How do I get rid of an old refrigerator?

Refrigerators are one of the hardest large appliances to get rid of because of refrigerant regulations. They contain Freon or R-410A, and under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, refrigerant must be extracted by EPA-certified technicians before the appliance is scrapped or landfilled. This is why most city bulk pickup programs refuse refrigerators and why disposal requires more planning than a couch.

Here are all six realistic options.

Option 1: Utility company rebate programs (best option if fridge is working)

Many electric utilities will pick up your old, working refrigerator for free and mail you a $50–$150 rebate check. They do this because pre-2000 refrigerators consume 2–3 times more electricity than modern units, and removing inefficient appliances reduces strain on the power grid.

How to find your program: call your electric utility or search "[utility company name] appliance recycling rebate" or "[your city] refrigerator rebate program."

Requirements: refrigerator must be working (plugs in and cools), typically 10+ cubic feet, and you must be a current customer at the address. Lead time: 2–4 weeks. This is the best deal available for a working refrigerator.

Option 2: Retailer take-back when buying new

Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, and most independent appliance dealers will haul away your old refrigerator when they deliver a new one. Cost is typically $0–$30, or sometimes included free with delivery. This is the simplest option if you're replacing the refrigerator anyway.

Ask about it when purchasing — it's not always advertised prominently. Confirm they handle refrigerant recovery, not just transportation.

Option 3: Scrap metal dealers

Working refrigerators have $5–$20 in scrap value (copper compressor coil, aluminum, steel). Post "free refrigerator for scrap" on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You'll typically get calls within hours. Non-working refrigerators still have metal value, but scrappers are less motivated to come for them — you may need to offer a small cash incentive.

Note: scrap dealers must be licensed to handle refrigerant. Most reputable scrapyards are, but confirm before handing over an appliance with intact refrigerant.

Option 4: Donation

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is the most likely to accept a working refrigerator in good cosmetic condition. They have a truck and will pick up. Call your local branch first — acceptance varies by location and their current inventory.

Goodwill and Salvation Army typically do not accept refrigerators or large appliances.

Option 5: City bulk pickup (usually won't work)

Most US cities explicitly refuse refrigerators from bulk pickup collection due to refrigerant disposal requirements. This includes Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Charlotte, Nashville, Denver, Austin, Las Vegas, and most other major markets. Call 311 or your waste management department to confirm, but expect to be turned away.

A small number of cities run periodic appliance recycling events separate from bulk pickup — these are free and handle refrigerant properly, but happen only a few times a year.

Option 6: Dropcurb curbside removal ($134)

Book online, place the refrigerator at the curb, and a certified hauler picks it up same day. The $134 price includes the $25 appliance recycling fee for EPA-compliant refrigerant extraction. Any condition accepted, any brand, any age.

Getting a refrigerator to the curb:

A refrigerator dolly (also called an appliance hand truck) is non-negotiable for moving a 200–400 lb refrigerator. Rent one from Home Depot or U-Haul for $10–$20. Use moving straps to secure the fridge to the dolly. Two people: one controlling the dolly handle, one stabilizing the top. Remove the doors from the refrigerator if the hallway or doorway is narrow (typically 2–3 hinge screws at the top hinge). Don't lay the refrigerator on its side — this can damage the compressor.

Option comparison: