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Does Best Buy Take Away Your Old Refrigerator When You Buy a New One?

Best Buy's Haul-Away Service for Refrigerators

Best Buy offers a haul-away service, but it is not automatic and it is not free. When you buy a refrigerator at Best Buy, you can pay an additional fee—typically $99 to $199 depending on your location and the size of the unit—to have the store remove your old refrigerator on the same day as delivery. The service is called Haul Away, and you arrange it at the time of purchase or by calling the store before delivery.

The haul-away crew will remove the old refrigerator from your kitchen, disconnect it if needed, and take it with them. They do not dismantle built-in units or remove refrigerators that are blocked by obstacles like cabinets or appliances in front of them. If your old unit is in a basement or upstairs, confirm with Best Buy before you buy—some locations charge extra for stairs or difficult access.

Best Buy does not repair, refurbish, or resell most old refrigerators through haul-away. The appliance goes to a recycling facility where metals, plastics, and refrigerant are separated and processed. This matters if you were hoping to donate or sell your old unit—haul-away is disposal, not a second-life option.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy's Haul Away service costs $99 to $199 and must be added at purchase or arranged before delivery arrives.
  • The service removes your old refrigerator on the same day as your new one is delivered, but does not work with built-in or blocked units.
  • Your old refrigerator is taken to a recycling facility, not donated or resold, so haul-away is a disposal option only.
  • If you do not use haul-away, you are responsible for removing and disposing of the old unit yourself.
  • Other retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot offer similar services with comparable pricing and restrictions.

How to Add Haul Away to Your Best Buy Purchase

When you are buying a refrigerator at Best Buy—either in store or online—the haul-away option appears during checkout or at the delivery scheduling step. In-store, ask the sales associate to add it to your order. Online, look for the "Haul Away" or "Removal" option in the delivery and services section before you complete payment.

If you forget to add it at purchase, call the Best Buy store where you bought the refrigerator or the delivery scheduling phone number on your receipt. You can usually add haul-away up to 48 hours before delivery, though availability depends on your location and the delivery crew's schedule. Some stores allow you to add it later, but the fee may be higher or the service may not be available if the delivery slot is already booked.

Have your order number and delivery date ready when you call. Tell the associate your old refrigerator's size and location in your home—this helps them confirm whether the crew can access it and whether stairs or tight spaces will add to the job.

What Happens During Haul Away

On delivery day, the Best Buy crew will bring your new refrigerator into your kitchen, position it, and plug it in. They will then disconnect your old refrigerator—turning off the water line if it has an ice maker or water dispenser—and wheel it out. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how cluttered the space is and whether the old unit is stuck or difficult to move.

The crew will not remove obstacles for you. If your old refrigerator is blocked by a cabinet, island, or another appliance, you need to move it before they arrive. They also will not remove a refrigerator that is built into cabinetry or recessed into a wall—those require custom disconnection and are outside the scope of haul-away.

After they take the old unit, they will ask you to sign a form confirming the haul-away was completed. Keep this receipt in case you need proof of disposal for your records or insurance.

Cost and Location Variations

Haul-away fees at Best Buy range from $99 to $199, with most locations charging around $129 to $149. The exact price depends on your zip code, the size of your refrigerator, and whether your home has stairs or difficult access. Best Buy calculates the fee based on delivery zone and local labor costs.

Some Best Buy locations in rural areas or far from recycling facilities may charge more or may not offer haul-away at all. Before you buy, ask the associate or check your online order confirmation to see the haul-away fee for your address. If the fee seems high, you can decline it and arrange your own disposal through a local junk removal service or appliance recycler.

Alternatives to Best Buy Haul Away

If Best Buy's haul-away is not available or too expensive, you have other options. Lowe's and Home Depot both offer haul-away services with similar pricing and restrictions. Lowe's charges $99 to $199 depending on location, and Home Depot's fee is comparable. Both services work the same way: the crew removes your old appliance on delivery day and takes it to recycling.

If you want to donate or sell your old refrigerator instead of recycling it, you will need to arrange removal yourself. Contact local charities like Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Goodwill to see if they pick up appliances. Some will haul away a working refrigerator for free; others require you to deliver it. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you list a free or low-cost refrigerator for local pickup, but you are responsible for coordinating with the buyer.

For disposal without donation, call a local junk removal service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or a regional hauler. Expect to pay $150 to $300 for pickup and disposal. Some appliance recyclers will pick up for free if the unit contains valuable metals or refrigerant, so call ahead and ask.

Preparing Your Home for Haul Away

Before the delivery crew arrives, clear a path from your front door to your kitchen. Move chairs, boxes, and other items out of the way so the crew can wheel both the old and new refrigerators through without stopping. If your kitchen is tight, move the old refrigerator a few feet away from the wall so the crew can access the back and disconnect the water line and power cord.

Empty your old refrigerator completely. Remove all food, shelves, and drawers if they are removable. Wipe down the interior so it is clean when the crew takes it. If your old unit has an ice maker or water dispenser, make sure the water line is accessible and not frozen or kinked.

If you live in an apartment or condo, check your lease or building rules. Some buildings require advance notice for appliance removal or restrict the hours when crews can work. Notify your landlord or building management before delivery day so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I haul away my old refrigerator if I buy the new one somewhere other than Best Buy?

No. Best Buy's haul-away service is only for refrigerators purchased from Best Buy. If you buy from another retailer, you will need to arrange removal through that store's service or hire a separate junk removal company. Lowe's, Home Depot, and other appliance retailers have their own haul-away programs with similar fees.

What if my old refrigerator does not work or is damaged?

Best Buy will still haul it away. The service removes any refrigerator, working or not. If the unit is damaged or leaking, let the crew know when they arrive so they can take precautions. Do not try to hide damage—the crew needs to know what they are dealing with for safety and liability reasons.

Do I have to use haul away, or can I remove the old refrigerator myself?

You do not have to use haul-away. If you decline the service, you are responsible for removing and disposing of your old refrigerator before or after the new one is delivered. Best Buy will not remove it for you. Plan ahead if you choose this route, because you will need to coordinate with a junk removal service or recycler separately.

Will the haul-away crew install my new refrigerator?

Yes. The crew will position your new refrigerator in your kitchen, plug it in, and connect the water line if it has an ice maker or dispenser. They will not install custom cabinetry or make plumbing changes. If your new refrigerator needs special installation—like fitting into a built-in space or requiring a new water line—ask Best Buy about installation services at the time of purchase.

Can I add haul away after the refrigerator is delivered?

It is difficult and may not be possible. Haul-away is designed to happen on delivery day when the crew is already there. If you miss the window to add it before delivery, call your local Best Buy store immediately to see if they can schedule a separate pickup. Some locations will do this for an additional fee, but others will not. It is much easier to add haul-away before delivery.