Appliance Removal in Phoenix: Costs, Options & Rebate Programs (2026)

| Method | Cost | Timeline | Effort | |---|---|---|---| | Dropcurb | $79 first item, $39 each additional large | 1–3 days | Move to curb | | 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $200+ minimum | Same day possible | None — full service | | Phoenix Bulk Trash | Free | Wait for scheduled week | Move to curb | | Self-haul to transfer station | $33–$40 | Same day | Load, drive, unload | | Scrap metal recycler | Free or get paid $5–$20 | Same day | Transport yourself | | SRP/APS pickup program | Free + rebate | Scheduled pickup | Move to accessible location | | New appliance delivery haul-away | $0–$50 | With delivery | None |

Before getting into removal options, you need to understand one critical regulation that affects how certain appliances are disposed of in Arizona.

- Refrigerators and freezers - Air conditioning units (window units and central AC compressors) - Dehumidifiers - Some older water coolers

Under the federal **Clean Air Act, Section 608**, it is illegal to knowingly vent refrigerants (including Freon/R-22 and newer R-410A) into the atmosphere. Before any Freon-containing appliance is scrapped or landfilled, a **certified technician must recover the refrigerant**.

This applies everywhere in the US, including Arizona. In practice, this means:

- **You cannot simply put a refrigerator on the curb and hope for the best** — whoever picks it up is responsible for proper refrigerant handling - **Scrap metal recyclers** will typically recover refrigerant on-site before processing the appliance - **Junk removal companies** either have certified staff or partner with certified technicians - **Phoenix bulk trash** will pick up refrigerators and freezers, but the city requires that **doors be removed** (safety requirement) and prefers appliances to have refrigerant already recovered

Arizona doesn't have state-level refrigerant regulations beyond the federal requirements, but the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) enforces compliance. If you're a homeowner getting rid of a single fridge, you're unlikely to face enforcement issues as long as you use a legitimate disposal channel. But if you're a contractor or property manager disposing of multiple units, proper documentation matters.

The practical takeaway: **use a legitimate removal service** and don't try to cut corners with refrigerant-containing appliances.

This is one of the best-kept secrets in Phoenix. Both major utility providers — **Salt River Project (SRP)** and **Arizona Public Service (APS)** — offer programs that will pick up qualifying old appliances for free AND give you a rebate.

Salt River Project serves a large portion of the east Valley and parts of central/north Phoenix. Their appliance recycling program is one of the most generous in the country.

**How it works:** - SRP partners with a recycling contractor (historically ARCA Recycling) to pick up qualifying appliances - They come to your home, disconnect the appliance, and remove it - Appliances are recycled at a dedicated facility — refrigerant is properly recovered, metals are separated, foam insulation is processed

**Qualifying appliances:** - Refrigerators (10–30 cubic feet, must be working and cooling) - Freezers (10–30 cubic feet, must be working)

**The rebate:** - SRP has historically offered **$50 rebates** for qualifying refrigerators and freezers through their recycling program - The rebate comes as a credit on your SRP bill

**Eligibility:** - Must be an SRP residential electric customer - Appliance must be working (they're targeting energy-inefficient units that are still running) - Limit of 2 appliances per household per year - Appliance must be accessible (garage, carport, or inside the home on the first floor)

**To schedule:** Visit SRP's website at savewithsrp.com or call their customer service line. Pickup is typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks.

Arizona Public Service covers west Phoenix, much of north Phoenix, and a wide swath of the Valley's west side.

**How it works:** - Similar to SRP — APS partners with a recycling contractor for free pickup and recycling - The program targets old, energy-inefficient refrigerators and freezers

**Qualifying appliances:** - Refrigerators (10–30 cubic feet, working condition) - Freezers (10–30 cubic feet, working condition)

**The rebate:** - APS has offered **$50 rebates** for qualifying units through their appliance recycling program - Credit applied to your APS account

**Eligibility:** - Must be an APS residential customer - Appliance must be working and plugged in - Standard accessibility requirements

**To schedule:** Visit aps.com or call APS customer service.

This isn't charity — it's economics. An old refrigerator from the 1990s or early 2000s can use **3–4 times more electricity** than a modern Energy Star unit. By paying you $50 to recycle that old fridge, SRP and APS reduce demand on the grid during Phoenix's brutal summer peak — when electricity demand in the Valley is among the highest in the nation.

For you, it's a no-brainer: free pickup, proper recycling, and $50 back.

**The catch:** The appliance must be working. If your fridge already died, it doesn't qualify for the utility programs. You'll need one of the other options below.

For appliances that don't qualify for utility programs (non-working, or non-refrigerator items like washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, and ovens), Dropcurb offers affordable curbside pickup.

**Pricing:** - **First appliance:** $79 - **Each additional large appliance:** $39 - **Each additional small appliance (microwave, etc.):** $19

**Real-world examples:** - Old dishwasher: **$79** - Washer + dryer: **$79 + $39 = $118** - Refrigerator + stove + dishwasher: **$79 + $39 + $39 = $157**

**How it works:** - Book online at Dropcurb.com - Move the appliance to the curb (consider enlisting a neighbor or using an appliance dolly — Home Depot rents them for about $15/day) - Dropcurb picks it up

**Best for:** Non-working appliances, items the utility programs won't take, or when you need something gone quickly.

If you're buying a replacement appliance, the retailer will often remove the old one during delivery.

**Home Depot:** - Free haul-away of old appliance with delivery of new qualifying appliance - Old appliance must be disconnected and accessible - Available at all Phoenix-metro Home Depot locations

**Lowe's:** - Free haul-away with delivery of new appliance purchase - Old appliance must be disconnected before delivery crew arrives - Some restrictions on appliances with damage or contamination

**Best Buy:** - Haul-away available for $29.99 per item with new appliance delivery - Must be disconnected and ready for removal

**Arizona Wholesale Supply (local):** - Local appliance retailers often negotiate haul-away into the purchase price - Ask before you buy — many will include it to close the sale

**Costco:** - Free haul-away with new appliance delivery - Must be a like-for-like replacement (they take the old fridge when delivering new fridge)

**Pro tip:** If a retailer charges for haul-away, try negotiating it into the purchase price. Most salespeople have flexibility, especially on higher-end appliances.

Phoenix's bulk trash program accepts most appliances at no charge.

**Rules for appliances in bulk trash:** - **Doors must be removed** from refrigerators, freezers, and any enclosed appliances (child safety requirement) - Place at the curb during your designated collection week - Don't set items out more than a few days before your collection week - Water heaters: drain completely before setting out - Gas appliances: ensure gas line is properly capped/disconnected

**Limitations:** - Wait for your scheduled week (every 4–5 weeks) - Appliances may be picked through by scavengers - No guarantee of environmentally responsible recycling — items may go to landfill

Find your schedule at Phoenix.gov/PublicWorks or call 602-262-7251.

Appliances contain valuable metals — steel, copper, aluminum. Phoenix's industrial corridors are home to numerous scrap metal recyclers who will accept appliances, and in some cases, pay you for them.

**SA Recycling (multiple Valley locations)** - One of the largest scrap metal operations in Phoenix - Locations in south Phoenix and the west Valley - Accepts all metal appliances - Pays by weight at current scrap rates - A typical washer or dryer might net you $5–$15; a large refrigerator could bring $10–$20

**Sims Metal Management** - Location in the south Phoenix industrial area - Accepts appliances and other scrap metal - Competitive scrap pricing

**SR Recycling** - Phoenix-based recycler handling various materials - Accepts metal appliances and components

**Schnitzer Steel (formerly MMSS)** - Established scrap operation in the Valley - Accepts large appliances

**Important:** Scrap prices fluctuate with commodity markets. Steel prices in 2025–2026 have been moderate, so don't expect a windfall. The real value is getting free disposal (or a few dollars) instead of paying someone.

**For refrigerant-containing appliances:** Legitimate scrap yards in Arizona will recover refrigerant before processing. They have EPA-certified technicians on staff. Don't take a refrigerator to an informal scrap operation — it needs to be handled properly.

Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, College Hunks Hauling Junk, and Junk King serve Phoenix and will handle appliance removal including disconnection assistance and carrying items from anywhere in your home.

- **1-800-GOT-JUNK:** $200+ minimum - **College Hunks Hauling Junk:** $150+ minimum - **Junk King Phoenix:** $150+ minimum

**Best for:** Heavy appliances in difficult locations (second floor, basement, tight spaces), or when combined with a larger cleanout.

Phoenix's transfer stations accept appliances:

- **27th Avenue Transfer Station:** 2727 W. Lower Buckeye Rd - **North Gateway Transfer Station:** 34640 N. Cave Creek Rd

**Fees:** ~$33–$40 per ton (minimum charge applies)

**What you need:** A truck or trailer, physical ability to load/unload, and time. Budget $10–$20 for gas and $33–$40 for the dump fee.

Phoenix's hard water (among the hardest in the US, with mineral content of 200–300+ ppm in many areas) destroys water heaters faster than almost anywhere. The average water heater in Phoenix lasts 8–10 years versus 12–15 years in areas with softer water.

**Disposal tips:** - Drain completely before moving (a full water heater can weigh 150+ lbs) - Disconnect power (electric) or gas line (gas models) — hire a plumber if you're not comfortable doing this - Water heaters are mostly steel and have good scrap value - SRP and APS do NOT include water heaters in their recycling programs

**Best option:** If the unit still works, use the SRP or APS recycling program — free pickup plus $50 rebate.

**If it's dead:** Dropcurb ($79), scrap yard (free or get paid), or bulk trash (free but wait).

**Critical:** Do not attempt to remove refrigerant yourself. It requires EPA certification and specialized equipment. Penalties for illegal venting can reach **$44,539 per day per violation** under the Clean Air Act.

Relatively straightforward disposal:

- Disconnect and drain the washer (tip it back slightly to drain residual water) - Gas dryers: cap the gas line before moving - Good candidates for donation if still working — Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Phoenix and Mesa accepts working appliances - Scrap yards will take both; a washer/dryer set might net $15–$25 in scrap value

- Gas models: ensure gas line is properly capped - Remove oven racks (they can be recycled separately or repurposed) - Heavy — a standard range weighs 130–200 lbs. Get help or use a dolly. - Bulk trash, Dropcurb ($79), or scrap yard all work

- Disconnect water supply and power - Relatively lightweight (50–80 lbs) — one of the easier appliances to move - Dropcurb $79 as a single item, or bundle with other items

Extremely common in older Phoenix homes and apartments without central air:

- Contains refrigerant — must be properly handled - Too small for most utility recycling programs - Scrap yards will accept them - Dropcurb classifies these as small additional items ($19 add-on) - Do NOT put in regular trash

Both SRP and APS offer additional rebates when you purchase new, energy-efficient appliances:

- **Energy Star refrigerators:** Up to $50 rebate on qualifying models - **Heat pump water heaters:** Significant rebates available (check current SRP programs — these have been as high as $500+) - **Smart thermostats:** $50 rebate on qualifying models - Visit **savewithsrp.com** for current rebate listings

- **Energy Star appliances:** Various rebates depending on the appliance category - **Heat pump water heaters:** Rebates available through APS efficiency programs - **Pool pumps:** APS offers rebates on variable-speed pool pumps — relevant since most Phoenix homes have pools - Visit **aps.com** for current programs

Don't forget federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act: - Heat pump water heaters: up to **$2,000 federal tax credit** - Energy-efficient HVAC systems: up to **$2,000 federal tax credit** - These stack with SRP/APS rebates

Here's the decision tree for Phoenix residents:

1. **Is the appliance still working?** - **Yes + it's a fridge/freezer →** Call SRP or APS for their free pickup + $50 rebate program - **Yes + it's another appliance →** Donate to Habitat for Humanity ReStore or St. Vincent de Paul

2. **Is the appliance dead?** - **Buying a replacement →** Have the retailer haul away the old one (often free with purchase) - **Not buying a replacement →** Dropcurb ($79) for quick, affordable curbside pickup - **Have a truck + want to get paid →** Take it to a scrap yard (SA Recycling, Sims Metal) - **Can wait 4–5 weeks →** Set it out for Phoenix bulk trash (free)

3. **Is the appliance in a difficult location?** - **Second floor, no elevator →** Full-service hauler like 1-800-GOT-JUNK ($200+) - **Ground floor or garage →** Dropcurb ($79) — use a dolly to get it to the curb

[Book appliance removal in Phoenix with Dropcurb — starting at $79 →]