Where to Recycle Appliances Near Me? 6 Options [2026]
Recycle appliances near you at scrap metal yards (free or they pay you), Best Buy stores (free for small electronics and appliances), utility company rebate programs (paid $25-75 to recycle old fridges/ACs), or through curbside junk removal like Dropcurb ($79). Your best option depends on the appliance type and size.
Where Can I Recycle Large Appliances?
Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens contain valuable scrap metal and are accepted at several locations.
Scrap metal yards accept large appliances for free and often pay you based on weight. A refrigerator weighs 150-300 pounds and nets $6-24 at current steel scrap rates ($0.04-0.08/lb). Washers and dryers weigh 100-170 pounds each. Call your local scrapyard to confirm they accept appliances — most do without an appointment.
Utility company recycling programs offer the best deal for working refrigerators and freezers. Programs like Energy Star Fridge Recycling (run through local utilities) pay you $25-75 AND provide free pickup. Check with your electric utility — over 60 US utilities run appliance recycling incentive programs.
Municipal recycling centers accept large appliances at no charge in most cities. Check your county or city website for drop-off locations. Some require scheduling. Refrigerators and air conditioners require certified refrigerant removal before recycling — the recycling center handles this.
| Recycling Option | Cost | Appliance Types | Pickup Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrap metal yard | Free (pays $5-25) | All metal appliances | No — you deliver |
| Utility rebate program | Free (pays $25-75) | Working fridges, freezers, ACs | Yes — free pickup |
| City/county recycling center | Free | All appliances | Some offer bulk pickup |
| Best Buy | Free (small) / $100 haul-away (large) | TVs, microwaves, small appliances | Haul-away with new purchase |
| Curbside junk removal (Dropcurb) | $79 | All appliances at curb | Yes — same day |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $130-250+ | All appliances | Yes — in-home removal |
Where to Recycle Small Appliances
Small appliances like microwaves, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, and vacuums have different recycling paths than large appliances.
Best Buy accepts small appliances for free recycling at all US store locations. Their recycling program covers microwaves, vacuum cleaners, small kitchen appliances, fans, and more. Drop them off at the customer service desk. Limit of 3 items per household per day.
Goodwill and Salvation Army accept working small appliances as donations. Non-working small appliances should go to electronics recyclers or scrap metal yards.
Municipal e-waste collection events accept small appliances with electronic components. Check your county website for scheduled e-waste collection dates — most run 2-4 events per year.
Do Utility Companies Pick Up Old Appliances for Free?
Many electric and gas utilities offer free pickup and cash rebates for old, working refrigerators, freezers, and window AC units. These programs exist because replacing old, energy-inefficient appliances reduces grid demand.
Examples of active utility recycling programs in 2026:
- •Duke Energy: $50 rebate + free pickup for working refrigerators and freezers
- •ComEd (Illinois): $50 rebate + free pickup for fridges and freezers
- •Pacific Gas & Electric: $50 for fridges, $35 for freezers, free pickup
- •Xcel Energy: $50 rebate + free pickup for working refrigerators
- •Georgia Power: $50 bounty + free pickup for qualifying fridges
To find your utility program: search "[your utility company] appliance recycling program" or call their customer service line. Programs typically require the appliance to be plugged in and working at the time of pickup. Non-working appliances do not qualify for rebates.
Old appliance at the curb? Dropcurb picks up refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more for $79. Book online in 60 seconds.
Book Appliance Pickup →Can You Put Appliances in the Trash?
No. Appliances cannot go in regular curbside trash in any US city. They are classified as bulky items and require separate disposal.
Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain refrigerants (Freon or R-134a) that must be recovered by a certified technician before disposal. Federal EPA regulations (Section 608 of the Clean Air Act) make it illegal to vent refrigerants. Fines start at $44,539 per violation.
Washers, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers do not contain refrigerants but are still too large for regular trash. Schedule bulk pickup through your city (call 311) or use a junk removal service.
How Much Does Appliance Recycling Cost?
Appliance recycling ranges from earning money (utility rebates, scrapyards) to paying $79-250 for removal services.
Free or profitable options:
- •Utility rebate programs: You get paid $25-75 AND free pickup (working fridges/freezers only)
- •Scrap metal yards: Free disposal, may pay you $5-25 based on weight and metal type
- •City bulk pickup: Free in most municipalities, 2-8 week wait
Paid removal services:
- •Dropcurb: $79 curbside pickup, same-day available
- •LoadUp: Starting at $89 for appliance removal
- •1-800-GOT-JUNK: $130-250+ depending on appliance and location
- •Best Buy haul-away: $100 per large appliance (only with new appliance purchase)
How to Recycle an Old Appliance
- 1
Check your utility company first
Search "[utility name] appliance recycling program." If your fridge or freezer still works, you may get $25-75 plus free pickup.
- 2
Call local scrap metal yards
Ask if they accept appliances and what they pay per pound. You will need a truck or trailer to deliver.
- 3
Schedule removal if needed
No truck? Book Dropcurb for $79 curbside pickup (move appliance to curb first) or schedule free city bulk pickup through 311 (2-8 week wait).
Dropcurb removes refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and more from your curb. $79, same day.
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