Where to Dump Appliances, Including Fridges and Freezers (Freon)

Updated 2026-09-25. General guidance only: local rules vary, so check with your county or the facility.

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Old refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves and water heaters are mostly steel, which makes them valuable to scrap recyclers. But appliances that cool — refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers — contain refrigerants that must be recovered before the appliance is scrapped or landfilled. That's why disposal rules are a bit different from ordinary junk.

Your main options

Retailer haul-away. Many appliance stores remove the old unit when they deliver the new one, sometimes for a fee. Ask when you buy.

Utility rebate programs. Some electric utilities pay customers to recycle old, working refrigerators and freezers, because it saves energy. Check your utility's website.

Scrap metal recyclers. Most scrap yards take washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers and water heaters, and may even pay a little for the steel. For refrigerators, freezers and AC units, many scrap yards require proof that the refrigerant was already recovered by a certified technician, or they charge a fee to handle it.

Transfer stations and landfills. Many accept appliances, often in a separate "white goods" area, and charge a per-item fee, especially for units with refrigerant. Some take them for free to encourage recycling.

Bulk pickup. Some cities and trash haulers pick up appliances on request, sometimes with a sticker or fee. Units with refrigerant may need to be tagged after recovery.

Donation. Working appliances in good shape may be accepted by reuse centers or charities. Call first.

About refrigerants

Federal rules require refrigerant to be recovered by properly certified people before a cooling appliance is disposed of. Never cut refrigerant lines or vent the gas yourself. If you're taking a refrigerator or freezer somewhere, ask whether they handle refrigerant recovery on site and what it costs, or whether you need a technician to do it first and provide a sticker or receipt.

Safety before you move it

Remove refrigerator and freezer doors, or strap them firmly shut, whenever an appliance is left outside or at the curb. Children can become trapped in a closed unit.
Empty everything. Remove food and water, drain washer hoses, and let a water heater cool and drain completely before moving it.
Gas appliances. Have gas stoves and dryers disconnected safely and the gas line capped.
Get help. Use an appliance dolly and straps, and keep refrigerators upright in the vehicle if you can.

Why fees vary

Expect per-item pricing at most sites. Units containing refrigerant usually cost more because of the recovery step. Some scrap yards pay for appliances with no refrigerant; some landfills charge a flat fee. Resident versus non-resident rates and minimum charges can also apply.

Show transfer stations, landfills and recycling centers on the map, or use the calculator to price several items. Small appliances with cords, like microwaves or toasters, may go with electronics; see the electronics guide.

Find a place near you

Open the map with landfills / dumps + transfer stations + recycling centers switched on, or only show listings that mention appliances (fewer results, because most listings don't list materials). You can also estimate weight and cost with the dump cost calculator.