Where to Donate Your Refrigerator Locally

How to find donation centers that take refrigerators in your area

The fastest way to find a refrigerator donation center near you is to call your local waste management or sanitation department first — they often run appliance collection programs or can tell you which nonprofits in your area accept them. If that doesn't work, search "appliance donation near me" or "refrigerator donation [your city]" to see what comes up, then call ahead to confirm they take refrigerators and whether they pick up or require drop-off. Many places have restrictions on refrigerator donations because of the refrigerant inside, so a quick phone call saves you a wasted trip.

Your second option is to contact Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations — they operate in most states and take working refrigerators, though availability varies by location. The Salvation Army also accepts refrigerators at many locations, but again, call first because not every center has the space or the ability to handle them. Local food banks sometimes partner with appliance programs too, so if you have a relationship with one, ask whether they know of donation routes.

Key Takeaways

• Call your city or county sanitation department first — they often run appliance collection programs or can refer you to local nonprofits that accept refrigerators.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Salvation Army locations accept refrigerators in many areas, but you must call ahead to confirm they take them and whether pickup is available.
• Refrigerators contain refrigerant that requires proper handling, so donation centers have stricter rules than they do for other appliances — never assume a general donation center takes them.
• If your refrigerator does not work, contact a scrap metal recycler or your waste management department about appliance recycling rather than donation.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore and other nonprofit chains

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is one of the most reliable options because locations exist in most states and they specifically accept large appliances including refrigerators. You can search for a ReStore near you on their website by entering your zip code. They typically accept refrigerators that work, and many locations offer pickup for large items, though some require you to drop off. Call your local ReStore directly to ask about their current capacity — during busy seasons they sometimes pause appliance donations temporarily.

The Salvation Army also runs donation centers in most areas and accepts refrigerators, but their policies vary by location. Some centers have loading docks and can handle large appliances; others do not. A few Salvation Army locations offer pickup, but most require you to bring the refrigerator in. Search "Salvation Army donation center near me" and call the location closest to you to ask whether they take refrigerators and what their process is.

City and county waste management programs

Many cities and counties run appliance collection days or have permanent drop-off sites specifically for large appliances like refrigerators. These programs exist because refrigerators contain refrigerant that cannot go into a regular landfill — it has to be recovered and handled separately. Your local sanitation or waste management department can tell you whether your area has a collection program, when it runs, and whether pickup is available for residents.

Some areas charge a small fee for appliance drop-off, while others do it free. A few municipalities will pick up refrigerators from your home at no cost if you call ahead and schedule. Call your city or county public works department or search "[your city] appliance recycling" to find the program in your area. If your refrigerator still works, ask whether the program donates working appliances to nonprofits or whether they recycle everything — some do both.

Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local buy-nothing groups

If your refrigerator works well, posting it free or for a low price on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace often brings someone to pick it up within hours. This is not a formal donation, but it keeps the appliance out of the waste stream and gets it to someone who needs it. List it as "free" or "best offer" and be clear about its condition, age, and any quirks — a refrigerator that runs but is loud or has a small dent will still find a taker.

Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are another option. These are neighborhood-based groups where people give away items free. Search "Buy Nothing [your neighborhood or city]" on Facebook and join the group for your area. Post a photo and description of your refrigerator, and someone local will usually claim it within a day. The advantage is that these groups are built on the idea of keeping things in use, so you are not negotiating price and the person picking it up is genuinely interested in the item.

What to do if your refrigerator does not work

If your refrigerator no longer runs, it cannot be donated — nonprofits and individuals need working appliances. Instead, contact a scrap metal recycler or your local waste management department about appliance recycling. Refrigerators have value as scrap because they contain copper, aluminum, and steel, so some recyclers will pick them up free or even pay a small amount depending on the metal market. Search "appliance recycler near me" or "scrap metal pickup [your city]" to find options.

Your waste management department can also tell you about appliance recycling programs in your area. Some municipalities have permanent drop-off sites where you can bring a broken refrigerator, and a few offer free pickup. The refrigerant will be recovered safely, and the metal will be recycled. This is the responsible route for appliances that no longer work.

Preparing your refrigerator for donation or pickup

Before you contact a donation center, clean out your refrigerator completely and leave the doors open for a few hours to air it out. Remove any shelves or drawers if they are removable — some donors prefer to take them separately, and it makes the appliance lighter. If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, drain the water line by placing a bucket underneath and opening the valve, or ask the donation center whether they handle that step.

Take a photo of the refrigerator from the front and side so you can show it to potential donors or have it ready when you call a donation center. Note the brand, model, approximate age, and any issues — a small dent, a loud compressor, or a freezer that runs cold but the fridge side is warmer than ideal. Being honest about condition speeds up the process and means the person who gets it knows what to expect.

Scheduling pickup or drop-off

Once you have found a donation center or nonprofit that accepts your refrigerator, ask about their pickup and drop-off options. Some organizations offer free pickup if you live within a certain distance; others require you to bring the appliance to them. If you are arranging pickup, ask what day and time window works and whether they need access to a garage or basement. Let them know if the refrigerator is on a second floor or requires stairs — some pickup services charge extra for that.

If you are dropping off, ask about their hours and whether you need to call ahead or make an appointment. Some donation centers have limited dock hours or require you to schedule a time slot. Confirm that they will be there when you arrive, especially if you are making a special trip. Ask whether they need you to stay while they inspect it or whether you can leave once you have unloaded it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate a refrigerator that is old but still works?

Yes. Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and the Salvation Army accept older refrigerators as long as they run and keep food cold. Age is not a barrier — function is. Call ahead to confirm they take it, and be honest about any noise or temperature quirks so the organization knows what they are getting.

Do I have to pay to donate a refrigerator?

No. Legitimate donation centers and nonprofits do not charge you to take a working refrigerator. If someone asks for money to pick up your refrigerator, that is a scam. Some waste management programs charge a fee for drop-off of broken appliances, but that is recycling, not donation.

What if no one in my area accepts refrigerators?

Contact your city or county waste management department — they can tell you about appliance recycling programs or direct you to a facility that handles refrigerators. If your refrigerator works, posting it free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace is another option. If it is broken, a scrap metal recycler may pick it up.

Can I leave a refrigerator on the curb for pickup?

Do not leave a refrigerator on the curb without arranging pickup first. Most cities have rules against it, and it can be cited as illegal dumping. Call your waste management department or a donation center to schedule a pickup time instead.

How long does it usually take to arrange a refrigerator donation?

If you call a local nonprofit or waste management program, you can often schedule pickup or drop-off within a few days. Craigslist and Buy Nothing posts usually get claimed within 24 hours. Plan for at least a week from the time you decide to donate to the time it actually leaves your home.