How to Get Rid of a Fridge Safely and Quickly
Figuring out how to get rid of a fridge sounds simple at first. But it means dealing with refrigerant regulations before the unit can be dismantled or discarded. Even if it totally stops working, most city trash services won’t accept refrigerators at the curb. What then?
Here are the most popular ways to handle refrigerator disposal, plus what to do before your fridge leaves the kitchen. And if you decide to hire a professional crew, call College HUNKS Junk & Moving. Our team has the expertise to make getting rid of your fridge fast and easy.
How to Get Rid of a Refrigerator
There are three questions you need to answer before you figure out how to get rid of an old refrigerator:
- Does it still run?
- How quickly do you need it removed?
- What’s your budget?
You can donate or sell a working fridge, but your options are surprisingly limited if you have to discard a broken one. There are lots of regulations you need to follow, and scheduling a municipal pickup can take weeks. If it’s within your budget, hiring a professional crew is the fastest and easiest option. But if you’re wondering where you can get rid of an old refrigerator yourself without risking a fine or dragging the problem out, start with these steps.
Ask Your Appliance Retailer to Take It Away
If you’ve ordered a new fridge to be delivered, ask the retailer if they offer haul-away services. Many crews can take your old fridge for free, and others charge a small fee. Some retailers offer disposal-only services, too. If you can get it to the store, they’ll discard it properly.
Donate It if It Still Works
Many philanthropic organizations take working appliances, and some can send a pickup team to your location. Before you call a local charity, clean the fridge and make sure it’s free of all odors. If you donate your old fridge, you can claim it on your taxes—so keep your receipts.
Recycle It Through a Utility or Municipal Program
Some utility programs offer rebates for recycling functional refrigerators. Old refrigerators tend to use more electricity, taxing the power grid, so some communities help homeowners remove unwanted units. Get in contact with your local municipality to learn how to recycle a fridge through their program.
Sell or Give It Away
There are numerous online communities, like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, where you can sell old but functional kitchen appliances. If you don’t want to haggle over price, you can list it for free. If you leave it outside to be picked up, don’t forget to tape or tie the doors shut to avoid unwanted pests inside.
Schedule a Bulk Trash Pickup
Some towns run bulk pickup for oversized junk items like a refrigerator. Those that do often have strict conditions, so you may need to remove the refrigerant and doors off. These programs are often done for free or at a low cost, but scheduling can be a hassle. Call your Department of Public Works to see what requirements they have for trashing an old fridge.
Hire a Junk Removal Service
If you can’t sell, donate, or arrange a municipal pickup for your fridge, professional junk removal services are probably your best option. A crew does the heavy lifting and properly disposes of your appliance. Many companies charge by the hour for haul-away services.
College HUNKS runs same-day or next-day pickup in many locations, so your fridge can be out of the house as soon as possible. Our crews handle everything so you don’t have to worry. And the best part is that up to 70% of what’s hauled away is recycled or donated instead of dumped.
Before You Get Rid of Your Fridge
Follow these three steps to prep your fridge for disposal.
1. Unplug and Defrost It
At least one day before pickup, empty the refrigerator and clean it before unplugging the unit. If it has an attached freezer, let the ice melt on its own and lay down towels around the base to catch any water. But don’t use a knife or screwdriver to chip away at ice buildup. If the ice isn’t melting, use a dull scraper or a box fan to carefully speed up the process.
2. Remove the Doors
Some jurisdictions require you to remove the doors of a refrigerator to avoid animals or small children becoming trapped inside. You can use a screwdriver to remove most doors in a few minutes. If you aren’t legally required to remove the doors, you should still tie or tape them shut for safety.
3. Don’t Drain the Refrigerant Yourself
Federal regulations state refrigerants must be removed before disposing of a fridge unit. Venting the refrigerant into the air is illegal, so it’s best to leave this task to a professional. A professional junk hauling crew has the equipment and know-how to handle this important step correctly.
How to Dispose of a Refrigerator the Easy Way
When you want to get rid of old furniture and appliances the right way, College HUNKS is the answer. Our expert crews can take care of it quickly, with many locations offering same-day or next-day pickup. Book a free, no-obligation quote, and let the HUNKS walk your fridge out the front door.
FAQ
Can I Put An Old Fridge in a Dumpster?
No, an old fridge doesn’t belong in a rental dumpster or a household bin. The refrigerant must be professionally recovered and the doors must, more often than not, be removed before pickup. There are fines for illegally dumping a fridge, so it’s best to let professionals handle this tricky appliance.
How Long Does a Fridge Last Before I Should Replace It?
According to Energy Star, the average lifespan of a refrigerator is approximately 12 years, but this can be extended with routine maintenance. A good rule of thumb is that if a repair quote costs at least half of the cost for a new fridge, it’s worth replacing.
Who Will Pick Up an Old Refrigerator the Same Day?
Your best option for same-day pickup is a junk removal company. College HUNKS offers same-day or next-day pickup across many locations.
Is It Free to Get Rid of a Refrigerator?
Many retailers offer free appliance removal if you buy a new fridge. And some municipalities have donation or haul-away services, though they can be difficult to schedule.