How to Get Rid of Old Appliances: Removal Cost & Disposal Options (2026)
Getting rid of an old refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, or dryer is more complicated than dragging it to the curb. Many municipalities won't accept large appliances in regular trash, and appliances containing refrigerants (refrigerators, freezers, AC units) require EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery before disposal. This guide covers every disposal option — from free utility programs to paid professional removal — with real 2026 pricing.
How much does appliance removal cost?
| Method | Typical Cost | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility rebate program (refrigerator/freezer) | Free + cash rebate | Pickup + $25–$75 rebate | Working refrigerators and freezers |
| Retailer haul-away (when buying new) | Free–$30 | Old unit picked up at delivery | Replacing appliance with same retailer |
| Municipal bulk pickup | Free (scheduled) | Curbside collection | Non-refrigerant appliances |
| Scrap metal recycler | Free–$10 credit | They pick it up or you drop off | Non-working metal appliances |
| Junk removal (single item) | $50–$250 | Carry out + haul away + disposal | Quick, convenient removal |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK appliances | $100–$300+ | Full-service removal | Multiple appliances |
| LoadUp appliance removal | $95 avg. + $10–15 per add'l | Scheduled pickup | Upfront pricing |
Appliance removal costs vary by service type and appliance size:
Free appliance disposal: utility rebate programs
One of the best-kept secrets in appliance disposal is utility company recycling programs. Many electric utilities pay you to recycle your old refrigerator or freezer — and pick it up for free.
How it works:
Example programs:
Limitations: Most programs accept only refrigerators and freezers (not washers, dryers, or dishwashers). Appliance must be in working condition. Most programs limit 1–2 units per year per address.
Why utilities offer this: Old refrigerators from the 1990s and 2000s use 2–4x the electricity of modern ENERGY STAR models. Recycling them reduces grid demand and qualifies utilities for efficiency program funding.
Retailer haul-away: free when buying new
When you buy a new appliance from a major retailer, most offer free haul-away of your old unit at delivery. This is one of the most convenient disposal options available.
Retailers that offer haul-away:
How to arrange it: During checkout online or in-store, select the haul-away option. Delivery crews will disconnect and remove the old appliance when installing the new one.
Requirements: The old appliance must be disconnected and accessible to the delivery crew. Most retailers require it to be in the same room as the new appliance delivery. Refrigerators must be fully defrosted and emptied. Washers must be disconnected from water supply.
Limitation: This only works when purchasing a new appliance from that retailer.
Junk removal for old appliances: cost breakdown
When free options aren't available, professional junk removal is the most convenient paid option:
Typical costs (2026 data):
Stair fees: Appliances in basements, on upper floors, or in apartments often incur stair fees of $25–$75 per flight.
Refrigerant surcharge: Appliances containing refrigerant (refrigerators, freezers, AC units, dehumidifiers) require EPA-certified technicians to recover refrigerant before disposal. Many junk removal companies include this in their pricing; some add a $20–$50 refrigerant recovery fee.
Location premium: Urban markets (NYC, LA, San Francisco) charge 25–50% more than national averages. Yelp cost data shows electricians charge $50–$100/hour for disconnection, plumbers $60–$140/hour — factor these in if appliances are still connected.
How to prepare appliances for disposal
Proper preparation reduces costs and ensures compliance with environmental regulations:
For all appliances: 1. Disconnect from power (unplug or turn off circuit breaker) 2. Disconnect water supply (washers, refrigerators with ice makers, dishwashers) 3. Remove all food and clean the interior (refrigerators, freezers) 4. Secure all doors — loose refrigerator doors are a safety hazard (child entrapment) 5. Move to an accessible location if possible (garage, driveway, curb)
Refrigerators and freezers specifically:
Washers:
Gas appliances (dryers, ranges):
Check for value first: Before scheduling removal, check resale value. Working appliances from name brands (Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Bosch) can sell on Facebook Marketplace for $50–$300. Even non-working appliances have scrap metal value — call a local scrap yard for pricing on your area.
Appliance-by-appliance disposal guide
Different appliances have different disposal considerations. Here's a quick-reference guide:
Refrigerator / Freezer: Contains refrigerant (CFC, HCFC, or HFC) that requires EPA-certified recovery before disposal. Most free utility recycling programs are specifically designed for refrigerators and freezers. Check your utility's program first — you may get paid to have it picked up. If not eligible for a utility program, junk removal costs $100–$250.
Washing Machine / Dryer: No refrigerant issues. Can often be set at the curb for municipal bulk pickup (check your city's schedule). Working units sell on Facebook Marketplace for $50–$200. Scrap metal yards accept non-working units and may pick up for free. Professional junk removal: $100–$200 per unit.
Dishwasher: Smaller and lighter than most appliances ($50–$150 for junk removal). Usually eligible for retailer haul-away when purchasing a replacement. Some municipalities accept dishwashers in regular bulk pickup.
Stove / Range: Gas stoves require a plumber to cap the gas line before removal (typically $60–$100). Electric stoves are straightforward. Retailer haul-away is available when buying a replacement. Junk removal: $100–$200.
Microwave: Small and light — $50–$100 for junk removal pickup. Many municipalities accept microwaves in regular bulk trash. Best Buy and some other electronics retailers accept microwaves for recycling.
Window AC units / dehumidifiers: Contain refrigerant — same EPA requirements as refrigerators. Many utility recycling programs accept window AC units and dehumidifiers in addition to refrigerators. Junk removal: $75–$150. Some municipalities offer special collection programs.
Water heater: Large and heavy (100–150 lbs). Plumber disconnection required. Junk removal: $100–$200. Scrap metal yards sometimes pick up old water heaters for free due to metal content.
Common questions
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator for free?
Check if your electric utility offers a refrigerator recycling program — many provide free pickup AND a $25–$75 rebate for old working refrigerators. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder at energystar.gov/rebate-finder to find programs in your ZIP code. If buying a new refrigerator, your retailer (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.) likely offers free haul-away at delivery.
How much does appliance removal cost?
Professional junk removal for a large appliance costs $77–$259 per unit (HomeWyse 2026). Refrigerators and washers typically run $100–$250. Small appliances run $50–$100. LoadUp charges an average of $95 for the first appliance and $10–$15 each additional. Free options (utility programs, retailer haul-away) are available if you qualify.
Can I put a refrigerator at the curb?
Many municipalities accept refrigerators and other large appliances at the curb, but you typically need to schedule a special bulk pickup — they won't be collected during regular garbage service. Additionally, in most jurisdictions, refrigerator doors must be removed or secured before curbside placement (safety requirement to prevent child entrapment). Check your city's bulk item pickup schedule.
Do I need an EPA-certified technician to dispose of a refrigerator?
For intact refrigerators that still contain refrigerant, yes — the refrigerant must be properly recovered by an EPA-certified technician before disposal. Most professional appliance removal services handle this automatically. If the refrigerant has already escaped, the unit can be recycled as scrap metal. Never intentionally vent refrigerant — it's illegal under Clean Air Act regulations.
What happens to recycled appliances?
Appliances are disassembled at recycling facilities. Steel and other metals are sold to scrap processors; copper wiring is recovered; refrigerants are captured and either reclaimed for reuse or destroyed; plastic components are sorted for recycling. The steel from one refrigerator can make approximately 6 steel cans. Most EPA-compliant recyclers recover 95%+ of appliance materials by weight.
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