Appliance Disposal Near Me: Every Option Compared [2026]

The best appliance disposal method depends on what you're getting rid of, whether it works, and how fast you need it gone.

For refrigerators and freezers, your electric utility's recycling program is the best deal. Companies like PSE&G, National Grid, and dozens of others pick up qualifying units for free and pay you a $50–$75 rebate through the ENERGY STAR Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program. The catch: only fridges and freezers qualify, and wait times run 1–4 weeks.

If you're buying a new appliance, retailer haul-away is the easiest option. Lowe's and Home Depot offer free haul-away with qualifying appliance delivery. Best Buy charges $49.99 per appliance for haul-away, or free if you're buying a replacement.

For everything else — washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, stoves — Dropcurb offers same-day curbside pickup with all-in pricing: $79 for a microwave, $104 for a dishwasher, and $134 for full-size washers, dryers, stoves, and refrigerators. Place the appliance at the curb, book online in 60 seconds, and a local hauler picks it up within hours. No phone calls, no on-site estimates, no strangers entering your home.

Full-service companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK and LoadUp will carry appliances out of your home but charge $100–$400+ and often require scheduling an on-site estimate first.

Appliance disposal costs range from free (with a rebate) to $400+ for full-service removal from inside your home. Here's what each method actually costs in 2026:

• •Utility recycling programs (free + $50–$75 rebate): Available for fridges and freezers through your electric company. PSE&G, National Grid, Duke Energy, and others participate. Check energystar.gov/RAD to find your local program.

• •Retailer haul-away (free–$49.99): Lowe's and Home Depot include free haul-away with qualifying deliveries. Best Buy charges $49.99 per unit for standalone haul-away.

• •Dropcurb ($79–$134): Same-day curbside pickup for any appliance. All-in price: $79 microwave, $104 dishwasher, $134 fridge / washer / dryer / stove / water heater. No hidden fees, no on-site estimates. Book online and a local hauler picks it up.

• •Municipal transfer station ($10–$30): Most city dumps accept appliances. Freon-containing units (fridges, freezers, window ACs) often cost $10–$25 extra for refrigerant recovery per EPA regulations.

• •Scrap metal yard (free or earn $8–$35): Scrapyards buy metal appliances by weight. Refrigerators fetch $15–35, washers $12–25, dryers $8–15. You'll need a truck to haul them yourself.

• •LoadUp ($87–$200+): Per-item online pricing plus a $50–80 service area fee. Full-service crew enters your home.

• •1-800-GOT-JUNK ($150–$400+): Volume-based pricing. Minimum charge $100–$150. Average job costs $240. No prices shown online — must schedule an on-site estimate.

Home Depot offers free appliance haul-away when you purchase a new appliance with delivery. The old unit must be disconnected and accessible. If you're not buying a replacement, Home Depot does not offer standalone appliance disposal.

Lowe's works the same way — free haul-away with qualifying appliance purchase and delivery. The old appliance must be disconnected and in the same room as the new installation.

Best Buy is the most flexible retailer option. They charge $49.99 per appliance for haul-away with or without a new purchase. They also accept free drop-offs of most small electronics and appliances at all store locations — though large appliances like fridges and washers require the paid haul-away service.

Several options exist for disposing of appliances at no cost:

• •Utility company recycling: The best free option for refrigerators and freezers. Over 60 utility companies participate in the ENERGY STAR RAD program. Many pay you $50–75 to recycle your old unit. Search your zip code at energystar.gov to check eligibility.

• •Retailer haul-away with purchase: Lowe's, Home Depot, and Best Buy all remove your old appliance free when delivering a replacement.

• •Donation pickup: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army, and local charities accept working appliances. Most offer free pickup for large items.

• •Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist free section: List working appliances as free pickup. Washers, dryers, and refrigerators under 10 years old typically get claimed within 24 hours.

• •Scrap metal recyclers: Some scrapyards offer free pickup for multiple metal appliances because the scrap value covers their time. Call local yards to ask.

• •Municipal bulk pickup: Many cities include appliance removal in regular trash service at no extra charge. NYC collects appliances curbside on regular collection days. Check with your city's 311 service.

Appliance disposal requires a few safety steps depending on the type:

• •Refrigerators, freezers, and window ACs contain refrigerant (freon) that must be recovered by a certified technician before disposal. Federal law (EPA 40 CFR Part 82) prohibits venting refrigerants. Most junk removal companies handle this. If self-hauling to a dump, expect a $10–25 freon recovery fee.

• •Washers and dryers should be disconnected from water and power. Drain any remaining water from the washer. Gas dryers must have the gas line capped by a professional before removal.

• •Dishwashers need water and electrical disconnection. Disconnect the water supply line and drain hose under the sink before moving.

• •Stoves and ovens — electric models just need to be unplugged. Gas models require the gas line to be shut off and capped before removal. Never attempt to move a gas appliance with the line connected.

• •Microwaves and small appliances can go directly in your curbside recycling bin in many municipalities. Check your local recycling guidelines.

Different appliances cost different amounts to dispose of depending on size, weight, and whether they contain refrigerant.

Lowe's removes old appliances for free when you purchase a new appliance with delivery service. The haul-away happens at the same time as your new appliance delivery. Your old unit must be disconnected, accessible, and in the same room or location as the new installation.

Lowe's does not offer standalone appliance disposal without a new purchase. If you just need an old appliance removed without buying a replacement, Dropcurb offers curbside pickup same-day ($79 for a microwave, $104 for a dishwasher, $134 for a full-size fridge / washer / dryer / stove), or you can haul it to a municipal transfer station yourself for $10–$30.