Key Takeaways
- After removal, you can sell, donate, recycle, trade in, or dispose of your stairlift, depending on its age and condition.
- Some companies offer buy-back schemes or free removal if the stairlift is reusable.
- Curved stairlifts are harder to resell because the rails are custom-made.
- Stairlift batteries and components should never be thrown away with household waste; they require proper recycling.
Short Answer: What can you do with a removed stairlift?
You can sell it, trade it in, donate it, have it refurbished, recycle parts, or, if it’s too old, dispose of it responsibly. Your options depend on the stairlift’s condition and whether it’s straight or curved.
What to Do With Your Stairlift After It’s Removed
When a stairlift is no longer needed, many people are unsure what to do next. Because stairlifts contain motors, batteries, and specialist components, they require proper handling.
Here are all the options, from cash sales to eco-friendly disposal.
1. Sell Your Stairlift (If It’s in Good Condition)
Selling your stairlift can help recover some of your investment.
Best candidates for resale:
- Straight stairlifts
- Recently manufactured models
- Well-maintained lifts
- Reconditioned units purchased originally
- Popular brands (e.g., Stannah, Handicare, Acorn)
Where to sell:
- Specialist stairlift buy-back companies
- Stairlift refurbishment services
- Online marketplaces (if collection is arranged)
- Mobility equipment shops
Expect:
- Better resale value for straight rails
- Lower or no resale value for curved rails (custom rails cannot be reused)
2. Use a Company Buy-Back or Trade-In Scheme
Many manufacturers and mobility companies run buy-back programmes.
Benefits:
- They collect the stairlift for free
- They assess it for refurbishment
- You receive a payment, depending on age and condition
- Hassle-free and fast
Some will offer trade-in credit if you need a newer or different model installed.
3. Donate the Stairlift to a Charity
A meaningful option if you don’t want payment.
Organisations that may accept stairlifts:
- Mobility charities
- Disability support groups
- Local community organisations
- Volunteer refurbishment groups
- Churches or care home charities
Note: Charities usually accept straight stairlifts; curved models are difficult to fit in another home.
Donation often includes free collection, making it an easy option.
4. Have It Refurbished for Reuse
Some companies specialise in:
- Reconditioning stairlifts
- Replacing electronics and batteries
- Cleaning and restoring parts
- Reselling or renting the refurbished unit
This is ideal if your stairlift is in good condition but outdated.
Refurbishment reduces waste and extends the equipment’s life.
5. Recycle the Stairlift
If the stairlift is too old or damaged to resell, recycling is the most environmentally friendly option.
Stairlift parts that can be recycled:
- Metal rails
- Motor components
- Wiring
- Plastics
- Circuit boards
The batteries must be recycled correctly because they contain chemicals that professional recyclers handle safely.
Ask the removal company if ethical recycling is included.
6. Repurpose or Keep Certain Components
Occasionally, owners keep:
- Remote controls
- Seat belts
- Swivel mechanisms
- Rail sections (for repurposing metal)
This is uncommon but possible if you have DIY or engineering interests.
7. Dispose of It Responsibly (Last Resort)
If none of the above options apply, disposing of a very old stairlift may be necessary.
Important:
- Do not put stairlift parts in the general household waste
- Do not leave batteries for kerbside collection
Proper disposal options:
- Local authority bulky waste collection
- Licensed metal recyclers
- Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) centres
- Removal companies that include disposal in their fee
Always check what is included in your removal service. Some stairlift companies handle disposal legally for you.
8. What to Do If You Plan to Sell Your Home
If the stairlift was removed for resale purposes:
Consider:
- Filling screw holes
- Cleaning or steaming the carpet
- Repainting or varnishing any minor marks
- Taking “after” photos for property listing
This gives potential buyers a clean, restored look.
Which Option Is Best for You?
- Choose resale if your stairlift is in great condition and is 5–7 years old or less.
- Choose buy-back for a simple, hassle-free process.
- Choose donation if you want to help someone else access mobility support.
- Choose recycling if the lift is old, broken, or obsolete.
- Choose disposal only as a last resort.
Conclusion
After removal, a stairlift can be sold, donated, refurbished, recycled, or responsibly disposed of, depending on its condition and type. Straight stairlifts are the easiest to resell or donate, while curved stairlifts often require recycling due to their custom rails. Whatever option you choose, handling the stairlift correctly ensures safety, compliance, and minimal waste.