That backyard trampoline that bounced thousands of cannonball jumps a decade ago is now a rusted-out eyesore wedged between the fence and the lemon tree. The springs are stretched, the mat has UV-burned holes, and the safety net looks like Swiss cheese. So how do you actually get rid of an old trampoline in Southern California — without throwing out your back, getting fined by the city, or paying a fortune?
This 2026 guide breaks down trampoline removal costs across Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and Riverside/San Bernardino counties, plus your DIY options, disposal rules, and when it makes sense to hire a junk removal crew.
A 14-foot round trampoline weighs roughly 200–280 pounds when assembled. The steel frame, springs, jump mat, padding, safety net, and net poles don’t fit in a standard trash can — and most municipal bulk pickup programs in SoCal won’t take them. Here’s why trampolines are a pain:
Costs in SoCal run higher than the national average because of dump fees and labor rates. Here’s what to expect this year:
| Option | Typical Cost (SoCal 2026) |
|---|---|
| DIY haul to landfill | $80–$200 (gas + dump fee + your time) |
| Roll-off dumpster rental (10 yd) | $300–$500 |
| Professional junk removal | $150–$400 (most jobs) |
| Large or buried-in-concrete trampolines | $400–$700+ |
LA County and Orange County typically run $20–$50 higher than Riverside or San Bernardino because of stricter landfill fees and higher fuel costs. If the trampoline is partially buried (an in-ground “sunken” trampoline is common in Newport Beach and Calabasas backyards), expect to pay more for excavation and backfill.
If you want to handle it yourself, here’s the safest order. Always wear gloves and safety glasses — those springs do not play around.
A two-person crew can break down a standard 14 ft trampoline in 60–90 minutes. Old trampolines with rusted bolts add another 30–60 minutes and sometimes require an angle grinder.
Steel scrap yards across SoCal will take the frame and springs. Yards in Sun Valley, Anaheim, Ontario, and Riverside typically pay $0.05–$0.12 per pound for steel in 2026 — which can offset $10–$25 of your dump fee. The fabric mat and net are not recyclable curbside and have to go to landfill.
If the trampoline is structurally sound, list it free on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or Nextdoor. Most go within 24–48 hours in SoCal — especially in family-heavy neighborhoods like Chino Hills, Mission Viejo, and Yorba Linda. Tip: post it disassembled with a “you load, you haul” note to filter out tire-kickers.
Most SoCal transfer stations accept disassembled trampolines as bulky waste. Expect $40–$95 in dump fees depending on weight and county:
You’ll need a truck or large trailer. A disassembled trampoline does not fit in a sedan or compact SUV. Bring straps.
Dumpster rental makes sense only if you’re already doing a bigger cleanout — a garage purge, fence rebuild, or move-out. Renting a 10-yard dumpster in SoCal runs $300–$500 for a week. Not worth it just for the trampoline.
This is what most homeowners end up doing. A professional crew pulls up, breaks the trampoline down, hauls it away, sweeps the area, and recycles what they can — typically in 30–45 minutes. In SoCal, expect $150–$400 for a standard above-ground trampoline.
In-ground trampolines require pulling the unit, removing the retaining wall or liner, and backfilling the pit with soil. Most pros charge $400–$900 for this in SoCal because it’s a half-day job.
HOA violation notices usually give 14–30 days to remove. If you’re under deadline in places like Ladera Ranch, Eastvale, or Aliso Viejo, same-day junk removal is the safest bet — DIY runs the risk of weather delays or a broken spring tool.
Will the city of Los Angeles or Orange County pick up a trampoline curbside?
No. LA Bureau of Sanitation and most OC cities exclude trampolines from bulky-item curbside pickup because of the metal frame size. You have to haul it to a transfer station or hire a junk removal company.
Can I just leave it on the curb with a “Free” sign?
Some neighborhoods, yes — but most SoCal cities will issue a $100–$500 illegal dumping citation if it sits more than 24–48 hours. Marketplace listing is safer.
Are trampoline springs recyclable?
Yes. Steel scrap yards across SoCal accept them with the frame.
How long does professional trampoline removal take?
30–45 minutes for a standard 14 ft above-ground unit. In-ground units take 2–5 hours.
911 Junk CA hauls away trampolines, swing sets, playhouses, and outdoor play equipment across LA County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire — same-day in most ZIP codes. Our crews handle the disassembly, loading, sweep-up, and disposal. We recycle the metal and donate what we can.
Call 911 Junk CA today for a free, no-obligation quote, or book online in under 60 seconds. Skip the spring-puller tool and the trip to the dump — we’ll have your backyard trampoline-free before lunch.
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