Water Heater Alternative ways to recycle Bulky Item Pick Up Consider DonationIf the water heater is still in working condition, please donate. Visit Athens’ Material Reuse page for ideas. Bulky Item CollectionWater heaters may be collected as a bulky item. Please check with your city page for collection options (residential or commercial). Bulky Item collection options may vary depending on your city. To schedule a bulky item pickup place an order online or call Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Alternative Ways to Recycle Ask the Installers to Haul It Away Paying a company to install a new water heater? Many installers provide water heater disposal as part of their service. Ways to Reduce Perform Annual Water Heater Maintenance Drain and flush the tank once a year (following manufacturer instructions) and while the tank is empty, check the anode rod for corrosion. Corroded anode rods should be replaced to prevent the inside of the tank from corroding. Insulate Your Water Heater Insulating your water heater can improve its efficiency up to 40 percent, saving energy as well as money on your utility bill. Learn how on energy.gov. Ways to Reuse Still Working? Donate It If your unwanted water heater is still in working condition, consider donating it or giving it away.