How to Take Apart a Swing Set

Years ago, a swing set was nothing more than a support frame with two or more swings dangling from metal chains. Over the past several years, that has changed and now, it's normal to install a big backyard swing set, complete with a slide, playhouse, sand box, monkey bars, and more play delights.

Backyard swing set kits are larger than life and often take an entire day or whole weekend to assemble. Though built-to-last, eventually, the exposure to weather, routine use, and time all take a toll. Kids outgrow these within a few years and some cause landscaping problems. Whatever the reason, if you need to dismantle a kids outdoor playset, it's best to be in-the-know about how to take apart a swing set before you haul out the trusty toolbox.

Backyard Swing Set Haul Away and Disposal

Backyard swing set disposal will depend largely of its construction material. If it's mostly metal, you have the option to strip it of all plastic and wood, then sell the frame and accessories as scrap metal. However, if it's largely wood and plastic, you'll have to dispose of it in two loads at the landfill.

While your swing set may provide many years of entertainment, a time will come when you need to take it down. This can be because of several different reasons. There are several different steps involved in removing a swing set from your yard. -- Do It Yourself.com

If the wood isn't treated with noxious chemicals, you could simply cut it down into small pieces and burn it, provided your local fire code allows. The plastic can be sent off to be recycled. You can learn where to dump the debris by visiting your local county waste disposal website. Once you know where to haul it and how much it will cost, you can then start tearing it down.
 

The Easiest Way to Take Apart a Kids Backyard Swing Set

The simplest way to take apart a kids backyard swing set is to hire an experienced junk hauling service that will dismantle and dispose of it for you. If you want to do it yourself, the best approach is to start with the assembly instructions. If you still have the instruction manual, just follow it in reverse order. Should you not have the assembly manual, then do the following:

1. Remove all accessories on the base and frame. Start with the little things, like the toy telescope, the window coverings, or tube swing.
2. Unfasten the play parts, which can include the swings, monkey bars, and slides. Collect the fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws in separate bags and store them for latter use.
3. Dismantle the actual frame and structure, starting at one end and working toward another. Try to take apart the smaller parts first, leaving the larger, heavy parts fastened together.
4. Create separate piles for separate construction materials. Put the wood in one pile, the metal in another, the plastic in another, and the composite parts in another pile.

Load up the individual piles and take them to the local landfill. Do not leave the piles in your backyard as they present a safety hazard and a hideout for insects, reptiles, and rodents.