Free Appliance Pickup: 7 Ways to Get Rid of Old Appliances [2026]

Seven sources for free appliance pickup, ranked by reliability:

1. Scrap metal recyclers — The most reliable free option. Old appliances contain steel, copper, aluminum, and compressor metals worth $10–$30 in scrap. Recyclers pick up refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, and water heaters for free because the scrap value covers their time. Search "free appliance pickup" or "scrap metal pickup" on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Google. Reddit's r/Frugal confirms: "Scrap metal companies will come pick it up for free."

2. Utility company rebate programs — Many electric utilities offer free pickup AND pay you a rebate for recycling old working refrigerators and freezers. Alliant Energy pays $50 per appliance. PSE&G pays $35–$50 per appliance (April–June 2026 window). PPL Electric adds $10 per dehumidifier or AC paired with a large appliance. Check your utility's website for current programs — they change seasonally.

3. Retailer haul-away with purchase — Lowe's and Home Depot haul away your old appliance for free when you buy a replacement and pay for delivery. Best Buy charges $29.99–$59.99 for haul-away or offers free recycling drop-off at stores.

4. Salvation Army — Free pickup for working appliances. Schedule at satruck.org. Allow 1–2 weeks. The appliance must be functional, clean, and in donatable condition.

5. Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Accepts all appliances for free pickup. More flexible than Salvation Army on condition requirements. Proceeds fund Habitat home builds.

6. Goodwill — Free pickup in some locations for working appliances. Availability varies. Call your local Goodwill to confirm.

7. AMVETS — Accepts appliances less than 5 years old. Free pickup available through the AMVETS National Service Foundation.

Utility companies run appliance recycling programs because old refrigerators and freezers use 3–5x more electricity than modern models. Removing them from the grid saves the utility money on peak energy demand — enough that they'll pick up your appliance for free and pay you a rebate.

How it works:

• •Check eligibility: You must be a customer of the participating utility. The appliance usually must be a working refrigerator, freezer, or room AC.

• •Schedule free pickup: Book through your utility's website or phone. A contractor picks up the appliance from your home — including carrying it out.

• •Get paid: Rebates range from $10 to $50 per appliance. Alliant Energy pays $50. PSE&G pays $35–$50. PPL adds $10 per small appliance.

• •Seasonal windows: Many programs run only part of the year. PSE&G's 2026 program runs April 1 through June 30. Check your utility for current dates.

Three free options for washing machine removal:

• •Scrap metal pickup: Washing machines contain 40–60 pounds of steel. Scrap recyclers pick them up free. Post "free washing machine at curb" on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and it will likely be gone within hours.

• •Retailer haul-away: If you're buying a new washer, Lowe's and Home Depot haul away the old one for free with delivery of the replacement.

• •Donation: Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity ReStore pick up working washers for free. The machine must start, run a full cycle, and not leak.

If none of these work — the washer is broken, you're not buying a replacement, and no scrap dealer is available — Dropcurb picks up washers curbside for $79. Move it to the curb or driveway and book online.

Refrigerators are the easiest appliance to get picked up for free because they have the highest scrap value ($15–$30) and utility companies specifically target them for recycling rebates.

Best option: Check your electric utility's appliance recycling program first. If the fridge is working, you may get free pickup plus a $35–$50 rebate — meaning you actually get paid to dispose of it.

Second option: Scrap metal recyclers will pick up any refrigerator for free regardless of condition. The compressor, copper tubing, and steel shell all have scrap value.

Important: Never cut the Freon lines on a refrigerator. Freon (R-134a or R-12) is a regulated refrigerant that must be recovered by a certified technician. Scrap dealers and utility programs handle this properly. City bulk pickup programs also accept refrigerators but may require you to confirm Freon has been recovered.