Old appliance pickup near me costs $109 for a refrigerator, washer or dryer through Dropcurb curbside service, $49.99 through Best Buy haul-away, or free through utility company recycling programs that also pay you a $25 to $100 rebate. Seven options exist for getting rid of old refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and other large appliances in 2026.
How Much Does Old Appliance Pickup Cost?
Old appliance pickup costs range from free to $400 depending on the service you use and whether you are buying a replacement. Here is what each option actually charges:
Utility company recycling programs pick up old refrigerators and freezers for free and pay you $25 to $100 in rebates — but they only accept working units with refrigerants. Retailer haul-away through Home Depot ($25–$50), Lowe's (free with delivery), or Best Buy ($49.99) requires purchasing a new appliance. Curbside pickup services like Dropcurb charge $109 for a refrigerator, washer or dryer, with no purchase requirement. Full-service junk removal companies charge $150 to $400 per appliance.
The cheapest option depends on whether you are buying a replacement and what condition the old appliance is in.
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| Pickup Option | Cost | Requirements | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility recycling program | Free + $25–$100 rebate | Working fridge/freezer only, must be utility customer | 1–2 weeks |
| Lowe's haul-away | Free | Must buy new appliance + delivery | With delivery date |
| Home Depot haul-away | $25–$50 | Must buy new appliance + delivery | With delivery date |
| Best Buy haul-away | $49.99 (free with qualifying purchase) | Up to 2 large items | 1–3 days |
| Dropcurb (curbside) | $109 for a fridge, washer or dryer | Appliance at curb, no purchase needed | Same day |
| Scrap metal yard | Free or they pay you | Must transport yourself | Same day |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Confirm with provider | Varies by local availability |
| Municipal bulk pickup | Free | CFC appointment may be required for fridges | 2–8 weeks |
Free Old Appliance Pickup Options
Several services will pick up your old appliance for free, but each has specific requirements.
Utility Company Appliance Recycling Programs
Many electric utilities offer free old appliance pickup and pay you a rebate for recycling your old refrigerator, freezer, or window AC unit. These programs exist because old appliances use significantly more electricity, and utilities save money by removing them from the grid.
Examples of active programs in 2026:
- •PPL Electric (Pennsylvania): Free pickup of old fridge or freezer + rebate
- •BGE (Maryland): $100 reward for recycling old fridge or freezer through March 31, 2026
- •Atlantic City Electric (New Jersey): Free pickup + $50 rebate, ends June 30, 2026
- •NIPSCO (Indiana): Free pickup and they pay you for the old appliance
- •Minnesota Power: Rebate for recycling refrigerators/freezers, offer expires December 31, 2026
The catch: most utility programs only accept working refrigerators, freezers, and room air conditioners. Broken appliances, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and stoves are not eligible. Check your local utility website for current programs in your area.
Retailer Haul-Away With New Purchase
If you are replacing an old appliance with a new one, retailers offer the cheapest haul-away:
- •Lowe's: Free haul-away when you purchase a new appliance with delivery. The delivery team disconnects and removes the old unit.
- •Home Depot: Haul-away costs $25 to $50 per appliance with new appliance delivery. Does not disconnect gas lines.
- •Best Buy: $49.99 haul-away for up to 2 large appliances. Free with qualifying purchases over a certain threshold. They recycle over 2 billion pounds of appliances and e-waste to date.
Retailer haul-away only works when you are buying a replacement. If you just need the old appliance gone without buying anything new, this option does not apply.
Scrap Metal Yards
Old washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers have scrap metal value. Most scrap yards accept them for free or pay you by weight — typically $10 to $30 per large appliance depending on current scrap prices and your location.
The downside: you must transport the appliance yourself. A pickup truck and a helper make this feasible. If you do not have a truck, the cost of renting one ($20–$40 for a Home Depot truck rental) can offset the scrap payment.
Old appliance at the curb? Dropcurb picks up a refrigerator, washer or dryer for $109, same day when you book by 2 PM local time.
Get Instant PricingOld Appliance Pickup Without Buying a Replacement
When you need an old appliance picked up but are not purchasing a replacement, your options narrow. Retailer haul-away requires a new purchase. Utility programs only cover certain refrigerants.
For standalone old appliance pickup without buying anything new:
- •Dropcurb: $109 for a refrigerator, washer or dryer at the curb, $79 for a microwave. Place the appliance at the curb, book online, and a local hauler picks it up the same day. Each appliance has its own price, shown before you book.
- •Best Buy standalone haul-away: $49.99 for up to 2 large products, no purchase required. You schedule online and they send a team.
- •Free pickup services: Sites like FreelocalAppliancePickup.com and TakeMyAppliance.com connect you with local recyclers who pick up for free. Availability varies by location.
- •Full-service junk removal: traditional full-service junk removal ($150–$400) or traditional full-service junk removal ($130+ per item plus a service fee). You schedule an on-site estimate and they carry the appliance out.
Appliance Disposal Rules You Need to Know
Old refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain refrigerants (CFC, HCFC, or HFC) that are regulated by the EPA under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Federal law requires that refrigerant be properly recovered by a certified technician before the appliance is scrapped or recycled.
What this means for you:
- •You cannot put a refrigerator or AC unit in a dumpster — the freon must be removed first
- •Municipal bulk pickup requires a CFC appointment in most cities. In NYC, DSNY requires scheduling a separate appointment for any appliance containing refrigerants
- •Professional removal services handle this for you — Dropcurb, traditional full-service junk removal, and other haulers ensure proper disposal
- •Scrap yards will accept fridges but may charge $15 to $30 for freon recovery
Washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, and microwaves do not contain refrigerants and have no special disposal requirements.
Which Old Appliance Pickup Option Is Best for You?
The right option depends on your situation:
- •Buying a replacement? Use retailer haul-away. Lowe's is free, Home Depot is $25–$50, Best Buy is $49.99.
- •Have a working fridge or freezer? Check your utility company for free pickup plus a $25–$100 rebate.
- •Need it gone today, no purchase? Book Dropcurb curbside pickup: a refrigerator, washer or dryer is $109. Place it at the curb, book by 2 PM local time, and it disappears the same day.
- •Have a truck and time? Take it to a scrap yard for free or get paid $10–$30.
- •Appliance is inside and too heavy to move? Book full-service removal from traditional full-service junk removal ($150–$400) — they carry it out for you.
- •Can wait 2–8 weeks? Schedule free municipal bulk pickup. Remember: fridges and ACs need a separate CFC appointment in most cities.
Skip the wait and the hassle. Old appliance pickup is $109 for a refrigerator, washer or dryer, and you can book in 60 seconds.
Get Instant PricingFrequently asked questions
Who picks up old appliances near me?
Dropcurb picks up old appliances from your curb: a refrigerator, washer or dryer is $109, and a microwave is $79. Best Buy offers standalone haul-away for $49.99. Your electric utility may pick up old refrigerators and freezers for free with a rebate. Retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot offer haul-away with new appliance purchases. Full-service companies like traditional full-service junk removal charge $150 to $400.
How do I get rid of old appliances for free?
Three free options: check if your electric utility offers a refrigerator/freezer recycling program (many pay $25 to $100 rebates), take the appliance to a scrap metal yard, or schedule free municipal bulk pickup through your city (2 to 8 week wait). Free online services like FreelocalAppliancePickup.com also connect you with local recyclers.
Does Home Depot pick up old appliances?
Yes, Home Depot picks up old appliances when you purchase and have a new appliance delivered. Haul-away costs $25 to $50 per appliance. They do not offer standalone pickup without a new purchase. They do not disconnect gas lines.
Can I put an old refrigerator on the curb for pickup?
Yes, but refrigerators contain refrigerant that must be properly recovered before disposal. For curbside pickup through Dropcurb or municipal bulk programs, the hauler handles refrigerant recovery. Municipal programs typically require scheduling a separate CFC appointment. Never place a refrigerator in a regular dumpster.
How much does it cost to have an old appliance picked up?
Old appliance pickup costs range from free (utility programs, scrap yards) to $400 (full-service junk removal). Dropcurb curbside pickup is $109 for a refrigerator, washer or dryer. Best Buy standalone haul-away is $49.99. Home Depot charges $25 to $50 with a new purchase. Traditional full-service junk removal charges $150 to $400.