You can dispose of old appliances at Best Buy (free drop-off for small appliances), through your city bulk pickup program, or via a utility company rebate program that pays you $25-75 to recycle old refrigerators and freezers. For same-day removal of large appliances at the curb, Dropcurb charges $109 for a washer, and each additional appliance is added at a lower add-on price.
Every Option for Disposing of Old Appliances
Appliance disposal depends on the type of appliance and how fast you need it gone. Small appliances like microwaves, toasters, and blenders can be dropped off at Best Buy or your local recycling center for free. Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers require either a pickup service or a vehicle to transport them.
Utility rebate programs are the best-kept secret for refrigerator and freezer disposal. Many electric utilities will pick up your old fridge for free and pay you a $25-75 rebate. They do this because old refrigerators use 3-5x more electricity than modern ones, so removing them from the grid saves the utility money.
Retailer haul-away is convenient if you are buying a new appliance. Best Buy charges $49.99 for haul-away with a new appliance purchase, or $199.99 for standalone removal of up to 2 large items. Home Depot, Lowes, and most major retailers offer similar services for $25-50 when paired with delivery.
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| Method | Cost | Wait Time | Appliance Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy drop-off | Free | Same day (you haul) | Small only | Microwaves, toasters, small electronics |
| Utility rebate program | Free + $25-75 rebate | 1-4 weeks | Fridges and freezers | Getting paid to recycle |
| City bulk pickup | Free-$50 | 2-8 weeks | Any size | Not in a hurry |
| Retailer haul-away | $25-50 (with purchase) | Day of delivery | Any size | Buying a replacement |
| Dropcurb curbside pickup | From $59 | Same day | Any curbside item | Want it gone today |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Varies by local availability | Confirm with provider | Full-service; confirm included scope |
| Self-haul to scrap yard | Free-$20 (may pay you) | Same day | Metal appliances | Own a truck |
How to Dispose of Small Household Appliances
Small appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and vacuum cleaners can be recycled at several locations for free.
- •Best Buy: Accepts up to 3 small appliances per household per day at any store location, no purchase required
- •Staples: Accepts small electronics and appliances with digital components for free recycling
- •County hazardous waste facilities: Accept small appliances, especially those with batteries or refrigerants
- •Scrap metal recyclers: Many will take small metal appliances for free or pay a small amount for the metal content
Do not place small appliances in your regular recycling bin. They contain motors, wiring, and circuit boards that contaminate the recycling stream and can damage processing equipment.
How to Get Rid of a Refrigerator or Freezer
Refrigerators and freezers require special handling because they contain refrigerant chemicals (Freon or R-134a) that must be professionally recovered before disposal. Releasing refrigerants is a federal violation under the Clean Air Act.
Your electric utility likely offers a free pickup and recycling program. Check your utility website or call their customer service line. Major utilities with active programs include:
- •Duke Energy: Free pickup + $50 rebate per unit
- •Con Edison: Free pickup + $50 rebate
- •Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E): Free pickup + $50 rebate
- •Xcel Energy: Free pickup + $35 rebate
- •ComEd: Free pickup + $75 rebate
These programs typically require the refrigerator to be in working condition and between 10-30 cubic feet. Units must be accessible and plugged in at the time of pickup so the technician can verify they are operational.
Can I Leave Old Appliances at the Curb for Trash Pickup?
Most cities do not collect large appliances with regular trash. You need to schedule a separate bulk pickup, which is free in many cities but can take 2-8 weeks.
Cities with free large appliance bulk pickup include Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, and Jacksonville. Cities that charge a fee include Denver ($31 per item), Chicago ($25 per appliance), and most cities under 100,000 population.
Before placing any appliance at the curb, remove the doors to prevent child entrapment. This is required by federal law for refrigerators and freezers, and many cities require it for all large appliances. Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to remove the hinge pins.
How Much Does Appliance Removal Cost?
Professional appliance removal costs $60-400+ depending on the method and provider. According to Angi, the average cost for appliance removal is $100, with most homeowners paying between $60 and $180.
Dropcurb prices same-day curbside appliance pickup per item: a washer is $109, a dishwasher is $109, and a window AC unit is $79. You move the appliance to the curb, a local hauler picks it up within hours. This works for any appliance you can get to the curb: washers, dryers, dishwashers, window AC units, and dehumidifiers.
Traditional full-service junk removal charges $130-400+ depending on the number of appliances and your location. Their service includes in-home removal, so you do not need to move the appliance yourself. College Hunks Hauling Junk charges similar rates with an additional $99 dispatch fee in many markets.
Old appliance at the curb? Dropcurb picks it up today, and a washer is $109. No waiting weeks for city bulk pickup.
Get Instant PricingFrequently asked questions
Where can I dispose of old appliances for free?
Best Buy accepts small appliances for free recycling at any store. For large appliances like refrigerators, check your electric utility for a free pickup and recycling program that may also pay you a $25-75 rebate. City bulk pickup is free in many areas but takes 2-8 weeks.
Does Best Buy take old appliances for recycling?
Yes. Best Buy accepts up to 3 small appliances per household per day for free recycling at any store location. For large appliances, Best Buy charges $49.99 for haul-away with a new purchase or $199.99 for standalone removal of up to 2 large items.
How do I dispose of a washer and dryer?
Schedule a city bulk pickup (free in many cities, 2-8 week wait), use retailer haul-away when buying replacements ($25-50), or book same-day curbside removal through Dropcurb, where a washer and dryer together come to $168. Scrap metal yards may also accept washers and dryers for free.
Can I put old appliances in a dumpster?
Most dumpster rental companies prohibit refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners because they contain refrigerants. Non-refrigerant appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers are typically allowed in construction dumpsters. Always check with the rental company first.
How much does it cost to haul away old appliances?
Professional appliance removal costs $60-400+ depending on the provider. Dropcurb prices same-day curbside pickup per appliance: a microwave is $79 and a refrigerator is $109. Traditional full-service junk removal starts at $130-150 with in-home service. Utility rebate programs may pick up old refrigerators for free and pay you $25-75.
Do I need to remove Freon before disposing of a refrigerator?
You cannot legally remove refrigerant yourself. Only EPA-certified technicians can recover Freon and other refrigerants under the Clean Air Act. Junk removal companies, utility recycling programs, and certified scrap yards handle refrigerant recovery as part of their process.