Disposal guide

How to dispose of a refrigerator

Refrigerators contain refrigerant gases (Freon, R-134a, R-600a) that are federally regulated under the Clean Air Act (Section 608). They MUST be recovered by an EPA- certified technician before disposal — you can't just leave a fridge at the curb. Most disposal channels handle the recovery automatically; you just pick the channel.

Need your county's appliance disposal options?

Type your ZIP at /check — verified local pickup + recycler. Free.

Buying a new fridge: haul-away on delivery

Free or low-cost; handles Freon recovery for you

Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and most appliance retailers offer haul-away service when delivering your new fridge. Often $25-30 (sometimes free with delivery promo). They handle EPA-compliant Freon recovery through their licensed recycling partners. The simplest option if timing aligns.

Utility rebate program

Many electric utilities pay you $50-100 to recycle an old working fridge

Xcel Energy, Pacific Gas & Electric, Con Edison, ComEd, and many other utilities run "appliance recycling rebate" programs. They pick up your working-but-old fridge (often must be 10+ years old) and pay you $50-100. The point: removing inefficient old units from the grid. Check your utility's website for current program.

Municipal bulk pickup

Most cities accept appliances for a fee; some require special scheduling

City public-works programs typically accept refrigerators for $25-75 per item. Some require advance notice + a sticker. Most cities contract with licensed appliance recyclers, so Freon recovery is handled — but confirm with your specific city.

Junk hauler / appliance recycler

Premium price, fastest option

1-800-GOT-JUNK, LoadUp, and local appliance recyclers charge $75-150 for fridge pickup + EPA-compliant recycling. Convenient if you can't move the fridge to the curb (apartment, mobility constraints) or need same-week service. All licensed haulers handle Freon recovery; cash-only "free pickup" Craigslist haulers often don't — and federal law makes you liable for their non-compliance.

Scrap-metal yard (working but unwanted)

Some pay $10-30 for the steel; Freon must be drained first

A licensed scrap-metal yard will accept a fridge ONLY after the Freon is removed (they'll charge $40-60 to do it, or refer you to a technician). Net economics often makes this a wash unless you have multiple appliances. Don't try to drain refrigerant yourself — illegal under federal Clean Air Act Section 608 and dangerous.

Step-by-step

1. Empty + defrost. Remove all food, shelves, drawers. Let the fridge defrost completely (24 hours) so no water leaks during transport.
2. Secure the doors. Federal Refrigerator Safety Act requires doors be removed or secured before a fridge leaves your property (kids climbing in is a real hazard). Tape doors shut OR remove with a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Decide if it works. Working + under 15 years old → utility rebate, donation (Habitat ReStore), or Craigslist Free. Non-working → recycling channels below.
4. Pick a channel. Retailer haul-away (cheapest if buying new), utility rebate (pays you), city bulk pickup, or licensed appliance recycler.
5. Confirm Freon recovery. Whoever takes the fridge must be EPA Section 608 certified for refrigerant recovery. Ask before they leave with your fridge.
6. Look up your local option. ClearPath /check with your ZIP for verified retailer + utility programs.

Frequently asked

Can I put a refrigerator at the curb?

No, not without prep + scheduling. Federal Clean Air Act Section 608 requires Freon recovery by a certified technician before a fridge can be scrapped or landfilled. Federal Refrigerator Safety Act requires doors be removed or secured before a fridge leaves your property. Use retailer haul-away, utility rebate, city bulk pickup, or a licensed appliance recycler.

Will my utility pay me to recycle an old fridge?

Probably yes — most major U.S. electric utilities run appliance recycling rebate programs. Xcel, PG&E, ComEd, Con Edison, and dozens of others pick up your working old fridge and pay $50-100. Usually requires the fridge to be 10+ years old and working. Check your utility's website for current programs.

How much does refrigerator disposal cost?

Free to $150 depending on channel. Retailer haul-away with new-fridge delivery: $0-30. Utility rebate: PAYS you $50-100. Municipal bulk pickup: $25-75. Licensed appliance recycler: $75-150. Scrap yard: roughly breaks even after Freon recovery fee.

What if I want to keep the fridge but the doors don't lock?

Federal Refrigerator Safety Act only kicks in when the fridge leaves your property. While at your home, no requirement. When you're ready to dispose, remove doors with a Phillips screwdriver (5-10 min) or tape them shut securely before pickup.

Can I take the door off a fridge to use it as a cooler?

Modern compressor-based fridges are not safe to repurpose without the refrigeration system intact — the compressor + coils contain pressurized refrigerant. Old (1950s-60s) mechanical-only iceboxes are different. Don't DIY-modify an active fridge.

What about a mini-fridge or wine fridge?

Same federal rules apply — they contain refrigerant. Most retailer haul-away programs accept them. Best Buy specifically lists mini-fridges in their haul-away service. County HHW programs usually do NOT accept appliances (they handle chemicals, not large items).