How to Dispose of a Refrigerator: 10 Options

Getting rid of a refrigerator requires special care and consideration. Unlike regular household appliances, refrigerators contain hazardous materials, including refrigerants and insulating foam, which can pose risks to both human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.

Refrigerators are also large, heavy items, making them difficult to move and get rid of. That said, several disposal options are available to you. This article outlines 10 methods and details what each involves so you can choose the best option for your needs.

1. Sell your refrigerator

Perhaps you want to upgrade to a new refrigerator with an ice maker, but your old refrigerator still works fine. In cases like this, selling your old refrigerator is an excellent option. While your old refrigerator may no longer be valuable to you, it could well be to someone else!

To sell a working refrigerator, simply advertise it on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace with a few photos and a short description. The best part is that the buyer will usually be happy to collect the appliance themself, so you don’t have to haul it anywhere.  

2. Donate your refrigerator

Another option if your refrigerator is in good working condition is to give it away. Many charities and community organizations could make good use of a refrigerator, saving them the cost of purchasing one and allowing them to spend those funds elsewhere on good causes.

If you want to donate your refrigerator, it’s best to call around or visit them first to see if anyone is interested. Some charities and nonprofits will be able to collect the refrigerator from you.

3. Recycle your refrigerator through the RAD partner program

The RAD (Responsible Appliance Disposal) Program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), works with partners such as utility companies, appliance retailers, and local governments across the USA to help people recycle their old appliances.

You can visit the RAD website to search for partners near you. Most partners will collect your old refrigerator from your home. The appliance will then have its metals and plastics recycled and the refrigerants and foam will be handled using best practices.

4. Check if there’s an electric company program

Some utility companies have programs that offer incentives for recycling old refrigerators. You could receive a credit on your electricity bill or a cash rebate in return. These initiatives are designed to encourage you to replace your old appliance with a newer, energy-efficient one.

Depending on where you live, your utility provider may offer to pick up and dispose of your old refrigerator for you. Visit your electric company’s website or call them to find out if this service is available.

5. Trade your refrigerator in to an appliance dealer

Some retailers that sell appliances will offer to collect and dispose of your old refrigerator if you purchase a new one from them. Big stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot offer this service.

So if you’re planning on purchasing a new refrigerator, it’s worth asking the appliance retailer if they offer such a plan. They’ll typically collect your old appliance when they deliver the new one. This service is usually available at a low cost, and sometimes for free.

6. Use local waste management bulk collection days

Local waste management providers responsible for your regular garbage collection often have select dates when they offer bulk item collection. This is typically done once per month. Contact your local waste management provider to find out if they offer this service and when the next bulk collection day is.

When the date comes, you can leave your old refrigerator outside the front of your home or curbside, where you’d normally leave your trash, and your waste management provider will pick it up and dispose of it. However, you may be required to remove the refrigerator doors or tie them shut.

7. Sell the refrigerator to a scrapyard

Some scrapyards may offer to buy your old refrigerator, earning you a few extra dollars. Or you can strip valuable metal parts from the refrigerator yourself, such as copper from the compressor, condenser coils, and wiring.

Keep in mind that you might have to have the refrigerant removed by a certified HVAC technician first if you want to give the scrapyard the entire appliance, which would come at a cost. However, some scrapyards may be able to handle this task for you, so it’s best to contact them first to discuss it.  

8. Use a junk removal company

Another option is to hire a professional junk removal business in your local area. They’ll have all the equipment, manpower, transport, and knowledge required to pick up, haul, and dispose of your refrigerator properly.

But since this is a professional service, it will come at a cost. On the flip side, this service is likely to be fast and will require no effort on your behalf. Simply call them, agree on a price and date, and sit back while they get to work!

9. Rent a dumpster

If you’re working on a large home renovation project and need to dispose of not only the refrigerator but also other appliances or trash, renting a dumpster might be worth considering.

You can rent the dumpster for the duration of your project, allowing you to conveniently get rid of waste materials over time without the hassle of multiple trips to a disposal site.

10. Upcycle your refrigerator

If you’re handy when it comes to DIY projects or arts and crafts, you may well be able to repurpose your refrigerator into something interesting and useful. Refrigerators can be upcycled into garden planters, bookcases, pantries, pet houses, and more.

However, if you plan to upcycle, it’s a good idea to have the refrigerant and other hazardous materials professionally removed first to avoid accidentally releasing them during the project.