A public resource guide
Window units, portable ACs, and central condensers all contain refrigerant that federal law says must be recovered by a certified technician before disposal. That rule shapes every option.
Last updated: October 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource
Every air conditioner, from a 40-pound window unit to a 200-pound central condenser, holds a sealed charge of refrigerant. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, that refrigerant has to be recovered by an EPA-certified technician before the unit is scrapped, and knowingly venting it is a federal violation. In practice this means ACs cannot go in the trash anywhere in the country, and most city programs either collect them on a separate appliance route or require a drop-off. Here is how each option works and what it costs.
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The refrigerant is the whole story. Older units use R-22, which was phased out of production in 2020; newer ones use R-410A, which is itself being phased down under the AIM Act. Both are potent greenhouse gases and both must be captured, which is why landfills refuse ACs and why some cities charge a small refrigerant recovery fee.
Window and portable units are otherwise simple: steel cabinet, aluminum fins, copper tubing, a compressor. That metal content means scrap yards want them, but reputable yards will only accept a unit that is either still sealed (they recover the gas themselves) or tagged as evacuated by a certified tech.
Central air systems add a second step. The outdoor condenser must be disconnected from the line set and the electrical whip, and the line set must be pumped down or recovered before cutting. This is HVAC contractor work, and the contractor replacing your system should haul the old condenser as part of the job.
Free disposal is available in most places once you account for the refrigerant rule. These are the routes that handle it legally.
City appliance or refrigerant pickup
Free in most citiesMost municipal programs collect air conditioners the same way they collect refrigerators: on a scheduled appliance pickup, with the city or its contractor recovering the refrigerant before recycling. A minority charge a $10 to $30 recovery fee or require a drop-off at a solid waste facility.
Window units often ride along with regular bulk pickup in cities that treat them as small appliances. Central condensers usually need the appliance appointment.
Tag it if evacuated. If an HVAC tech already recovered the refrigerant, keep the tag on the unit so it can be scrapped directly.
Retailer takeback and utility programs
Free, sometimes with a rebateSome retailers accept old window units when you buy a new one, and utility appliance recycling programs in a number of service areas pick up working room ACs with a $25 to $50 rebate because the oldest units draw two to three times the power of a new model.
Search your utility plus 'room air conditioner recycling.' Programs are seasonal in many areas and open in spring.
Best Buy accepts window units through its appliance haul-away service when delivering a replacement; policies vary by store.
Scrap yards that accept sealed units
FreeMany scrap recyclers accept window and portable ACs with the refrigerant still in them because they have certified recovery equipment on site. Call first; some yards only take units tagged as evacuated, and a few charge a small recovery fee.
Do not cut the lines yourself. Venting refrigerant is illegal and the oil inside is messy.
Copper and aluminum coils give ACs more scrap value than most appliances, which is why free pickup listings get fast responses.
HVAC contractor haul-away (central systems)
Included in replacementWhen a contractor replaces a central system, removing and recycling the old condenser and air handler is standard and included in the quote. Confirm it in writing. Contractors recover the refrigerant as part of the disconnect.
Ask for the recovery to be documented on the invoice. Some jurisdictions require it.
Paid options matter when the unit is a heavy central condenser with no contractor involved, or when the city only offers a drop-off you cannot get to.
HVAC technician refrigerant recovery
$50 to $150An EPA-certified technician can recover the refrigerant from a window unit or condenser at your home and tag it. After that, the unit is ordinary scrap metal and any recycler or bulk program will take it.
Worth it for central condensers that need to be moved by a general hauler rather than an HVAC company.
LoadUp paid pickup
$80+For households not eligible for free programs, or who need a air conditioner gone this week, LoadUp connects you with independent loaders in cities across all 50 states. Upfront pricing, same-week scheduling, in-home pickup from any floor, and licensed disposal or recycling handled for you.
What’s included: Loading, hauling, and disposal. No prep needed beyond pointing out what goes.
Pricing: Starts around $80 for a single item; full-truck pickups range from $300 to $600 depending on volume.
If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. Every paid LoadUp customer can opt in to round up at checkout, and 100% of round-ups go directly to Freemoval’s subsidized jobs.
Get a air conditioner pickup price from LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
Air conditioners are handled like refrigerators in most municipal systems, which means a separate appliance appointment, a refrigerant recovery step, and sometimes a fee. A few cities take window units with regular bulk pickup. Tap a city for the exact rule. Each city link opens a dedicated free air conditioner removal guide for that city, built from the same researched city data.
Akron, OH Launching
Free curbside on regular collection day. Akron handles refrigerant recovery through the salvage chain, no resident fee. Retailer haul-away with…
Free air conditioner removal in Akron →
Albuquerque, NM Launching
Free Large Item Pick-Up. Empty all food, tape doors shut for child safety. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Albuquerque →
Allentown, PA Launching
Free curbside on second collection night. EPA Section 608 federal rules require refrigerant removal by a certified technician before disposal to…
Free air conditioner removal in Allentown →
Anaheim, CA Launching
Republic Services bulky pickup with small refrigerant fee. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. North OC HHW for refrigerant management.
Free air conditioner removal in Anaheim →
Anchorage, AK Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, or appliance): SWS Saturday bulk pickup (fee). Anchorage Regional Landfill (tipping…
Free air conditioner removal in Anchorage →
Arlington, TX Launching
Special pickup via Republic Services 817-317-2000 (fee). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Arlington →
Atlanta, GA Launching
Cannot go in standard bulk pickup due to refrigerants. Schedule a separate appliance pickup through 311, use LoadUp’s appliance haul-away, or…
Free air conditioner removal in Atlanta →
Augusta, GA Launching
Free curbside (within 50 lb single-item limit may be tight, contact Coastal for guidance). EPA Section 608 federal rules require refrigerant…
Free air conditioner removal in Augusta →
Aurora, CO Launching
Hauler bulk pickup (refrigerant fee may apply). At Your Door HHW $10. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Aurora →
Austin, TX Launching
On-demand bulk pickup (metal pile, doors removed). Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Austin →
Bakersfield, CA Launching
Free pickup by appointment (call 661-326-3114, Solid Waste coordinates Freon recovery). Retailer haul-away with new install is the most common…
Free air conditioner removal in Bakersfield →
Baltimore, MD Launching
White goods accepted at Drop-Off Centers and monthly bulk pickup. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Baltimore →
Baton Rouge, LA Launching
Free out-of-cart pickup. EPA Section 608 federal rules require refrigerant removal by a certified technician. Republic typically handles routing…
Free air conditioner removal in Baton Rouge →
Birmingham, AL Launching
Not accepted in city bulk pickup due to refrigerants. Take to SA Recycling (1620 Vanderbilt Road, 205-328-4283) or local landfill. Many appliance…
Free air conditioner removal in Birmingham →
Boise, ID Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free large item pickup (Freon removed at no charge). Retailer haul-away with new…
Free air conditioner removal in Boise →
Boston, MA Launching
MA state law bans from trash. Free Special Collection via 311 (REQUIRED). Empty all food and remove door before set-out, or it won’t be collected.
Free air conditioner removal in Boston →
Bridgeport, CT Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Transfer Station (Mon-Sat). Seasonal Bulk Program. Retailer haul-away with new…
Free air conditioner removal in Bridgeport →
Buffalo, NY Launching
Free 2-piece weekly bulk OR Large Bulk Season. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Buffalo →
Camden, NJ Launching
Special pickup, call 1176-757-7000. NOT in regular bulk pickup. Free for Camden residents within 5 business days.
Free air conditioner removal in Camden →
Cape Coral, FL Launching
NOT in standard curbside bulk (refrigerant). Retailer haul-away with new delivery, Lee County HHW (239-533-8000), or paid LoadUp.
Free air conditioner removal in Cape Coral →
Chandler, AZ Launching
1 free use (curbside bulk with refrigerant certification tag from licensed technician). Retailer haul-away.
Free air conditioner removal in Chandler →
Charlotte, NC Launching
Bulk pickup via CLT+, doors must be removed, unit emptied. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Charlotte →
Chattanooga, TN Launching
Free Bulk Trash pickup, many cities require certified Freon drainage; check with 311. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Chattanooga →
Chesapeake, VA Launching
Bulk trash request. Doors removed; glass surfaces taped. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Chesapeake →
Chicago, IL Launching
Bulky Item Pick Up via 311. Doors must be removed before set-out (child safety rule). ComEd offers appliance recycling rebates for working units,…
Free air conditioner removal in Chicago →
Chula Vista, CA Launching
Free Republic bulky pickup (over 60 lbs may incur additional charge). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Chula Vista →
Cincinnati, OH Launching
Free 311Cincy scheduled bulk pickup. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Cincinnati →
Cleveland, OH Launching
Accepted in monthly bulk pickup, doors must be removed. Ridge Road accepts appliances. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Cleveland →
Colorado Springs, CO Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Call your hauler for bulk pickup terms. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…
Free air conditioner removal in Colorado Springs →
Columbia, SC Launching
Often exceeds 40-lb limit per piece. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Otherwise paid hauler.
Free air conditioner removal in Columbia →
Columbus, OH Launching
NOT accepted in city pickup. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Paid LoadUp.
Free air conditioner removal in Columbus →
Corpus Christi, TX Launching
Twice-annual brush/bulky pickup (remove contents, tape doors shut). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Corpus Christi →
Dallas, TX Launching
Not accepted in regular bulk pickup. Freon must be removed by certified technician (federal Section 608). Free landfill drop-off may apply with…
Free air conditioner removal in Dallas →
Denver, CO Launching
NOT accepted in Large Item Pickup (Freon). Self-haul to DADS (with refrigerant removal certification) or use paid hauler. Many appliance retailers…
Free air conditioner removal in Denver →
Des Moines, IA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): 7 stickers ($35) plus call (515) 283-4950 to schedule. Collected following…
Free air conditioner removal in Des Moines →
Detroit, MI Launching
Detroit accepts white goods at curbside bulk pickup. Doors must be removed. Many appliance retailers also offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Detroit →
Durham, NC Launching
Free bulky pickup with REQUIRED Freon certification tag from licensed technician. Without tag, unit not collected.
Free air conditioner removal in Durham →
El Paso, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Fee-based curbside (doors must be removed, refrigerant removed) or retailer…
Free air conditioner removal in El Paso →
Fayetteville / Bentonville, AR Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance (freon)): Fayetteville: Requires Freon recovery fee form before scheduling…
Free air conditioner removal in Fayetteville / Bentonville →
Fort Wayne, IN Launching
NOT picked up by City (Freon). Use private hauler. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Donation if working.
Free air conditioner removal in Fort Wayne →
Fort Worth, TX Launching
Monthly bulk pile (free). Drop-Off Station alternative. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Fort Worth →
Fresno, CA Launching
Free OCU. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Most efficient: ask retailer to haul old unit during replacement delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Fresno →
Garland, TX Launching
Weekly brush/bulky pickup. Remove contents, tape doors shut. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Garland →
Gilbert, AZ Launching
SEPARATE Gilbert appliance pickup: $16 during bulk week, $85 outside. Call (480) 503-6400 before noon Tuesday of bulk week. Up to 2…
Free air conditioner removal in Gilbert →
Grand Rapids, MI Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): $40 Appliance Sticker (same as Bulk Sticker). Retailer haul-away with new…
Free air conditioner removal in Grand Rapids →
Greensboro, NC Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, or appliance): NOT bulk, call 336-373-CITY (2489) for free appointment. Doors must be…
Free air conditioner removal in Greensboro →
Greenville, SC Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free bulk pickup by appointment. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon…
Free air conditioner removal in Greenville →
Hartford, CT Launching
Free Bulky Waste Collection, refrigerant must be drained by certified technician first. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Hartford →
Henderson, NV Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer): Bi-weekly bulk with certification tag (refrigerant professionally removed). Or…
Free air conditioner removal in Henderson →
Honolulu, HI Launching
Bulky appointment (free). Convenience center for refrigerant removal/recycling. Doors secured per safety rule. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Honolulu →
Houston, TX Launching
Requires refrigerant-removal tag from a certified technician for heavy trash pickup. Without tag: not accepted. Many appliance retailers offer…
Free air conditioner removal in Houston →
Indianapolis, IN Launching
Heavy trash pickup IF properly prepared (Freon removed by certified technician with tag). Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Indianapolis →
Irvine, CA Launching
WM bulky pickup with REQUIRED refrigerant certification sticker. Without sticker, item not collected. Retailer haul-away.
Free air conditioner removal in Irvine →
Jackson, MS Launching
Public Works special pickup, retailer haul-away with new delivery, or licensed paid hauler. Doors must be removed; refrigerant recovery handled by…
Free air conditioner removal in Jackson →
Jacksonville, FL Launching
Requires call to 630-CITY before set-out. Doors must be removed. Federal Section 608 requires certified handling of Freon. Many appliance…
Free air conditioner removal in Jacksonville →
Kansas City, MO Launching
Free Bulky Item Pickup, but MUST indicate Freon when scheduling. Separate truck required.
Free air conditioner removal in Kansas City →
Knoxville, TN Launching
NOT eligible for bulky pickup unless drained & tagged by certified personnel. OR self-haul to Solid Waste Facility where staff drain free.
Free air conditioner removal in Knoxville →
Lakeland, FL Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): 1 of 4 free bulk collections/year (schedule first). Retailer haul-away with new…
Free air conditioner removal in Lakeland →
Las Vegas, NV Launching
Free biweekly bulk, only ONE major appliance per service day. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Most efficient: ask…
Free air conditioner removal in Las Vegas →
Lexington, KY Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer): Free LexCall 311 bulky pickup. REMOVE DOORS before set-out. Refrigerant handling…
Free air conditioner removal in Lexington →
Lincoln, NE Launching
Hauler bulk (refrigerant fee may apply). Bluff Road Landfill or N 48th St Transfer Station. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Lincoln →
Long Beach, CA Launching
Special Collection (regulatory fee may apply for refrigerant handling). EDCO. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Long Beach →
Los Angeles, CA Launching
LASAN free bulky pickup (called “fridge” in their service list). Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Los Angeles →
Louisville, KY Launching
FREE drop-off at Waste Reduction Center, up to 4 per visit. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Louisville →
Lubbock, TX Launching
Self-haul to FREE Citizen Convenience Station (accepts appliances). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Lubbock →
Madison, WI Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance (refrigerant)): $35 fee, work order required. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…
Free air conditioner removal in Madison →
McAllen, TX Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Drop-off site at 4101 N. Bentsen Rd accepts appliances. Retailer haul-away with…
Free air conditioner removal in McAllen →
Memphis, TN Launching
Accepted at Outside-the-Cart bulk pickup. Doors must be removed for safety. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Memphis →
Mesa, AZ Launching
Mesa bulk pickup ($29/load). Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Refrigerant recovery handled in disposal chain.
Free air conditioner removal in Mesa →
Miami, FL Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or freezer): Accepted in Miami-Dade bulky pickup, doors must be removed as a safety hazard.…
Free air conditioner removal in Miami →
Milwaukee, WI Launching
PREPAID STICKER REQUIRED. Doors must be removed or secured open. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Milwaukee →
Minneapolis, MN Launching
Free Large Item Pickup on recycling day. Remove doors from fridges and freezers. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Minneapolis →
Nashville, TN Launching
Convenience Center accepts white goods. Doors must be removed. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Nashville →
New Orleans, LA Launching
White goods accepted in bulky waste pickup, call 311. Doors must be removed for safety. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in New Orleans →
New York, NY Launching
Special pickup required, not regular bulk. Schedule through DSNY. Freon must be removed by certified technician.
Free air conditioner removal in New York →
Newark, NJ Launching
SEPARATE appointment required, call 973-733-4311. NOT in regular bulk pickup. Free for Newark residents.
Free air conditioner removal in Newark →
Norfolk, VA Launching
Bulk waste request (must be free of debris; doors removed/secured). Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon recovery handled in disposal chain.
Free air conditioner removal in Norfolk →
North Las Vegas, NV Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer): Bulk pickup with refrigerant certification tag. Or transfer station with charge.…
Free air conditioner removal in North Las Vegas →
Oakland, CA Launching
Free Bulky Pickup. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Oakland →
Oklahoma City, OK Launching
SEPARATE appointment required, call (405) 297-2833. Doors must be removed. Free for OKC Utilities customers.
Free air conditioner removal in Oklahoma City →
Omaha, NE Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free cleanup events accept appliances. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Paid…
Free air conditioner removal in Omaha →
Orlando, FL Launching
Weekly Large Items pickup, doors must be removed. Note: refrigerants regulated by EPA Section 608. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away…
Free air conditioner removal in Orlando →
Philadelphia, PA Launching
Eligible for Residential Bulk Collection, doors must be removed, unit must be empty. Schedule via phila.gov. Or take to Convenience Center.
Free air conditioner removal in Philadelphia →
Phoenix, AZ Launching
NOT in bulk pickup. 1 free drop-off per year at city transfer station. Additional units have city fees. Many appliance retailers offer free…
Free air conditioner removal in Phoenix →
Pittsburgh, PA Launching
NOT accepted in city pickup (Freon). Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Paid LoadUp.
Free air conditioner removal in Pittsburgh →
Plano, TX Launching
Bulky waste request with $25 fee for refrigerant recovery. Retailer haul-away with new delivery alternative.
Free air conditioner removal in Plano →
Portland, OR Launching
Hauler bulky pickup. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Metro transfer station accepts.
Free air conditioner removal in Portland →
Providence, RI Launching
FREE curbside pickup, Providence is one of few cities to handle Freon appliances as standard bulk waste. 24-hour notice, 3-items/day limit.
Free air conditioner removal in Providence →
Provo, UT Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Seasonal cleanup dumpsters or SUVSWD transfer station (suvswd.org). Retailer…
Free air conditioner removal in Provo →
Raleigh, NC Launching
Bulky Load, clearly mark Freon items when scheduling. Remove all food. Doors must be secured or removed (child safety). Many appliance retailers…
Free air conditioner removal in Raleigh →
Reno, NV Launching
Lockwood Landfill (refrigerant fee may apply). Transfer station trip. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Reno →
Richmond, VA Launching
$50 fee for City pickup. Free at transfer stations (self-haul). Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Richmond →
Riverside, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Bulky item appointment, Agua Mansa drop-off, or retailer haul-away with new…
Free air conditioner removal in Riverside →
Rochester, NY Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free curbside bulk pickup. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon recovery…
Free air conditioner removal in Rochester →
Sacramento, CA Launching
County Bulky Pickup with refrigerant indication. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Free Dump Day. Free Dump Coupon at…
Free air conditioner removal in Sacramento →
Saint Paul, MN Launching
Monthly bulky (counts toward 3 appliances/electronics annual limit per unit). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Saint Paul →
Salt Lake City, UT Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Call 2 Haul accepts refrigerators (Freon-containing appliances handled properly).…
Free air conditioner removal in Salt Lake City →
San Antonio, TX Launching
Brush & Bulky pickup OR Bulky Center. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in San Antonio →
San Diego, CA Launching
Self-haul to Miramar (Freon must be removed by certified technician). Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery. Paid haulers…
Free air conditioner removal in San Diego →
San Francisco, CA Launching
Free Bulky Item Recycling, but if over 100 lbs, NOT accepted. Self-haul to Transfer Station or paid pickup. Many appliance retailers offer free…
Free air conditioner removal in San Francisco →
San Jose, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free junk pickup (haulers handle refrigerant compliance). Retailer haul-away with…
Free air conditioner removal in San Jose →
Santa Ana, CA Launching
4 free Republic bulky pickups/year (refrigerator accepted). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Santa Ana →
Scottsdale, AZ Launching
Salt River Landfill with refrigerant tag (certified removal). Retailer haul-away.
Free air conditioner removal in Scottsdale →
Seattle, WA Launching
SPU Special Item Pickup ($38/each for CFC items, $30 for newer units).
Free air conditioner removal in Seattle →
Spokane, WA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Load Truck service (call 311). Transfer station self-haul ($30 fee for…
Free air conditioner removal in Spokane →
St. Louis, MO Launching
Accepted as part of monthly BOAT-E pickup or at Transfer Stations. Doors must be removed for safety. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away…
Free air conditioner removal in St. Louis →
St. Petersburg, FL Launching
Free Special Pickup (call 727-893-7398 first). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in St. Petersburg →
Stockton, CA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Clean Sweep or paid pickup (209-946-5711). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…
Free air conditioner removal in Stockton →
Syracuse, NY Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Contact Cityline (315-448-2489) for appliance pickup options. Retailer haul-away…
Free air conditioner removal in Syracuse →
Tampa, FL Launching
White goods accepted in S.W.E.E.P. or special pickup. Doors must be removed for safety. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Tampa →
Tucson, AZ Launching
Free Brush & Bulky Plus, doors must be removed. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Tucson →
Tulsa, OK Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Bulky waste pickup (accepted). Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Refrigerant…
Free air conditioner removal in Tulsa →
Virginia Beach, VA Launching
Free Bulky/Large Item Pickup. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Virginia Beach →
Washington, DC Launching
Bulk pickup via 311 (Freon must be removed by certified technician). Fort Totten Transfer Station accepts. Many appliance retailers offer free…
Free air conditioner removal in Washington →
Wichita, KS Launching
Hauler bulk (refrigerant fee may apply). Brooks Landfill or Waste Connections Transfer Station. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
Free air conditioner removal in Wichita →
Winston-Salem, NC Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer): Annual Bulky Pick-Up (during scheduled week, no separate appointment…
Free air conditioner removal in Winston-Salem →
Worcester, MA Launching
Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Drop-Off Center or Casella curbside. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon…
Free air conditioner removal in Worcester →
Can I throw a window air conditioner in the trash?
No. Air conditioners contain refrigerant regulated under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, and landfills and transfer stations refuse them. Use a city appliance pickup, a scrap recycler with recovery equipment, or a retailer or utility takeback.
Do I have to remove the refrigerant myself?
You cannot legally do it without EPA certification. City programs, scrap yards with recovery equipment, and HVAC technicians handle it. Your job is to deliver the unit intact with the lines uncut.
Is there a fee to dispose of an air conditioner?
Many cities collect ACs free with appliance pickup. Some charge $10 to $30 for refrigerant recovery, and a few require drop-off at a solid waste facility. Scrap yards are usually free. HVAC technicians charge $50 to $150 for on-site recovery.
What about portable air conditioners on wheels?
Same rules. Portable units contain refrigerant and go through the same appliance channels as window units. Drain the condensate tank before moving it.
Will a scrap yard take an AC with the Freon still in it?
Many will, because they have certified recovery equipment. Call first. Some yards only accept units tagged as evacuated by a technician.
Can I donate a working window unit?
Yes. Thrift stores and furniture banks accept working room ACs, especially in spring and early summer. Clean the filter and coils and include the remote and side panels.
What does LoadUp charge to remove an air conditioner?
Window and portable units typically price at the single-item minimum, around $80 to $100 depending on the metro. Central condensers price higher because of weight. Independent loaders on the LoadUp marketplace deliver the unit to a facility that recovers the refrigerant.
Is this page maintained?
Yes. Freemoval maintains this page as a public resource. We update it when programs change rules, fees, or contact methods. Last updated May 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.