FAQ
How much does appliance removal cost?
Appliance removal with Dropcurb ranges from $79 (microwave, dishwasher) to $134 (refrigerator, washer, dryer) depending on the appliance. All large appliances with motors or refrigerants carry a $25 recycling fee on top of the base pickup cost. Traditional junk removal companies charge $150–$300 per appliance.
Appliance removal with Dropcurb is priced per appliance based on size and disposal requirements. Small appliances (microwaves, dishwashers) cost $79. Large appliances with motors and refrigerants (refrigerators, washers, dryers, AC units) cost $109 base + $25 appliance recycling fee = $134.
Appliance removal pricing — full table:
| Appliance | Dropcurb Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | $79 | Standard-tier item |
| Dishwasher (countertop) | $79 | Standard-tier item |
| Dishwasher (built-in) | $79 | Must be disconnected from cabinets first |
| BBQ grill | $79 | Remove propane tank before pickup |
| Stove / Range (electric) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Heavy-tier + recycling fee |
| Stove / Range (gas) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Disconnect gas line first |
| Oven (wall oven) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Must be removed from wall first |
| Washing machine | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Disconnect water/drain lines |
| Dryer (electric) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Unplug, disconnect vent |
| Dryer (gas) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Disconnect gas line first |
| Refrigerator | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Refrigerant + recycling required |
| Chest freezer | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Refrigerant required |
| AC unit (window) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Refrigerant required |
| AC unit (portable) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Refrigerant required |
| Water heater (tank) | $109 + $25 fee = $134 | Disconnect plumbing first |
| Dehumidifier | $79–$109 | Varies by size |
Why appliances cost more than furniture:
Two reasons: weight and regulated disposal. Large appliances are heavy-tier items (200–400 lbs), which is why the $30 heavy-item upgrade applies. Appliances with motors and refrigerants also require certified recycling — they can't go to a standard landfill. The $25 appliance recycling fee covers EPA-compliant handling at certified facilities.
How appliance removal pricing compares:
| Service | Refrigerator cost | Washer cost | How you get the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dropcurb | $134 | $134 | Instant, online |
| LoadUp | $125–$175 | $125–$175 | Online estimate |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $150–$250 | $150–$250 | In-home estimate |
| Local haulers | $75–$200 | $75–$200 | Phone estimate |
| Scrap metal dealers | Sometimes free | Sometimes free | Post on Craigslist |
| City bulk pickup | Most refuse (refrigerant) | Usually accepted | 2–9 weeks |
Scrap metal — when it's worth checking first:
Working washing machines, dryers, and some refrigerators have scrap value: $5–$30 in copper coils, aluminum, and steel. Post "free washer/dryer for scrap" on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace free section. You'll get calls within hours. Not reliable enough to count on, but worth 5 minutes of your time before paying for removal.
How to prepare appliances for curbside pickup:
- Refrigerators and freezers: Remove all food. Disconnect and cap water line (ice maker models). Leave door slightly open.
- Washers: Disconnect hot/cold water lines. Disconnect drain hose. Run a spin cycle to remove residual water.
- Dryers (gas): Turn off gas at shutoff valve, disconnect flex connector. Do this yourself only if you're comfortable with it — otherwise leave the gas line connected and tell the hauler.
- Stoves (gas): Same as gas dryer — shutoff valve first.
- Dishwashers: Must be disconnected from the water supply and drain before being moved.
- All appliances: Place at the curb using an appliance dolly. Do not attempt to drag large appliances — you'll damage flooring and risk injury.
Multi-appliance pricing examples:
| Job | Dropcurb Total |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator only | $134 |
| Washer + dryer | $218 ($134 + $84) |
| Refrigerator + washer + dryer | $302 |
| Stove + microwave | $213 ($134 + $79) |
| Full kitchen cleanout (fridge + stove + dishwasher) | $347 |