Why You Can't Throw a Refrigerator in the Trash and Where to Take It Instead

No, you cannot throw a refrigerator in the trash, and most places have laws that make it illegal to try

Refrigerators contain refrigerant—a chemical that damages the ozone layer if it escapes into the air. Because of this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibits throwing refrigerators in regular household waste. Most cities and counties have their own local laws that enforce this ban, and violating them can result in fines. Even if you could physically fit a refrigerator in a trash bin, waste collection trucks are not equipped to handle appliances, and the refrigerant inside poses a real hazard to workers and the environment.

The good news is that getting rid of a refrigerator is straightforward once you know your options. You have several paths: your local waste management facility, a retailer that sells appliances, a donation center, or a scrap metal recycler. Each route works differently depending on whether your refrigerator still runs, where you live, and whether you want someone to haul it away or drop it off yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Refrigerators contain refrigerant that harms the ozone layer, making it illegal to throw them in the trash under EPA rules and most local laws.
• Your city or county waste management facility usually accepts refrigerators for free or a small fee and handles refrigerant removal safely.
• Retailers that sell new refrigerators often pick up old ones for free when you buy a replacement, or accept them for a fee if you don't.
• Donation centers and charities will take working refrigerators, and some offer free pickup if the appliance is in good condition.
• Scrap metal recyclers pay for old refrigerators based on weight and material, though you typically need to deliver it yourself.

Contact your local waste management facility first

Your city or county waste management department is usually the easiest and cheapest option. Most facilities have a separate drop-off area for large appliances, including refrigerators. Call ahead or visit their website to confirm they accept refrigerators, learn their hours, and ask whether there is a fee. Many facilities charge nothing or only a small amount—typically between $0 and $25—because they have the equipment to safely extract and recycle the refrigerant.

When you drop off your refrigerator, bring your ID and be prepared to answer basic questions about the appliance's condition. Some facilities require you to empty the refrigerator completely and remove any loose parts. If you cannot transport it yourself, ask whether they offer pickup service; some do for an additional fee, while others do not. The facility will handle the rest, including draining fluids and sending the metal and plastic to recycling centers.

Use a retailer's haul-away service when buying a new refrigerator

If you are buying a replacement refrigerator, the retailer selling you the new one can often take the old one off your hands. Major appliance retailers like Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Sears typically offer haul-away service as part of the delivery process. When you purchase a new refrigerator, ask the salesperson whether old-appliance pickup is included in the delivery fee or costs extra. Many retailers include it at no charge, especially if you are buying a high-end model.

The retailer's delivery team will remove your old refrigerator when they bring in the new one, which saves you the trip to a waste facility. They handle the refrigerant removal and recycling themselves. If you are not buying a new refrigerator from them, some retailers will still accept your old one for a fee—usually $25 to $50—even if you do not make a purchase. Call ahead to confirm their policy and whether you need to schedule an appointment.

Donate a working refrigerator to a charity or community organization

If your refrigerator still runs reliably, donation is often the best choice. Charities, thrift stores, and community organizations accept working appliances and either resell them or give them to families in need. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local food banks often take refrigerators. Before you call, make sure your refrigerator is clean, has no major dents or damage, and has been tested to confirm it cools properly.

Many charities offer free pickup if the refrigerator is in good condition and you live within their service area. Others require you to drop it off at their facility. Call the organization directly to ask about their pickup policy, any restrictions on age or model, and whether they need advance notice. Donating also means you may be able to claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appliance, though you should keep documentation of the donation and have the organization provide a receipt.

Sell or recycle through a scrap metal facility

Scrap metal recyclers accept refrigerators and pay based on the weight of the metal and copper inside. The amount you receive varies depending on current metal prices and the size of your refrigerator, but expect anywhere from $10 to $50 for a standard unit. Search online for "scrap metal recycler near me" or check Earth911.com to find facilities in your area. Call ahead to confirm they accept refrigerators and ask about their current pricing.

You will need to transport the refrigerator to the facility yourself, as most scrap yards do not offer pickup. Some recyclers require you to drain the refrigerant before drop-off, while others handle it on-site. Ask when you call. Scrap recycling is a good option if your refrigerator no longer works and you want to recover some money, though the payment is usually modest. It is also environmentally responsible because the metal and plastic are recovered and reused rather than sent to a landfill.

Understand why refrigerants matter and what happens next

Refrigerators made before 2010 typically contain CFC or HCFC refrigerants, which damage the ozone layer. Newer models use HFC or HFO refrigerants, which are safer for the ozone but still require careful handling. When a refrigerator is disposed of improperly and the refrigerant leaks into the air, it contributes to ozone depletion, which increases UV radiation reaching Earth's surface. This is why the EPA and most states have made it illegal to release refrigerant during disposal.

When you take your refrigerator to a licensed facility—whether a waste management center, retailer, or recycler—trained technicians use specialized equipment to safely extract the refrigerant and store it for proper disposal or reuse. The remaining metal, plastic, and glass are separated and sent to recycling plants. This process recovers valuable materials and keeps harmful chemicals out of the environment. By choosing one of these legal routes, you are ensuring that your old refrigerator is handled responsibly from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my refrigerator is broken and I cannot move it?

Call your local waste management facility and ask about their pickup service for large appliances. Many offer this for a fee, typically $30 to $75. If cost is a concern, ask whether they have a low-income or senior discount. Alternatively, some charities and donation centers will pick up appliances even if they are not working, though this is less common.

Can I leave a refrigerator on the curb for bulk trash pickup?

No. Most municipalities specifically exclude refrigerators and other appliances from bulk trash collection because of the refrigerant hazard. Leaving one on the curb may result in a fine. Always contact your waste management facility or use one of the other disposal methods described above.

Do I need to clean the refrigerator before dropping it off?

Yes, you should empty it completely and wipe down the interior. Remove any food, ice, or loose shelves. This makes it safer for workers to handle and is often required by facilities and charities. For donation, a clean refrigerator is essential—it shows the appliance is well-maintained and increases the likelihood a charity will accept it.

How long does it take to get rid of a refrigerator?

If you drop it off yourself at a waste facility, you can do it in a single trip. If you arrange pickup, expect to schedule an appointment a few days to a week in advance. Donation pickup may take longer depending on the charity's schedule. Plan ahead if you need the space cleared quickly.

Will I get paid for my old refrigerator?

Only if you sell it to a scrap metal recycler, and the payment is usually modest—$10 to $50 depending on metal prices and the appliance's weight. Waste facilities and retailers do not pay you, though some retailers include haul-away at no charge. Charities do not pay, but you may claim a tax deduction for the donation.