A public resource guide
Refrigerators are one of the most regulated household items to dispose of, federal law requires certified refrigerant drainage before disposal. Here’s every legitimate option.
Last updated: May 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource
Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units contain Freon (older HCFC-22) or newer hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants that are potent greenhouse gases, thousands of times more impactful per pound than CO2. The federal Clean Air Act (Section 608) requires certified technicians remove these refrigerants before the appliance is destroyed or scrapped. Fines for releasing refrigerant during disposal can reach $25,000+ per violation. This means you can’t just put a refrigerator at the curb in most cities, it requires either certified service first ($25–$75 typical cost), or self-haul to a facility where staff handle drainage. The good news: most appliance retailers include free haul-away with new appliance delivery, which sidesteps the entire problem. This guide covers all your options.
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The challenge with refrigerators is regulatory complexity, not bulk volume. Federal law (Clean Air Act Section 608) requires certified technicians to recover refrigerants, this CANNOT be done at the curb by a regular pickup crew.
Cities handle this in different ways: some require residents to hire certified techs first ($25–$75) and tag the appliance; others operate Solid Waste Facilities where staff drain refrigerant on-site for free; others exclude refrigerators from regular bulk and only accept them at landfills.
Beyond refrigerant, the federal Refrigerator Safety Act of 1956 requires doors be removed or secured open before disposal (to prevent child entrapment). Many cities also require this. The simplest option is almost always to schedule new-appliance delivery with haul-away service from a major retailer (Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, Costco), they handle refrigerant drainage and door removal as part of standard service.
In order from easiest to most location-specific:
Retailer Haul-Away with New Appliance Delivery
Free with purchaseThe simplest option. Most major appliance retailers (Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, Costco, Sears, Frigidaire, GE) include free old-refrigerator haul-away with new refrigerator delivery. The same delivery service handles refrigerant drainage and door removal at the destination.
Confirm at purchase. Some retailers require pre-scheduling, others handle it automatically with delivery. Free haul-away is standard but not universal, ask explicitly during checkout.
Local Energy Utility Rebate Programs
Often free + rebateMost major U.S. utility companies (PG&E, ConEd, Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light, Georgia Power, etc.) offer free old-refrigerator pickup PLUS a rebate ($30–$75) for working refrigerators that meet energy-inefficiency criteria. The utility hauls the refrigerator away, recycles it properly, and credits your account.
How to find it: Search your utility company’s website for “appliance recycling rebate” or “fridge buyback”. Most utilities partner with JACO Environmental or ARCA Recycling for this service.
Donation Pickup (Habitat for Humanity ReStore)
Free, if workingWorking refrigerators less than 10 years old qualify for free pickup by Habitat for Humanity ReStore in most metros. The unit must be clean, in good cosmetic condition, and currently functional. Habitat trucks handle the lifting and disposal. Schedule online at habitat.org/restores.
City Solid Waste Facilities (Free Refrigerant Drainage)
Free for residentsMany cities operate Solid Waste Facilities where residents can self-haul refrigerators for FREE drainage and disposal. Knoxville, Albuquerque, and several others have on-site certified technicians who drain refrigerant without charge. This is dramatically cheaper than hiring a private certified technician.
Check the city section below to see whether your city offers this. Bring proof of residency.
City Curbside Bulk Pickup (with certified drainage tag)
Free in many citiesSome cities offer free curbside pickup of refrigerators IF the unit has been drained by a certified technician and tagged showing professional drainage. Pre-pickup drainage typically costs $25–$75.
The cost calculation: Paid certified drainage + free city pickup is often slightly more expensive than paid full-service hauler ($80–$130) but cheaper than dump fees + self-haul.
When free options don’t fit your timeline or you don’t have a new appliance to swap with:
LoadUp paid pickup
$80+For households who need same-day or in-home pickup, can’t coordinate with retailer delivery, or want full-service hauling without managing certified-technician scheduling, LoadUp offers professional refrigerator removal nationwide with upfront pricing. Marketplace loaders are EPA Section 608-certified and handle refrigerant drainage compliance and door removal. Independent loaders in the marketplace handle pickup, loading, and licensed disposal.
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.
Book a refrigerator pickup with LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
Certified Appliance Technician (drainage only)
$25–$75If your city offers free pickup AFTER certified drainage, you can hire just the drainage step from a certified appliance technician. Search “appliance refrigerant evacuation” or “EPA Section 608 certified” for local providers. The technician will drain the refrigerant, give you a tag certifying the work, and you handle the rest of the disposal (city pickup, drop-off, etc.).
Refrigerator disposal varies based on whether your city operates a Solid Waste Facility with on-site drainage, requires certified pre-drainage for curbside, or excludes refrigerators from regular bulk entirely. The summaries below show the headline rule per city, tap any city to read the full guide.
Albuquerque, NM Launching
Free curbside pickup with 24-hr notice. Doors removed; refrigerant by certified tech.
View Albuquerque guide →
Arlington, TX Launching
Special pickup via Republic Services 817-317-2000 (fee). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Arlington guide →
Atlanta, GA Launching
Free monthly bulky pickup; appliance retailers usually take old units with delivery.
View Atlanta guide →
Anaheim, CA Launching
Republic Services bulky pickup with small refrigerant recovery fee. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. North OC HHW for refrigerant.
View Anaheim guide →
Anchorage, AK Launching
SWS Saturday bulk pickup (fee, 907-343-6250). Anchorage Regional Landfill (tipping fees). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Anchorage guide →
Akron, OH Launching
Weekly curbside (city takes to salvage for recycling). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Akron guide →
Allentown, PA Launching
Bulk on second collection night. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Allentown guide →
Aurora, CO Launching
Hauler bulk pickup with refrigerant fee. At Your Door $10 includes fridges. Retailer haul-away.
View Aurora guide →
Austin, TX Launching
Twice-yearly Bulk Collection. Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away.
View Austin guide →
Augusta, GA Launching
Weekly curbside bulk (single item max 50 lbs). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Augusta guide →
Bakersfield, CA Launching
Free pickup by appt (661-326-3114). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Bakersfield guide →
Baltimore, MD Launching
Free bulk pickup. Refrigerant-containing items require special handling.
View Baltimore guide →
Baton Rouge, LA Launching
Weekly out-of-cart pickup. North Landfill self-haul. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Baton Rouge guide →
Bridgeport, CT Launching
Transfer Station (Mon-Sat). Seasonal Bulk Program when active. Retailer haul-away. Freon required.
View Bridgeport guide →
Boise, ID Launching
1 of 6 free large item pickups (Freon removed at no charge). Retailer haul-away.
View Boise guide →
Birmingham, AL Launching
Quarterly bulk pickup or self-haul to Roebuck Recycling Center.
View Birmingham guide →
Boston, MA Launching
Mandatory special collection for Freon items under MA state law.
View Boston guide →
Buffalo, NY Launching
Free in 2-piece weekly bulk OR Spring/Fall Large Bulk season.
View Buffalo guide →
Camden, NJ Launching
Special appliance pickup via Public Works (856-757-7000) within 5 business days. Free.
View Camden guide →
Charlotte, NC Launching
Appointment-based bulk pickup, check refrigerant requirements.
View Charlotte guide →
Cape Coral, FL Launching
NOT standard curbside (refrigerant). Retailer haul-away. Lee County HHW (239-533-8000). Paid LoadUp.
View Cape Coral guide →
Chattanooga, TN Launching
FREE area-rotation Brush & Bulky, doors removed.
View Chattanooga guide →
Chesapeake, VA Launching
Bulk trash request (free). Doors removed; glass surfaces taped. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Chesapeake guide →
Chicago, IL Launching
Free Bulk Pickup via 311 with refrigerant tag.
View Chicago guide →
Cincinnati, OH Launching
Free Bulky Item Pickup, doors removed required.
View Cincinnati guide →
Colorado Springs, CO Launching
Call your hauler for bulk terms. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Colorado Springs guide →
Cleveland, OH Launching
Monthly Bulk Pickup with refrigerant requirements.
View Cleveland guide →
Columbia, SC Launching
Often exceeds 40-lb limit, appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
View Columbia guide →
Columbus, OH Launching
311 bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements apply.
View Columbus guide →
Dallas, TX Launching
Monthly Brush & Bulky, check refrigerant rules.
View Dallas guide →
Des Moines, IA Launching
Appliance: 7 stickers ($35) + call 515-283-4950 to schedule. Collected following Monday. Freon recovery required.
View Des Moines guide →
Durham, NC Launching
Free bulky pickup with REQUIRED Freon certification tag from licensed technician. Without tag, unit not collected.
View Durham guide →
El Paso, TX Launching
Fee-based curbside pickup (doors removed, refrigerant removed required). Free Citizen Collection Station self-haul. Retailer haul-away.
View El Paso guide →
Denver, CO Launching
Annual Large Item pickup ($30) or self-haul to Cherry Creek.
View Denver guide →
Detroit, MI Launching
Free monthly Bulk Pickup with appliance handling.
View Detroit guide →
Fresno, CA Launching
Operation Clean Up + free Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station.
View Fresno guide →
Fayetteville / Bentonville, AR Launching
Fayetteville: Freon recovery fee form required before scheduling (479-575-8398). Transfer Station also available.
View Fayetteville / Bentonville guide →
Fort Worth, TX Launching
Free monthly bulk pile or Drop-Off Station. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Fort Worth guide →
Grand Rapids, MI Launching
$40 Appliance Sticker. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon recovery required.
View Grand Rapids guide →
Greensboro, NC Launching
NOT bulk - call 336-373-CITY (2489) for FREE separate appointment. Doors removed, food removed, gas/oil drained.
View Greensboro guide →
Greenville, SC Launching
Free bulk pickup by appointment. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Greenville guide →
Hartford, CT Launching
Free Bulky Waste, certified technician for refrigerant required.
View Hartford guide →
Henderson, NV Launching
Bi-weekly bulk with certification tag (refrigerant professionally removed). One per service day. Transfer station alternative with charge.
View Henderson guide →
Honolulu, HI Launching
Bulky appointment (free, doors secured per safety rule). Convenience center for refrigerant management.
View Honolulu guide →
Houston, TX Launching
Heavy Trash Day, doors removed, certain refrigerants need certification.
View Houston guide →
Indianapolis, IN Launching
Curbside Bulky Pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Indianapolis guide →
Irvine, CA Launching
WM bulky pickup with REQUIRED refrigerant certification sticker. Without sticker, item not collected. Retailer haul-away.
View Irvine guide →
Jackson, MS Launching
Special appliance pickup via Public Works (601-960-1875) or retailer haul-away with new appliance delivery.
View Jackson guide →
Jacksonville, FL Launching
Weekly bulk pickup, check refrigerant tag requirements.
View Jacksonville guide →
Kansas City, MO Launching
FREE Bulky Pickup, Freon needs separate truck, must indicate when scheduling.
View Kansas City guide →
Knoxville, TN Launching
NOT eligible for bulk unless drained & tagged. Self-haul free to Solid Waste Facility.
View Knoxville guide →
Lakeland, FL Launching
1 of 4 free bulk collections (schedule 863-834-8773). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Lakeland guide →
Las Vegas, NV Launching
Republic Services bulk pickup; refrigerant requirements apply.
View Las Vegas guide →
Lexington, KY Launching
Free LexCall 311 pickup. REMOVE DOORS before set-out. Refrigerant handling included by city.
View Lexington guide →
Lincoln, NE Launching
Hauler bulk (refrigerant fee may apply). Bluff Road Landfill or N 48th St Transfer Station. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Lincoln guide →
Long Beach, CA Launching
Special Collection (regulatory fee may apply for refrigerant). EDCO. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Long Beach guide →
Los Angeles, CA Launching
Free Bulky Item Pickup, doors removed, refrigerant by certified tech.
View Los Angeles guide →
Louisville, KY Launching
Junk Set Out Day, refrigerant rules apply.
View Louisville guide →
Madison, WI Launching
$35 fee, work order required (cityofmadison.com). Keep separate from non-metal items. Retailer haul-away.
View Madison guide →
Memphis, TN Launching
Outside-the-Cart bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Memphis guide →
Mesa, AZ Launching
Mesa bulk pickup ($29/load). Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Refrigerant recovery handled in disposal chain.
View Mesa guide →
McAllen, TX Launching
Drop-off at 4101 N. Bentsen Rd. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View McAllen guide →
Miami, FL Launching
Free bulky pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Miami guide →
Milwaukee, WI Launching
PREPAID STICKER REQUIRED; doors removed or secured open.
View Milwaukee guide →
Minneapolis, MN Launching
Free bulky pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Minneapolis guide →
Nashville, TN Launching
Free monthly bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Nashville guide →
New Orleans, LA Launching
Free monthly bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View New Orleans guide →
New York, NY Launching
NYC large item rule, certified technician for refrigerant required.
View New York guide →
Newark, NJ Launching
Newark Bulk Trash, refrigerant requirements.
View Newark guide →
North Las Vegas, NV Launching
Bulk pickup with refrigerant certification tag required. Or transfer station with charge. Retailer haul-away.
View North Las Vegas guide →
Norfolk, VA Launching
Bulk waste request (must be free of debris, doors removed/secured). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery handled in disposal chain.
View Norfolk guide →
Oakland, CA Launching
FREE bulky pickup, SB 1383 mandatory composting applies.
View Oakland guide →
Omaha, NE Launching
Free Spring/Fall Cleanup events. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Omaha guide →
Oklahoma City, OK Launching
OKC Big Trash, refrigerant requirements.
View Oklahoma City guide →
Orlando, FL Launching
Bulk pickup with 24-hr notice, refrigerant requirements.
View Orlando guide →
Philadelphia, PA Launching
Philly bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Philadelphia guide →
Phoenix, AZ Launching
Uncontained Trash quarterly, refrigerant requirements.
View Phoenix guide →
Pittsburgh, PA Launching
Bulk Set-Out, refrigerant requirements.
View Pittsburgh guide →
Plano, TX Launching
Bulky waste request with $25 fee for refrigerant recovery. Retailer haul-away with new delivery alternative.
View Plano guide →
Portland, OR Launching
Assigned-hauler bulky pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Portland guide →
Providence, RI Launching
FREE curbside pickup with 24-hr notice (3 items/day), rare nationally for Freon.
View Providence guide →
Provo, UT Launching
Seasonal cleanup dumpsters or SUVSWD transfer station (suvswd.org). Retailer haul-away. Freon required.
View Provo guide →
Rochester, NY Launching
Free curbside bulk pickup. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Rochester guide →
Raleigh, NC Launching
Weekly bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Raleigh guide →
Reno, NV Launching
Lockwood Landfill (refrigerant fee may apply). Transfer station trip. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Reno guide →
Richmond, VA Launching
DPU bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Richmond guide →
Riverside, CA Launching
Appointment bulky pickup (2/year) or free Agua Mansa drop-off. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Section 608 refrigerant recovery required.
View Riverside guide →
Sacramento, CA Launching
Bulky Waste Pickup, SB 1383 mandatory composting.
View Sacramento guide →
Saint Paul, MN Launching
Monthly bulky pickup (counts toward 3-appliance/year cap, must be empty). Retailer haul-away alternative.
View Saint Paul guide →
San Jose, CA Launching
Free unlimited junk pickup (hauler handles refrigerant). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View San Jose guide →
Salt Lake City, UT Launching
Free Call 2 Haul accepts refrigerators (Freon appliances handled properly). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Salt Lake City guide →
San Antonio, TX Launching
Brush & Bulky, refrigerant requirements.
View San Antonio guide →
San Diego, CA Launching
No city bulky pickup, appliance retailers offer free haul-away with delivery.
View San Diego guide →
San Francisco, CA Launching
Free Bulky Item Recycling if under 100 lbs (often exceeds).
View San Francisco guide →
Seattle, WA Launching
SPU Extra Item Pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Seattle guide →
Spokane, WA Launching
Load Truck service (call 311). Transfer station self-haul ($30 refrigerant fee in 2026). Retailer haul-away. Freon required.
View Spokane guide →
St. Louis, MO Launching
Bulky Trash Pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View St. Louis guide →
St. Petersburg, FL Launching
Free Special Pickup (call 727-893-7398 first). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View St. Petersburg guide →
Stockton, CA Launching
Clean Sweep or paid pickup (209-946-5711). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Stockton guide →
Syracuse, NY Launching
Contact Cityline (315-448-2489) for appliance options. Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Syracuse guide →
Tampa, FL Launching
S.W.E.E.P. annual bulk pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Tampa guide →
Tucson, AZ Launching
FREE Brush & Bulky Plus, doors removed required.
View Tucson guide →
Tulsa, OK Launching
Fee-based bulky pickup ($10 per 8 cu yd). Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Doors must be removed; refrigerant recovery required.
View Tulsa guide →
Virginia Beach, VA Launching
Bulky/Large Item Pickup, refrigerant requirements.
View Virginia Beach guide →
Washington, DC Launching
DPW Bulk Trash, refrigerant requirements.
View Washington guide →
Wichita, KS Launching
Hauler bulk pickup (refrigerant fee may apply). Brooks Landfill or Waste Connections Transfer Station. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.
View Wichita guide →
Winston-Salem, NC Launching
Annual Bulky Item Pick-Up during scheduled week (no separate appointment needed). Hanes Mill Road Landfill year-round.
View Winston-Salem guide →
Worcester, MA Launching
Drop-Off Center ($5 appt) or Casella curbside (508-832-2349). Retailer haul-away. Freon recovery required.
View Worcester guide →
Can I just put a refrigerator at the curb?
In most cities, no. Refrigerators contain refrigerant that must be drained by a certified technician before disposal under federal Clean Air Act regulations. Most cities require either: (1) Pre-pickup drainage with a tag certifying it, OR (2) self-haul to a city Solid Waste Facility where staff handle drainage. Some cities exclude refrigerators from regular bulk entirely. Check your city’s rules in the section above.
What’s the cheapest way to get rid of a refrigerator?
In order from cheapest: (1) FREE if you’re replacing, retailer haul-away with new appliance delivery. (2) FREE PLUS REBATE if your unit is energy-inefficient and working, utility company appliance recycling rebate ($30–$75 paid TO YOU). (3) FREE if you can self-haul, some cities (Knoxville, Albuquerque, Tucson) operate Solid Waste Facilities with on-site certified drainage. (4) ~$25–$75 if you can’t self-haul, certified technician drainage + free city pickup. (5) $80+ for full-service paid hauling like LoadUp. Most households end up using option 1 (retailer haul-away) because they’re replacing the appliance anyway.
Why does federal law require certified refrigerant drainage?
Refrigerants are extraordinarily potent greenhouse gases. HCFC-22 (older Freon) has roughly 1,810 times the global warming potential of CO2 over 100 years. R-134a (modern automotive AC refrigerant) has 1,430. R-410A (modern home AC refrigerant) has 2,088. A typical home refrigerator contains about 4–8 ounces of refrigerant; releasing it during disposal is the equivalent of driving a car several thousand miles. The Clean Air Act Section 608 requires EPA-certified technicians for recovery to ensure the refrigerant is captured and reused or properly destroyed rather than vented to atmosphere.
Are washing machines and dryers handled the same way?
No, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and water heaters do NOT contain refrigerants and don’t require certified drainage. They’re typically eligible for regular city bulk pickup without special handling. The exception: gas dryers, which need their gas line professionally disconnected first (typically a plumber or appliance installer, often part of new appliance delivery).
My refrigerator works but I want to upgrade. Should I sell it?
If the unit is less than 10 years old and Energy Star certified, selling on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp typically yields $100–$300 depending on size and condition. If older or non-Energy Star, your utility company’s appliance recycling rebate ($30–$75) might be the better option since the unit costs more to operate than its resale value justifies. For high-end refrigerators (Sub-Zero, Viking) under 10 years, professional appliance resellers may offer $300–$800 plus pickup.
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.