How to Dispose of a Refrigerator

Why a Fridge Needs Special Disposal

Refrigerators contain refrigerant (Freon-type gases) that are regulated ozone-depleting and/or greenhouse gases. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act it is illegal to knowingly vent that refrigerant, and it must be recovered with EPA-certified equipment before the unit is scrapped, crushed or landfilled. Fridges can also contain compressor oil, mercury switches, and foam insulation with blowing agents that must be handled properly. That's why a certified recycler — not the curb — has to take it.

Free Utility Pickup (That Pays You)

Many electric utilities run appliance-recycling "bounty" programs: they schedule a free in-home pickup of an old, working refrigerator or freezer and mail you a rebate, commonly around $50. Verified examples include Consumers Energy ($50), BGE ($50) and UGI Electric ($50-$100 gift card). The unit usually must be working, roughly 10-30 cubic feet, empty/defrosted, and you must be a current electric customer. Check your own utility's website — this is often the best deal available. You can also find programs through the EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) partner locator.

Retailer Haul-Away & Recyclers

When a retailer delivers a new refrigerator, the crew can usually disconnect and take the old one — typically one-for-one and added at checkout, often for a fee (confirm the exact amount on your order, as it varies by market and member perks). If you're not buying a replacement, take the fridge to a scrap yard or appliance recycler that handles refrigerant recovery, or use your city/county bulk-item pickup or transfer station (some charge a small Freon-recovery fee). Scrap payout is low once recovery costs are deducted, so a free utility pickup with a rebate is usually worth more.

Mini Fridges

A mini or compact refrigerator is handled exactly like a full-size one: it still contains refrigerant, so it can't go in the trash and the refrigerant must be professionally recovered first. Use a utility program (some accept small units), the EPA RAD locator, retailer haul-away when buying a replacement, a scrap/appliance recycler, your city's bulk pickup, or donation if it still works. Don't puncture the cooling lines or try to drain the refrigerant yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I dispose of a refrigerator?

Route it through a channel that recovers the refrigerant (required by law): your electric utility's appliance-recycling program (often free pickup + a ~$50 rebate), the EPA RAD partner locator, retailer haul-away when a new fridge is delivered, a licensed scrap/appliance recycler, or municipal bulk pickup. See also our appliance recycling guide.

Can I get my refrigerator picked up for free?

Often yes — many electric utilities offer free in-home pickup of an old, working refrigerator or freezer plus a rebate (commonly ~$50). The unit usually must be working, about 10-30 cubic feet, and you must be a current electric customer. Check your utility's website or the EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) locator.

Does Home Depot, Lowe's or Best Buy take old refrigerators?

Yes, when they deliver a new one — the crew will haul the old fridge away, usually one-for-one and for a fee (free for some membership tiers). Exact fees vary by market and change, so confirm the charge at checkout rather than relying on a quoted figure.

Why can't I just throw a refrigerator away?

Because it contains refrigerant that's illegal to vent under the Clean Air Act and must be recovered by certified equipment before disposal, plus compressor oil, mercury switches and foam blowing agents. A certified recycler must handle it — it can't legally go in the trash or landfill untreated. For other hazardous items see our HHW directory.

How do I get rid of a mini fridge?

The same way as a full-size fridge — it also contains refrigerant, so it can't be trashed and the refrigerant must be recovered first. Use a utility program, retailer haul-away, a scrap/appliance recycler, city bulk pickup, or donate it if it works. Don't puncture the lines yourself.