The Legal Issue: Refrigerants
Before anything else: if your appliance contains refrigerant — refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, dehumidifiers, or mini-fridges — you cannot legally toss them in a dumpster or leave them curbside for regular trash pickup.
Under EPA Section 608, refrigerants (R-22, R-410A, R-134a, etc.) must be recovered by a certified technician before an appliance is scrapped. Fines for improper disposal run into the thousands. Every legitimate disposal option listed in this guide handles this properly.
Free Utility Appliance Recycling Programs
This is the most overlooked free option. Many electric utility companies run appliance recycling programs — they pick up old refrigerators and freezers, recycle them properly, and may pay you a rebate of $25–$50 for retiring an inefficient unit.
These programs exist because older refrigerators are energy hogs. Utilities subsidize removal to reduce grid demand.
- Search: "[your utility company] appliance recycling"
- Or use the EPA’s locator: energystar.gov/recycle
- Most programs cover refrigerators and freezers; some include AC units
- Appliance typically must be working (or recently working)
Retailer Haul-Away at Delivery
Buying a replacement appliance? Most major retailers offer to haul away your old one when they deliver the new one. This is often the most convenient paid option — no scheduling a separate pickup:
| Retailer | Haul-Away? | Typical Cost | Notes |
| Home Depot | Yes | $25 or free w/ delivery | Available on most major appliance deliveries |
| Lowe’s | Yes | $30 or free w/ delivery | Confirm at checkout |
| Best Buy | Yes | $30 | Haul-away included in Geek Squad delivery on some items |
| AJ Madison | Yes | Free w/ delivery | White-glove delivery service |
| Costco | Varies | Free on select items | Depends on delivery partner |
Scrap Metal — Get Paid to Recycle
Large appliances are mostly steel. A scrap metal yard will typically pay $5–$20 per appliance depending on weight and current scrap prices. It’s not a windfall, but it’s free disposal plus a small payout.
To find scrap yards: search "scrap metal yard near me." Most accept self-haul drop-offs. You’ll need a truck or trailer. Refrigerators and AC units must have their refrigerant removed first — some scrap yards do this on-site for a small fee.
Alternative: Post appliances as "free scrap metal" on Craigslist. People who haul scrap will pick them up at no charge to you.
Junk Removal Pricing for Appliances
When free options aren’t available or convenient, junk removal is the easiest paid path. Crews carry items out of the house and handle all disposal.
| Appliance | Typical Removal Cost | Notes |
| Washer | $75–$125 | Scrap value may reduce rate |
| Dryer | $75–$125 | Lighter than washer |
| Washer + Dryer set | $125–$200 | Combo discount common |
| Refrigerator | $100–$175 | Higher due to Freon extraction fee |
| Freezer (chest or upright) | $100–$150 | Same Freon requirement |
| Dishwasher | $75–$100 | Typically lighter load |
| Stove / Range | $75–$125 | No refrigerant; easier handling |
| Window AC unit | $50–$100 each | Refrigerant surcharge applies |
Municipal Transfer Station (Self-Haul)
If you have a truck or trailer and want to minimize cost, hauling appliances to your local transfer station is a viable option. Most accept large appliances for a fee:
- Typical cost: $15–$50 per appliance or by weight
- Refrigerants: Some stations handle this on-site; others require pre-removal
- Call ahead to confirm accepted items and fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a refrigerator or AC unit in the trash?
No. Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerants (Freon/CFCs) that are illegal to vent into the atmosphere under EPA Section 608. They must be handled by a certified technician before disposal. Most junk removal companies and scrap yards handle this legally.
Do utility companies pick up old appliances for free?
Yes — many electric utilities run appliance recycling rebate programs. They pick up your old refrigerator or freezer for free and may pay you $25–$50. Search "[your utility company] appliance recycling" or visit energystar.gov/recycle for a locator tool.
Will Home Depot or Lowe's take my old appliance when delivering a new one?
Yes, most major appliance retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Sears/Kmart, AJ Madison) offer haul-away of your old appliance when delivering a replacement. Cost is typically $15–$30 or free depending on the promotion. Confirm at checkout.
Is there scrap metal value in old appliances?
Yes. Most large appliances are steel-heavy and worth $5–$20 at a scrap metal yard. Copper-heavy appliances (AC compressors, some older washers) may be worth more. Some junk removal crews will reduce your rate if they can keep the scrap metal value from your appliances.
How much does junk removal cost for appliances?
Washer, dryer, or dishwasher: $75–$125 each. Refrigerator or freezer: $100–$175 (higher due to Freon extraction). Full set (washer + dryer): $125–$200. Prices vary by market and company.
Can I haul an appliance to the dump myself?
For most appliances, yes — municipal transfer stations accept them, usually for a per-item or per-weight fee ($15–$50). Refrigerants must be removed first for refrigerators and AC units. Call your local transfer station before hauling to confirm their rules.