That old fridge humming away in the garage. The washer that finally gave up after 15 years. The window AC unit you replaced two summers ago. After 25 years in waste management, I can tell you big appliances are one of the trickiest items to dispose of. They’re heavy, awkward, and some contain refrigerants that are illegal to release into the atmosphere.
But here’s what most people don’t know: you might actually get paid to haul that old fridge away.
The Refrigerant Problem
Before we talk disposal options, you need to understand why some appliances are trickier than others.
Under EPA Section 608, refrigerants must be properly recovered before disposal. Venting refrigerants carries fines up to $44,539 per day per violation. This isn't a suggestion.
These appliances contain refrigerants:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Air conditioners (window units and central AC)
- Dehumidifiers
- Some older water coolers
- Heat pumps
These don’t have refrigerant issues:
- Washers and dryers
- Stoves and ovens
- Dishwashers
- Microwaves
The good news: most legitimate disposal options handle refrigerant recovery for you. Just be careful if someone offers to take your old fridge “no questions asked.” I’ve seen illegal dumpers vent refrigerant in back alleys and leave the unit on the side of the road.
Option 1: Utility Company Rebate Programs
This is the best-kept secret in appliance disposal, and I wish more people knew about it.
Many utility companies will pay you $25-75 to take your old refrigerator or freezer, and they’ll pick it up for free from your garage or basement.
Old fridges are energy hogs. Your utility company would rather pay you to get rid of it than generate the extra electricity to run it. That's why these programs exist.
How to find your program:
- Search “[your utility company] appliance rebate” or “refrigerator recycling”
- Check the Energy Star Rebate Finder
- Call your utility’s customer service line
Common requirements:
- Appliance must be working (they want energy-wasters out of service)
- Must be a certain size (usually 10+ cubic feet for fridges)
- Residential customers only
- One or two units per household per year
| Utility | Rebate | Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power | $50 | Free |
| Duke Energy | $50 | Free |
| PG&E (California) | $50 | Free |
| Con Edison (NYC) | $75 | Free |
| CenterPoint (Texas) | $35 | Free |
Option 2: Retailer Haul-Away
Buying a new appliance? Most retailers offer haul-away service for your old one. This is the easiest option if you’re already making a purchase.
| Retailer | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | $25 | Sometimes free with delivery |
| Lowe’s | $30 | With appliance purchase |
| Best Buy | $50-100 | Depends on appliance type |
| Costco | Varies | Through delivery partner |
| Local stores | Negotiable | Often waived with purchase |
Always ask about haul-away before you finalize the purchase. Many salespeople won't mention it unless you ask, and it's often negotiable, especially on big-ticket items.
Option 3: Scrap Metal Recyclers
Appliances contain valuable metal. Some scrap yards will take them for free or even pay you a few bucks, depending on current scrap prices.
For non-refrigerant appliances (washers, dryers, stoves): Any scrap yard should take them. Current prices run $5-20 depending on weight and local markets.
For refrigerant appliances (fridges, AC units): Call ahead and ask if they’re certified for refrigerant recovery. Some are, some aren’t. If they’re not certified, you’ll need to have the refrigerant removed first, which typically costs $20-50.
Scrap prices fluctuate constantly. If you're not in a hurry, call a few yards and compare. I've seen $20 differences between yards in the same county.
Option 4: Transfer Station Drop-Off
Most transfer stations accept appliances, but expect fees and possible restrictions on refrigerant units.
Typical fees:
| Appliance Type | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Washer/Dryer | $10-25 |
| Stove/Oven | $10-25 |
| Dishwasher | $10-20 |
| Refrigerator/Freezer | $25-50 |
| Window AC Unit | $15-30 |
| Dehumidifier | $15-25 |
Some facilities require proof that refrigerant has been removed. Others have certified technicians on-site who handle it for you (hence the higher fee).
Use our interactive map to find transfer stations near you, or browse by state: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia.
Option 5: Donation (If It Works)
If your appliance still works well, donation is a great option.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts working appliances and often picks up for free. Find locations at habitat.org/restores.
Requirements:
- Must be in working condition
- Usually less than 10-15 years old
- Clean and free of major cosmetic damage
- No recalls or safety issues
Don't try to donate a broken appliance. It's not fair to the charity, and they'll just have to pay to dispose of it themselves. If it doesn't work, use one of the other options.
Option 6: Curbside Bulky Pickup
Some cities offer bulky item pickup that includes appliances. Check your city’s waste management website or call 311.
Many cities require you to schedule appliance pickup separately from regular bulky items because of the refrigerant issue. Don't just put a fridge on the curb and hope for the best. You could get a fine.
State-Specific Notes
California
California has strict rules about refrigerant recovery. Most transfer stations are equipped to handle it, but fees tend to be higher ($40-75 for fridges). The upside: utility rebate programs are common. Check CalRecycle for local options.
Texas
Texas has fewer statewide regulations, so rules vary by city. Houston and Dallas have solid utility rebate programs. Check TCEQ for disposal facilities in your area. Rural areas may have fewer options.
Florida
Florida relies heavily on county programs. Most urban counties have monthly appliance collection. Check the Florida DEP for your local schedule.
New York
NYC residents can schedule appliance pickup through DSNY for free, but you need to schedule a CFC appointment for fridges and AC units. The rest of the state varies by county. Check New York facilities.
Georgia
My home state. Georgia Power offers a $50 rebate plus free pickup for working fridges and freezers. Most metro Atlanta counties also accept appliances at convenience centers for $20-35. Check Georgia facilities for locations.
What NOT to Do
I've seen all of these result in fines or create hazards. Don't learn the hard way.
Never leave an appliance at the curb without scheduling pickup. Most cities will fine you, and it creates a hazard for kids who might climb inside.
Never dump a fridge or AC unit illegally. EPA fines for venting refrigerants are massive, and you can be traced through serial numbers.
Never remove refrigerant yourself. It requires certification and special equipment. The DIY approach is illegal and dangerous.
Never remove the door from an old fridge and leave it accessible. Kids can get trapped inside. If you’re storing an old fridge temporarily, tape the door shut or remove the door entirely.
Disposal Checklist
- Check if your utility offers a rebate program (fridges/freezers)
- If buying new, ask about haul-away before purchase
- For working appliances, try Habitat ReStore first
- For refrigerant units, confirm proper disposal method
- Schedule curbside pickup if available (don't just leave it)
- Remove all food and clean before disposal
Clearing Out More Than Appliances?
If you’re doing a full cleanout, you might also be dealing with:
The Bottom Line
- First, check utility rebate programs. Free pickup plus cash is hard to beat.
- Buying new? Ask about haul-away. Usually the easiest option.
- Working appliance? Try Habitat ReStore.
- Everything else: transfer station or scrap yard.
Use our state directory or interactive map to find disposal options near you.
Before the delivery crew arrives with your new appliance, empty and unplug the old one, and clear a path to the door. Makes the swap go faster and the crew will appreciate it.
