Appliance Pickup and Disposal Cost [2026 Prices]

Appliance pickup and disposal pricing depends on the type of appliance, who handles the removal, and whether you are buying a replacement.

Angi reports the national average at $100 per appliance, with costs commonly ranging from $60 to $180. Homewyse puts the range at $77.79 to $259 per appliance including labor, transportation, and disposal fees.

Refrigerators and freezers cost more to dispose of than other appliances because they contain refrigerants regulated by the EPA under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Disposal companies must recover refrigerants before scrapping the unit, which adds $20 to $50 to the total cost according to Angi.

Washers, dryers, dishwashers, and stoves are simpler to dispose of since they contain no regulated chemicals. These appliances are also worth $8 to $35 in scrap metal value, which some haulers factor into their pricing.

Each appliance type has different disposal requirements and costs.

• •Refrigerator or freezer: $79–$250. Contains refrigerants (R-134a or older R-12) that must be recovered by a certified technician per EPA 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F. Never put a fridge at the curb without confirming your hauler handles refrigerant recovery. Dropcurb haulers are equipped for curbside fridge pickup at $79. LoadUp starts at $87.

• •Washer: $79–$150. Scrap value of $12–25 per unit. Must be disconnected from water supply and drained before pickup.

• •Dryer: $79–$150. Scrap value of $8–15. Electric dryers just need unplugging. Gas dryers must be disconnected from the gas line by a qualified person before removal.

• •Dishwasher: $79–$130. Must be disconnected from water supply and electrical. Relatively light at 50–80 lbs, making curbside pickup straightforward.

• •Stove or oven: $79–$200. Gas models require professional disconnection. Electric models just need unplugging. Scrap value $10–20.

• •Window AC unit: $79–$100. Contains refrigerants like refrigerators. Many utility programs accept them for free alongside fridge recycling.

Several paths to free appliance disposal exist, each with trade-offs.

Retailer haul-away is the easiest free option if you are buying a replacement. Home Depot and Lowe's both offer free haul-away of the old appliance when they deliver a new one. The old unit must be disconnected and accessible. Home Depot requires the appliance to be in the same room as the new delivery. Best Buy charges $49.99 per appliance for haul-away, even with a purchase.

Utility company recycling programs offer free pickup plus a cash rebate for qualifying appliances. The ENERGY STAR Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program partners with utilities nationwide. PSE&G in New Jersey offers free pickup, disposal, and a rebate for every qualifying refrigerator or freezer. Minnesota Power picks up fridges, freezers, window ACs, and dehumidifiers at no charge.

Scrap metal recyclers will pick up appliances for free or pay you $8–35 per unit depending on the appliance type and current metal prices. Refrigerators fetch $15–35, washers $12–25, and dryers $8–15 at 2026 scrap prices. Call your local scrapyard — many offer free pickup if you have multiple units.

Proper preparation prevents delays and extra charges on pickup day.

Federal law (EPA 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act) requires that refrigerants be recovered from any appliance containing them before disposal or recycling. This applies to refrigerators, freezers, window and central AC units, dehumidifiers, and some water coolers.

The final disposer — whether a scrap metal recycler, junk removal company, or municipal facility — must ensure a certified technician recovers the refrigerant and must keep records showing the name, address, and date of recovery.

Violations carry fines up to $44,539 per day per violation. This is why legitimate disposal services charge more for refrigerators than for washers or dryers — the regulatory compliance adds real cost.

All Dropcurb haulers handling refrigerant-containing appliances ensure proper disposal through certified recycling facilities.

Old appliances follow one of four paths after pickup.

• •Scrap metal recycling: The most common destination. Appliances are shredded, metals separated (steel, copper, aluminum), and sold to smelters. A single refrigerator yields 100–150 lbs of recyclable steel.

• •Refurbishment and resale: Working or lightly damaged appliances may be repaired and sold at appliance resale shops or donated to organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

• •Parts harvesting: Non-working appliances with good compressors, motors, or control boards may be stripped for parts before the shell is scrapped.

• •Landfill: The least desirable option. Appliances that cannot be recycled, refurbished, or stripped go to the landfill. EPA regulations prevent landfill disposal of appliances with un-recovered refrigerants.