners usually need.
October 29, 2026 · 6 min
An old hot tub is one of the hardest things to get rid of at home. It's too big for curbside trash, too heavy to lift in one piece, and most haulers won't take it whole. The good news: with a free weekend, a couple of helpers and the right dumpster, most homeowners can remove one themselves.
This guide walks through the whole job, from shutting off the power to the last load.
Quick answer
- Have an electrician disconnect the power.
- Drain the water fully.
- Remove the cover, steps and panels.
- Cut the shell into pieces you can carry.
- Load everything into a roll-off dumpster.
Most single hot tubs fit in a 10- or 20-yard dumpster. If you're also tearing out a deck or patio around it, go with a 20 or 30 yard. Use our dumpster size calculator to check before you book.
Before you start: what you'll need
- A reciprocating saw (Sawzall) with several demolition blades
- A drill/driver for screws and panels
- Safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection and a dust mask
- A submersible pump or garden hose for draining
- Two or three helpers
- A dumpster placed as close to the tub as possible
Plan for a full day for an average 4- to 6-person tub.
Step 1: Disconnect the power
Most hot tubs run on a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Hire a licensed electrician to disconnect it and cap the wiring at the shutoff box. This isn't a DIY step: the tub stays dangerous until the circuit is properly shut off and capped.
Turning off the breaker isn't enough on its own. You'll be cutting near the wiring, so it has to be removed or capped.
Step 2: Drain the tub
Open the drain valve or use a submersible pump. Before you drain onto your lawn, let the chlorine or bromine level drop for a few days with the cover off. Avoid draining into a storm drain; that water flows untreated to local lakes and rivers. Some Michigan cities require hot tub water to go to the sanitary sewer instead, so check with your city if you're unsure.
Step 3: Strip the easy parts
Remove the parts that come off without cutting:
- The cover and cover lifter
- Steps and handrails
- Side panels (usually screwed on)
- Loose pumps, heaters and control boxes
Keep the metal parts separate. Copper wiring, pumps and motors can often go to a local scrap yard instead of the dumpster.
Step 4: Cut the shell into pieces
Most hot tub shells are acrylic over fiberglass, with a wood or steel frame and spray foam insulation. Cut it in strips about 2–3 feet wide so each piece can be carried by two people.
Tips:
- Start with the cabinet frame, then the shell.
- Expect lots of dust and foam bits. Wear a mask and lay a tarp down.
- Cut away from yourself and keep helpers clear of the blade.
Step 5: Load the dumpster
Put large flat pieces in first, laid flat along the floor, then fill the gaps with foam, panels and smaller pieces. Don't stack anything above the top edge of the container; overfilled dumpsters can't be hauled safely.
A typical hot tub weighs between roughly 500 and 1,000 pounds empty, so it's well within the included weight on most dumpsters. If you're also removing a concrete pad, that's heavy debris and needs a separate 10-yard load. See our heavy debris dumpster guide.
What size dumpster do you need for a hot tub?
| Project | Suggested size |
|---|---|
| One hot tub, cut up | 10 yard |
| Hot tub plus steps, cover and gazebo | 20 yard |
| Hot tub plus wood deck tear-out | 20–30 yard |
| Hot tub plus concrete pad | Separate 10-yard heavy-debris load |
Not sure? Our size guide or a quick call to 586-412-3762 will get you the right size.
Where should the dumpster go?
Place it on your driveway as close to the backyard as possible. Carrying heavy pieces around the house is the slowest part of the job. If the dumpster has to go on the street, you may need a city permit. Check our Michigan dumpster permit guide.
Can I recycle or sell an old hot tub?
If the tub still works, list it for free or cheap on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Someone may haul it away for you. Broken tubs are rarely recyclable as a whole, but metal parts can go to scrap. See our recycle before you toss guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a whole hot tub in a dumpster? Usually not. Most are too wide and too tall to fit or load safely. Cutting it up is faster and safer.
How long does hot tub removal take? Most homeowners finish in one day with two or three helpers, after the electrician has disconnected the power.
Do I need a permit to remove a hot tub? Not usually for removal itself. You may need an electrical permit for the disconnect, and a right-of-way permit if the dumpster sits on the street.
Ready to get rid of that hot tub? Get your price or call 586-412-3762. Blue Sky Disposal delivers dumpsters across Michigan.
