How to Dispose of an Old Air Conditioner [2026]
Dispose of an old air conditioner through a junk removal service like Dropcurb ($79 curbside pickup), retailer take-back when buying new, a certified scrap metal recycler, city bulk pickup, or an HVAC contractor. Federal law requires refrigerant (Freon) to be recovered by a certified technician before disposal — you cannot legally put an AC unit in regular trash.
Why You Cannot Throw Away an Air Conditioner in Regular Trash
Air conditioners contain refrigerant (R-22 or R-410A), a regulated substance under the EPA Clean Air Act. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal and carries fines up to $44,539 per day per violation.
Most garbage services refuse AC units in regular curbside trash. Even window units contain enough refrigerant to require proper recovery. Landfills that accept AC units charge extra fees ($15-$50) because they must handle the refrigerant separately.
The good news: window and portable AC units are light enough (40-80 lbs) for one person to move to the curb. Central AC units and mini-splits require professional handling.
| Disposal Method | Cost | Timeline | Freon Handled? | AC Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dropcurb curbside pickup | $79 | Same day | Yes (hauler handles) | Window, portable |
| Retailer take-back | Free-$50 | At delivery | Yes | Window, portable |
| Scrap metal recycler | Free-$25 | Same day (drop-off) | Varies — call first | Window, portable |
| City bulk pickup | Free | 2-8 weeks | Varies by city | Window, portable |
| HVAC contractor | $75-150 | 1-3 days | Yes (certified) | All types |
How to Get Rid of a Window AC Unit
Window AC units weigh 40-80 lbs and are the easiest to dispose of. Most people can move one to the curb without help.
Fastest options for window AC disposal:
- •Dropcurb: $79 curbside pickup. Move it to the curb and book online. Same-day pickup available.
- •City bulk pickup: Free in most cities. Schedule through 311. Wait time is 2-8 weeks.
- •Scrap metal recycler: Many accept window units for free because they contain valuable copper and aluminum. Call first to confirm they handle refrigerant.
- •ENERGY STAR retailer programs: Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy occasionally run AC recycling events. Check energystar.gov/products/recycle for current programs.
How to Dispose of a Portable Air Conditioner
Portable AC units weigh 50-90 lbs and contain refrigerant just like window units. The same disposal rules apply.
- •Do not drain refrigerant yourself — it is illegal and the fine is severe
- •Do not put it in regular trash — garbage services will refuse it
- •Do not leave it at the curb without scheduling pickup — fines of $50-$500
Book curbside junk removal or schedule city bulk pickup. Most scrap recyclers also accept portable units.
Need an old AC unit gone today? Dropcurb picks it up curbside for $79. No Freon headaches — the hauler handles disposal.
Book AC Removal →How Much Does Air Conditioner Disposal Cost?
AC disposal costs depend on the method and unit type:
- •Dropcurb curbside pickup: $79 flat rate for window or portable units
- •Scrap metal recycler drop-off: Free to $25 (some pay you for the scrap)
- •HVAC contractor (Freon recovery only): $75-$150 for refrigerant removal
- •1-800-GOT-JUNK: $150-$350+ depending on load size. No online pricing.
- •City bulk pickup: Free in most cities, but 2-8 week wait
- •Transfer station: $20-$50 per unit plus possible refrigerant surcharge
Freon recovery alone costs $75-$150 through a certified HVAC technician. Some scrap recyclers include refrigerant recovery in their processing and do not charge extra.
Can I Sell or Recycle an Old Air Conditioner for Scrap?
AC units contain copper tubing, aluminum fins, and steel framing that have scrap value. A window unit contains $3-$10 worth of scrap metal depending on current commodity prices.
Scrap recyclers that accept AC units:
- •Call your local scrap yard and ask if they accept sealed AC units
- •Some recyclers require Freon to be recovered first (they will not accept sealed units)
- •Others have certified technicians on site and accept units as-is
- •Expect $0-$10 per window unit at most scrap yards
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are options for working AC units. A functional window unit in good condition can sell for $30-$100 depending on BTU rating and age.
Does the City Pick Up Old Air Conditioners?
Most cities accept window and portable AC units through their bulk pickup programs. Requirements vary:
- •New York City: Free DSNY bulk pickup. Schedule online. AC units accepted.
- •Los Angeles: Free bulky item pickup through 311. Up to 3 items per request.
- •Phoenix: On-call bulk pickup. AC units accepted.
- •Houston: Monthly heavy trash week by zone.
- •Denver: No free bulk pickup. Extra trash pickup starts at $31+.
Some cities require you to certify that the refrigerant has been removed before bulk pickup. Others handle it at their processing facility. Call 311 to check your city's requirements.
How to Dispose of an AC Unit With Dropcurb
- 1
Remove the AC from the window or unplug the portable unit
Window units: unscrew mounting brackets and lift out. Portable units: unplug and disconnect the exhaust hose.
- 2
Move it to the curb
Place the unit at the curb, driveway, or sidewalk edge. Window units are 40-80 lbs — manageable for most people.
- 3
Book online for $79
Select appliance removal at dropcurb.com. Instant pricing, no phone calls. Same-day pickup available.
Get your old AC unit off the curb today. Dropcurb picks it up for $79, same day.
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