Appliance Recycling in Boulder, CO: Where to Take Old Fridges & Washers

Boulder County has set aggressive **zero waste goals**, aiming to divert 85% of waste from landfills by 2025. Large appliances contain valuable materials—steel, aluminum, copper, and sometimes rare earth elements—that can be recovered and reused. Additionally, older refrigerators and air conditioners contain refrigerants that can damage the ozone layer if not properly handled.

- **One refrigerator contains:** 50-100 pounds of steel, 5-10 pounds of aluminum, 3-5 pounds of copper - **Improper disposal releases:** Harmful refrigerants equivalent to 1.5 tons of CO2 - **Proper recycling recovers:** 95% of materials for reuse - **Boulder's impact:** 12,000+ appliances recycled annually

Colorado law requires proper disposal of appliances containing refrigerants. Boulder County adds additional requirements for large appliance disposal, making illegal dumping subject to fines up to $1,000.

**Address:** 1901 63rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301 **Phone:** (303) 441-4800 **Hours:** Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

**Accepted Appliances:** - Refrigerators and freezers - Washers and dryers - Dishwashers and stoves - Water heaters - Air conditioners and dehumidifiers - Small appliances (microwaves, toasters)

**Fees (2026 Rates):** - **Refrigerators/Freezers:** $15 each - **Washers/Dryers:** $10 each - **Dishwashers/Stoves:** $10 each - **Water Heaters:** $10 each - **Small Appliances:** Free

**Requirements:** - Must be drained of fluids - Doors must be removed or secured - Commercial appliances accepted with proof of residency

**Special Services:** - Certified refrigerant recovery - Metal recovery and processing - Documentation certificates available - Bulk commercial rates available

**Address:** 6400 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303 **Phone:** (303) 444-6634 **Hours:** Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

**Specialized in:** - Electronics and small appliances - Refrigerators with CFCs/HCFCs - Dehumidifiers and air conditioners - Commercial-grade appliances

**Fees:** - **Refrigerators (pre-1995):** $25 each - **Modern refrigerators:** $15 each - **Small appliances with electronics:** $5-15 each - **Window AC units:** $20 each

**Unique Services:** - Freon recovery certification - Electronics component separation - Data destruction for smart appliances - Environmental impact reporting

**Address:** 4850 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 **Phone:** (303) 444-2037 **Hours:** Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

**Commercial Focus:** - Property management companies - Apartment complex cleanouts - Restaurant equipment disposal - Large-scale appliance removal

**Services:** - **Pickup service:** $75-150 per appliance - **Drop-off rates:** $25-45 per appliance - **Bulk pricing:** Available for 5+ units - **Same-day service:** Emergency removals

**Annual Appliance Round-Up** - **When:** First Saturday in May and September - **Where:** Boulder County Fairgrounds (9595 Nelson Road) - **Cost:** Free for Boulder residents - **Limit:** 2 large appliances per household - **Requirements:** Proof of Boulder residency required

**HazMat Collection Days** - **Frequency:** Monthly (third Saturday) - **Location:** Various Boulder locations - **Includes:** Small appliances with hazardous components - **Free for:** Boulder County residents

**Boulder Waste and Recycling Services** - **Schedule:** By appointment only - **Cost:** $30 per large appliance - **Notice required:** 48-72 hours advance - **Preparation:** Appliances must be accessible at curb - **Restrictions:** No refrigerants (must be professionally removed)

**Scheduling Process:** 1. Call (303) 441-4019 2. Provide appliance details and address 3. Schedule pickup date 4. Prepare appliance for collection 5. Payment due at time of service

**Locations:** - **North Boulder:** 2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302 - **South Boulder:** 5025 Independence Road, Boulder, CO 80303

**Appliance Haul-Away Service:** - **Cost:** $25-50 when purchasing replacement - **Included with:** Delivery of new appliances - **Timing:** Same day as delivery - **Recycling:** Partners with certified facilities - **Limitations:** Similar appliance only (fridge for fridge)

**Address:** 285 S. Hover Street, Longmont, CO 80501 (serves Boulder)

**Appliance Recycling:** - **Free with purchase:** Replacement appliance delivery - **Standalone service:** $30-60 per appliance - **Advanced scheduling:** 1-2 weeks required - **Professional handling:** Certified technicians

**Address:** 1795 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301

**Small Appliance Recycling:** - **Free items:** Microwaves, small kitchen appliances - **Limit:** 3 items per day per household - **No purchase required:** Drop-off anytime during business hours - **Large appliances:** Referral to partner services

**Address:** 2820 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO 80301 **Phone:** (303) 449-0722

**Full-Service Appliance Handling:** - **Trade-in programs:** Credit toward new purchases - **Pickup service:** $40-80 depending on appliance - **Refurbishment:** Working appliances donated locally - **Recycling:** Non-working units properly disposed

**Service Area:** All of Boulder County **Phone:** 1-800-895-4999 **Website:** xcelenergy.com/appliance-recycling

**Eligible Appliances:** - Primary or secondary refrigerators - Working freezers - Working dehumidifiers - Must be 10+ cubic feet

**Incentives:** - **$75 rebate** for qualifying refrigerators - **$25 rebate** for qualifying freezers - **Free pickup** and recycling - **Energy audit** recommendations

**Process:** 1. Schedule online or by phone 2. Appliance must be plugged in and working 3. Technician tests and removes appliance 4. Rebate processed within 6-8 weeks 5. Environmental certificate provided

**Requirements:** - Boulder County Xcel Energy customers only - Must own appliance being recycled - Limit 2 appliances per year - 24-hour advance scheduling required

**For City of Boulder Residents:**

**Energy Efficiency Rebates:** - **ENERGY STAR appliances:** Up to $300 rebates - **Old appliance removal:** $50 credit with purchase - **Heat pump water heaters:** $500-800 rebates

**Contact:** (303) 441-3270 **Website:** bouldercolorado.gov/services/energy-efficiency-rebates

**Address:** 4490 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 **Phone:** (303) 449-6584 **Hours:** Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

**Specializes in:** - Commercial kitchen equipment - Medical and laboratory appliances - Industrial washing and drying equipment - HVAC units and components

**Services:** - **On-site pickup:** $100-250 per appliance - **Decommissioning:** Complete appliance disassembly - **Certified destruction:** Data-bearing appliances - **Materials recovery:** Maximum value extraction - **Documentation:** Certificates of recycling/destruction

**Address:** 4955 Moorhead Ave #C, Boulder, CO 80305 **Phone:** (303) 440-4TEK (4835)

**Electronic Appliances Focus:** - Smart appliances with computer components - Appliances with LCD/LED displays - WiFi-enabled appliances - Medical appliances with electronics

**Pricing:** - **Smart refrigerators:** $45-75 - **Digital washing machines:** $25-40 - **Electronic control units:** $15-30 - **Commercial equipment:** Custom quotes

**Address:** 2050 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301 **Phone:** (303) 419-9325 **Hours:** Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

**Accepted Appliances:** - Working refrigerators (less than 10 years old) - Working washers and dryers - Dishwashers and stoves in good condition - Small kitchen appliances

**Requirements:** - Must be in working condition - Clean and odor-free - No appliances over 10 years old - Free pickup for large appliances

**Benefits:** - **Tax deduction:** Donation receipt provided - **Community impact:** Supports affordable housing - **Environmental benefit:** Extends appliance life

**Address:** 4869 N Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 **Phone:** (303) 444-4013

**Needed Appliances:** - Refrigerators and freezers - Microwaves and toasters - Coffee makers and small appliances - Laundry equipment

**Donation Process:** - Call ahead to verify current needs - Free pickup available - Tax deduction receipts provided - Must be clean and functioning

**Address:** 6520 Odell Pl, Boulder, CO 80301 **Phone:** (303) 494-5145

**Appliance Acceptance:** - Small appliances only - Must be tested and working - Clean and complete - Drop-off only (no pickup)

**Coverage:** All of Boulder County **Pricing:** Starting at $79 for appliance removal

**Service Includes:** - Professional appliance disconnection - Safe removal and transport - Proper recycling and disposal - Environmental certificates - Same-day service available

**Appliance Pricing:** - **Single appliance:** $79-149 - **Multiple appliances:** $179-349 - **Commercial equipment:** $249-599 - **Emergency removal:** $99-199

**Unique Features:** - EPA-certified refrigerant handling - 60%+ recycling rate - Real-time service tracking - Transparent pricing - Online scheduling

**Coverage:** Boulder and surrounding areas **Phone:** 1-800-468-5865

**Appliance Services:** - **Minimum charge:** $149-199 - **Single appliance:** $179-249 - **Multiple items:** $349-599 - **Commercial rates:** Custom pricing

**Service Features:** - Uniformed, professional crews - Appliance disconnection included - Environmental disposal practices - Same-day service - Free estimates

**Coverage:** Boulder County **Phone:** (303) 558-9200

**Appliance Removal:** - **Minimum:** $149-199 - **Per appliance:** $75-150 additional - **Volume pricing:** Better rates for multiple items - **Commercial service:** Available

**All Appliances:** - Unplug and allow to defrost 24+ hours - Remove all food and personal items - Clean interior and exterior thoroughly - Secure or remove doors (safety requirement)

**Refrigerators and Freezers:** - **Refrigerant removal:** Must be done by certified technician - **Cost:** $45-75 for professional refrigerant recovery - **Find technicians:** EPA-certified HVAC contractors - **Documentation:** Keep certificates for disposal facility

**Washers and Dryers:** - Disconnect water and electrical connections - Remove any remaining water - Check for loose parts or accessories - Gas dryers require professional disconnection

**Water Heaters:** - **Electric:** Turn off circuit breaker - **Gas:** Professional disconnection required - **Drain completely:** Open drain valve - **Remove insulation:** If damaged or moldy

**Rental Trucks (Boulder Locations):**

**U-Haul Boulder** - **Address:** 3800 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301 - **Cost:** $19.95-29.95 plus mileage - **Includes:** Moving equipment rental

**Home Depot Truck Rental** - **Address:** 2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302 - **Cost:** $29 for 75 minutes - **Perfect for:** Local appliance transport

**Boulder Appliance Movers** - **Address:** Local moving companies - **Cost:** $75-150 per appliance - **Includes:** Professional handling and transport

**Heavy Lifting:** - Refrigerators: 200-300 pounds - Washers: 150-250 pounds - Dryers: 100-150 pounds - Always use proper lifting techniques or professional help

**Refrigerant Safety:** - Never attempt DIY refrigerant removal - Exposure can cause frostbite and respiratory issues - Professional handling prevents environmental damage - Boulder County strictly enforces proper handling

**Electrical Safety:** - Turn off power at breaker box - Use qualified electrician for hardwired appliances - Check for asbestos in older appliances

| Disposal Method | Cost Range | Pros | Cons | |----------------|------------|------|------| | **Boulder County Facility** | $10-25 per appliance | Lowest cost, environmentally responsible | Must transport yourself | | **Curbside Pickup** | $30 per appliance | Convenient, city service | Limited scheduling | | **Xcel Energy Program** | Free + $75 rebate | Pays you, convenient pickup | Limited eligibility | | **Dropcurb Service** | $79-149 | Professional, same-day available | Higher cost | | **Home Depot Haul-Away** | $25-50 with purchase | Convenient with new appliance | Must buy replacement | | **1-800-GOT-JUNK** | $149-249 | Professional, established brand | Premium pricing | | **DIY + Facility** | $25-50 total | Full control, lower cost | Time and effort required |

**Peak Appliance Disposal Season** - Spring cleaning and home renovations - Higher demand, longer wait times - Best time for donation (high demand) - Facility hours may be extended

**Moving Season** - High volume of appliance turnover - Premium pricing for pickup services - Good weather for DIY transport - Utility rebate programs most active

**Pre-Winter Preparations** - HVAC equipment replacement common - Good time for energy-efficient upgrades - Utility rebates still available - Moderate demand and pricing

**Best Deals and Availability** - Lowest demand period - Best pricing and scheduling - Holiday appliance replacements - Weather may affect transport

Boulder County aims to achieve **85% waste diversion** by 2025, with appliances playing a crucial role:

**Current Performance:** - **72% diversion rate** as of 2026 - **12,000+ appliances** recycled annually - **95% material recovery** from proper recycling - **$2.3 million value** in recovered materials

**Refrigerant Handling (Colorado Revised Statute 25-7-114):** - Professional removal required for all refrigerants - Improper disposal fines: $1,000-$10,000 - Technician certification mandatory - Environmental damage liability applies

**Electronic Waste Act:** - Covers appliances with electronic controls - Manufacturer take-back requirements - Data destruction requirements - Landfill disposal prohibited

**Section 608 of Clean Air Act:** - Refrigerant recovery mandatory - Technician certification required - Equipment certification necessary - Record keeping requirements

1. **Check warranty status** - Repairs might be covered 2. **Research trade-in value** - Some retailers offer credits 3. **Consider refurbishment** - Minor repairs might extend life 4. **Harvest valuable parts** - Copper, aluminum, steel have value 5. **Document condition** - Photos help with insurance claims

1. **Working appliances** → Donation for tax benefits 2. **Repairable appliances** → Habitat ReStore or trade-in 3. **Non-working recent models** → Manufacturer take-back 4. **Old appliances** → Utility rebate programs first 5. **Commercial equipment** → Specialized recyclers

1. **Plan ahead** - Don't wait until last minute 2. **Coordinate with new appliance delivery** - Often cheaper 3. **Check for rebate seasons** - Utility programs vary 4. **Avoid peak times** - Spring and summer cost more 5. **Bundle multiple appliances** - Better rates available

Boulder offers excellent options for responsible appliance recycling, from free utility programs to comprehensive professional services. The key is matching your situation to the right disposal method:

**For maximum savings:** Use Boulder County facilities and Xcel Energy rebates **For convenience:** Choose professional services like Dropcurb starting at $79 **For community impact:** Donate working appliances to local charities **For environmental benefit:** Ensure proper refrigerant handling and maximum recycling

Boulder's commitment to sustainability means residents have access to more resources than most communities. Take advantage of these programs to dispose of appliances responsibly while supporting the county's zero waste goals.

**Remember:** Proper appliance disposal isn't just environmentally responsible—it's required by law in Colorado. Choose certified services and keep documentation for your records.

*Need professional appliance removal in Boulder? Dropcurb provides same-day service with transparent pricing starting at $79, including proper recycling and environmental certificates.*