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Appliance Removal Services: Cost & Options Compared [2026]

Appliance removal services cost $59–$250 per item. Compare Dropcurb, retailer haul-away, junk removal companies, utility rebates, and free options.

Appliance removal services cost between $79 and $250 per appliance depending on the method, with free options available through utility rebate programs and scrap recyclers. Dropcurb offers same-day curbside appliance removal with instant online pricing (a washer is $109), with no on-site estimates and no waiting for a retailer delivery window.

How Much Do Appliance Removal Services Cost in 2026?

Appliance removal costs $78–$259 per appliance according to HomeWyse (January 2026 data). Angi reports a range of $100–$250 per appliance for full-service removal, with heavier items like refrigerators and washer/dryer sets at the higher end.

The cost varies based on the type of appliance, whether it needs to be disconnected, whether stairs are involved, and which service you use. A window AC unit costs significantly less to remove than a full-size refrigerator because of the weight and refrigerant handling difference.

If you are buying a new appliance from a retailer like Home Depot or Lowe's, haul-away of the old one is often available for $25–$50 as an add-on. If you are not buying a replacement — just getting rid of an old appliance — you need a standalone removal service.

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ServiceCostWhen AvailableOnline PricingBest For
Home Depot haul-away$25–$50With new appliance purchase onlyYes — at checkoutReplacing an appliance you're buying
Lowe's haul-awayFree–$30With new appliance purchase onlyYes — at checkoutReplacing an appliance you're buying
Utility rebate programFree + rebateLimited to specific appliancesSchedule through utility websiteOld fridges/freezers in rebate areas
Scrap metal recyclerFreeVaries by recyclerCall or check websiteWorking or non-working metal appliances
Traditional full-service junk removalCurrent local quoteConfirm with providerConfirm with providerFull-service; confirm included scope
Junk King$150–$300+2–5 daysNo — on-site estimateLarge volume with other items

Free Appliance Removal Options: What Actually Works

Several free appliance removal services exist, but each comes with limitations you should know about before counting on them.

Utility rebate programs are the best free option. Electric and gas utilities in many states offer free pickup of old, energy-inefficient refrigerators and freezers — and pay you a rebate on top. BGE Smart Energy picks up old fridges and freezers for free with a rebate, limited to three large units per household. Mass Save in Massachusetts offers similar recycling rebates. These programs only accept specific appliance types (usually refrigerators and freezers), and the appliance must be plugged in and working at the time of pickup.

Scrap metal recyclers will often pick up large metal appliances for free because the scrap metal has resale value. The catch: they may only take working units, they may cherry-pick the most valuable appliances, and scheduling can be unreliable. Sites like TakeMyAppliance and Fast Free Appliance Removal connect homeowners with local recyclers.

Retailer haul-away is free or near-free but only when purchasing a replacement appliance. Lowe's offers free haul-away with select major appliance purchases. Home Depot charges $25–$50 per unit according to First Quarter Finance. This does not help if you just want an old appliance gone without buying a new one.

What Appliances Can Removal Services Pick Up?

Most appliance removal services handle the following household appliances:

  • •Large kitchen appliances: refrigerators, freezers, stoves, ovens, ranges, dishwashers
  • •Laundry appliances: washing machines, dryers
  • •Cooling and heating: window AC units, portable AC units, dehumidifiers, space heaters
  • •Small appliances (with other items): microwaves, toaster ovens, blenders
  • •Water appliances: water heaters, water softeners

With Dropcurb, the rule is: if one person can load it from the curb into a pickup truck, it qualifies for curbside pickup starting at $59 for a countertop appliance. Most standard household appliances — fridges, washers, dryers, dishwashers, window ACs — meet this criteria when placed at the curb.

Appliances containing refrigerants (fridges, freezers, AC units) require EPA-compliant disposal. Professional removal services handle this. If you haul an appliance yourself, confirm your local dump accepts refrigerant-containing units and charges the appropriate recycling fee.

Home Depot vs. Lowe's Appliance Haul-Away: What They Actually Charge

Both major home improvement retailers offer haul-away when you purchase a new appliance, but the details differ.

Home Depot charges approximately $25–$50 per appliance for haul-away according to First Quarter Finance and Pre-Tend (early 2026 data). The fee is added at checkout when purchasing a new appliance with delivery. The delivery crew disconnects your old appliance and takes it with them. Important restriction: they will not haul away an appliance that was not being replaced by the new purchase.

Lowe's offers haul-away as an additional cost during an appliance purchase, with free haul-away promotions running frequently on select major appliances. According to Lowe's official policy, haul-away includes removal and disposal of old appliances. For cooktops specifically, customers must uninstall the unit before the delivery crew will haul it away.

Both retailers require the old appliance to be accessible, disconnected (for gas appliances), and in a location the delivery crew can reach with a dolly. Neither retailer offers standalone haul-away without a new appliance purchase.

If you need an old appliance removed without buying a replacement, you need a dedicated appliance removal service like Dropcurb (same-day; a washer is $109) or a full-service company like traditional full-service junk removal ($150–$250+).

Old appliance at the curb? Get it gone today. Same-day curbside appliance removal, with a washer at $109.

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How Does Curbside Appliance Removal Work?

Curbside appliance removal is the fastest and most affordable standalone option for getting rid of old appliances. Here is how it works with Dropcurb:

You move the appliance from your kitchen, garage, or basement to the curb or driveway. Then you go to dropcurb.com/book, select the appliance from the item catalog, see the exact price, and schedule same-day or next-day pickup. A local hauler arrives, loads the appliance into their truck, and takes it to the appropriate disposal or recycling facility.

The entire process takes less than 2 minutes to book online. No phone calls, no waiting for a crew to visit for an estimate, no scheduling a 4-hour delivery window. The hauler handles proper disposal, including any recycling or refrigerant recovery requirements.

How to Prepare an Appliance for Curbside Removal

  1. Disconnect the appliance

    Unplug the power cord. For gas appliances (dryers, stoves), shut off the gas valve and disconnect the supply line — or hire a plumber if you are not comfortable with gas lines.

  2. Disconnect water lines if applicable

    Turn off water supply valves for washers, dishwashers, and ice-maker refrigerators. Disconnect hoses and let them drain. Tip: leave the door open on washers and fridges overnight to air out.

  3. Move to the curb or driveway

    Use a dolly or hand truck for heavy items. For refrigerators, keep the unit upright during transport. Place items where a truck can easily pull up alongside — the curb edge or the end of your driveway works best.

  4. Book pickup at dropcurb.com/book

    Select your appliance, see the instant price, and schedule same-day or next-day pickup. A local hauler handles the rest.

Appliance Disposal Regulations You Should Know

Certain appliances have disposal regulations that make proper removal services important.

Refrigerant-containing appliances — refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners — must have refrigerants (Freon, R-410A) recovered by an EPA-certified technician before disposal under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Professional removal services handle this automatically. If you haul one yourself to the dump, the facility should recover refrigerant before accepting the unit.

Mercury-containing appliances — some older chest freezers and AC units contain mercury switches. These require proper hazardous waste handling at disposal.

Energy efficiency rebates are available in many states for disposing of old, inefficient appliances. Check with your local electric or gas utility. BGE, Mass Save, and other programs offer free pickup plus a cash rebate ($25–$75) for qualifying refrigerators and freezers. You get rid of the appliance for free and get paid for it.

Municipal regulations vary by city. Some cities accept appliances through regular bulk pickup programs at no cost. Others require separate scheduling or charge a disposal fee. Curbside appliance removal through Dropcurb handles all disposal compliance for you, whatever your city's rules, and the price is shown before you book.

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ApplianceRemoval Cost (Dropcurb)Retailer Haul-AwayFull-Service CompanySpecial Considerations
Refrigerator$109$25–$50 (with purchase)$100–$250Refrigerant recovery required (EPA)
Washer$109$25–$50 (with purchase)$100–$200Drain water first, disconnect hoses
Dryer$109$25–$50 (with purchase)$100–$200Shut off gas for gas dryers
Dishwasher$109$25–$50 (with purchase)$100–$200Disconnect water and power
Window AC unit$79Not typically offered$50–$100Refrigerant recovery required
Stove/Range$109$25–$50 (with purchase)$100–$200Gas line disconnect required first

Get rid of old appliances today. Dropcurb picks up a washer from the curb for $109, and you can book online in 60 seconds.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does appliance removal cost?

Appliance removal costs $79–$250 per appliance in 2026. Dropcurb offers curbside pickup, with a microwave at $79 and a refrigerator at $109. HomeWyse reports $78–$259 per appliance nationally. Retailer haul-away with a new purchase costs $25–$50 at Home Depot or free with select purchases at Lowe's.

Will Home Depot take away my old appliance?

Yes, but only when purchasing a replacement appliance with delivery. Home Depot charges approximately $25–$50 per unit for haul-away. They will not pick up standalone appliances without a new purchase. For standalone removal, use a curbside service like Dropcurb, where a washer is $109.

Is there free appliance removal near me?

Possibly. Utility companies like BGE and Mass Save offer free pickup of old refrigerators and freezers with rebates in eligible areas. Scrap metal recyclers sometimes pick up metal appliances for free. Municipal bulk pickup programs may accept appliances at no cost with a 2–8 week wait.

How do I dispose of a refrigerator properly?

Refrigerators contain refrigerants that must be recovered by an EPA-certified technician before disposal. Professional appliance removal services handle this automatically. If hauling yourself, confirm your local dump recovers refrigerant before accepting the unit. Dropcurb handles disposal compliance for you, and a refrigerator is $109.

Can I put an old appliance at the curb for pickup?

In most areas, you cannot leave appliances at the curb for regular trash pickup — they require separate scheduling through municipal bulk pickup or a removal service. With Dropcurb, place the appliance at the curb and book same-day pickup; a washer is $109. A local hauler picks it up and handles disposal.

What appliances can removal services pick up?

Most appliance removal services accept refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, ranges, window AC units, dehumidifiers, and water heaters. Items not accepted typically include appliances with active gas leaks or those contaminated with hazardous materials.

Do I need to disconnect an appliance before removal?

Yes. Unplug the power cord, shut off gas valves for gas appliances, and disconnect water lines for washers and dishwashers. Most removal services require appliances to be disconnected before pickup. If you are not comfortable disconnecting gas lines, hire a plumber or handyman first.

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