What It Costs to Remove and Haul Away an Old Refrigerator

Removal costs range from $0 to $300 depending on who does it and where you live

If you're replacing an old refrigerator, you have three main paths: the retailer handles removal when they deliver your new one, a junk removal service picks it up, or you haul it yourself. Retailer removal is often free or costs $50 to $150. Independent junk removal runs $100 to $300. Taking it to a landfill or recycling center yourself costs nothing but requires a truck and your time. The actual price depends on your location, the size of the unit, and whether the old fridge still works.

Before you choose a removal method, check whether your old refrigerator contains refrigerant. Most units made after 1995 do. Refrigerant is a controlled substance—it cannot be dumped in a landfill, and removing it requires certification. This is why some removal services charge more than others and why taking an old fridge to a regular trash facility won't work. Certified recyclers and most retailers handle this legally.

Key Takeaways

• Retailer removal when you buy a new refrigerator is often free or costs $50 to $150, and the store handles refrigerant disposal.
• Independent junk removal services typically charge $100 to $300 and will haul the fridge away same-day or within a few days.
• Taking your old refrigerator to a municipal recycling center or scrap metal facility costs nothing if you have transportation.
• Refrigerant in most refrigerators made after 1995 must be removed by a certified technician before disposal, which is why some services charge more.
• Some utility companies and local programs offer rebates or free pickup for old refrigerators, so check before paying out of pocket.

Free or low-cost removal through your retailer

When you buy a new refrigerator from a major retailer—Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears, or a local appliance store—ask whether removal of your old unit is included in the delivery fee. Many retailers include it at no extra charge. If it is not included, the cost is usually $50 to $150 added to your invoice. The retailer's delivery crew removes the old fridge, hauls it to their facility, and handles refrigerant disposal as part of their waste stream.

This is the simplest option because you coordinate one appointment instead of two, and the retailer is responsible for legal disposal. When you schedule delivery, tell the retailer explicitly that you want the old refrigerator removed. Confirm in writing (email or receipt) that removal is included or what the charge will be. Some retailers waive the fee during promotional periods, so ask whether any current deals apply.

If you are buying from a small local appliance store, ask the same question. Not all small retailers offer removal, but many do as a competitive advantage. If they do not, they can usually recommend a junk removal service in your area.

Independent junk removal services

If you are not buying a new refrigerator or your retailer does not offer removal, a junk removal company will pick up the old one. Services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Junk King, and local independent haulers typically charge $100 to $300 for a single appliance, depending on your region and whether they need to carry it down stairs or through a narrow space. Some charge by the item; others charge by the truckload if you have multiple things to remove.

Call or request a quote online. Most services will ask where the refrigerator is located (basement, garage, kitchen), whether it is still plugged in, and whether there are stairs or tight hallways involved. They use this information to estimate labor time. A fridge in a basement or requiring multiple people to move costs more than one in a kitchen on the ground floor. Pickup usually happens within 3 to 7 days of booking.

Confirm that the service is licensed to handle appliances with refrigerant. Reputable junk removal companies either have their own certified technician or partner with a recycler who does. Ask where the refrigerator goes after pickup—a legitimate service will send it to a certified recycling facility, not a landfill. This is not just legal; it also means the metals, glass, and plastic are recovered and reused.

Municipal recycling centers and scrap metal facilities

Many cities and counties run recycling centers that accept large appliances, including refrigerators, for free or a small fee ($0 to $25). Some centers require you to drop it off yourself; others offer curbside pickup for a fee. Search "[your city] appliance recycling" or "[your county] large item pickup" to find the program nearest you. Call ahead to confirm they accept refrigerators and whether you need an appointment.

Scrap metal facilities also accept refrigerators and may pay you a small amount—typically $5 to $20—for the metal content. This is worth doing if you have transportation and the facility is nearby. Search "scrap metal near me" to find local buyers. Bring your refrigerator as-is; the facility handles refrigerant removal as part of their recycling process.

The trade-off is that you must provide transportation. You need a truck or trailer large enough to fit a refrigerator (most are 28 to 36 inches wide and 65 to 70 inches tall). If you do not own a truck, renting one from Home Depot or U-Haul costs $20 to $50 for a few hours, which may offset the free or low-cost drop-off.

Utility company rebates and free pickup programs

Some electric and gas utilities offer rebates or free pickup for old refrigerators as part of energy conservation programs. These programs exist because an old, inefficient refrigerator uses far more electricity than a new one, and utilities want to reduce peak demand. Contact your local electric company and ask whether they have an appliance recycling or rebate program. If they do, they may pick up your old fridge for free and give you a $50 to $100 rebate toward a new, efficient model.

These programs vary widely by region. Some utilities run them year-round; others run them seasonally. A few require you to buy a new refrigerator from a participating retailer; others do not. Call your utility's customer service line or visit their website and search "appliance recycling" or "refrigerator rebate." If your utility does not have a program, ask whether they know of one run by your city or county.

What affects the price

Several factors change what you pay. Location is the biggest: removal in a major city is usually cheaper than in a rural area because more services operate there and competition drives prices down. Accessibility matters too—a refrigerator in a basement or behind a locked gate costs more to remove than one in a kitchen. Condition can affect price: a fridge that no longer works may cost slightly more to remove because the service cannot test it or move it easily.

Timing also plays a role. If you need removal within 24 hours, some services charge a rush fee. Scheduling a week or two in advance usually gets you the standard rate. Volume affects pricing as well: if you have multiple appliances or items to remove, some services offer a discount compared to removing one item alone.

Preparing your refrigerator for removal

Before the removal crew arrives, empty the fridge completely and defrost it if it has a manual defrost cycle. Remove all food, shelves, and drawers. Wipe down the interior so water does not drip during transport. If the refrigerator is plugged in, unplug it at least 4 hours before pickup—this allows any remaining refrigerant to settle and makes the unit safer to move.

If the fridge is in a tight space, measure the doorways and hallways it will pass through. Let the removal service know if there are tight corners or narrow stairs. This helps them bring the right equipment and avoid damage to your walls or the unit. If you have the original manual or know the model number, have it ready—some services ask for this information to confirm the refrigerant type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my old refrigerator on the curb for trash pickup?

No. Most municipalities prohibit refrigerators in regular trash because of the refrigerant inside. Putting one on the curb can result in a fine. Use a recycling center, junk removal service, or retailer removal instead.

What happens to my refrigerator after it is picked up?

A certified recycler drains the refrigerant (which is reused or destroyed safely), then separates the metal, plastic, glass, and foam insulation. These materials are sold to manufacturers or reprocessed. Nothing goes to a landfill.

Do I have to remove the doors before pickup?

No. The removal service handles that if needed. However, if you are storing the fridge temporarily, removing the doors is a safety precaution so children cannot get trapped inside.

Will the removal service take my fridge if it still works?

Yes. Junk removal services, recyclers, and retailers will remove a working refrigerator. Some recyclers refurbish working units and resell them, so mention if yours is in good condition.

How long does removal usually take?

A junk removal service typically takes 30 minutes to an hour on-site. Scheduling the appointment takes longer—most services book 3 to 7 days out. Retailer removal happens on the same day as delivery of your new fridge.