Can I put a refrigerator in a dumpster?

Usually not without the provider’s agreement. EPA rules require the refrigerant to be recovered before disposal, so many providers exclude refrigerators or charge a surcharge.

What is the easiest way to get rid of an old appliance?

Retailer haul-away when a new appliance is delivered. For appliances without refrigerant, scrap metal recyclers are another easy option.

Does my utility take old refrigerators?

Some utilities offer pickup or rebates for old, working refrigerators and freezers. The EPA’s RAD program lists partners that recycle them responsibly.

How do I dispose of an old water heater?

Drain it first. Your plumber usually hauls it away when installing a new one; otherwise, scrap recyclers and many dumpster providers accept it.

Appliance Disposal: Fridges, Washers, Water Heaters

Two groups of appliances

Appliances with refrigerant: refrigerators, freezers, window and portable air conditioners, dehumidifiers and some wine coolers. These fall under federal rules for refrigerant removal.
Appliances without refrigerant: washers, dryers, stoves and ranges, dishwashers, microwaves and water heaters. These are mostly metal and easier to recycle.

Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners

Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the refrigerant in household appliances must be recovered before the appliance is disposed of, and other hazardous components – such as PCBs, mercury and compressor oil – must be removed as well, according to the EPA. The final disposer is responsible for making sure this happens. That is why many dumpster providers do not accept refrigerators and freezers, or accept them only with a surcharge or documentation that the refrigerant has been removed.

Better options for these appliances:

Retailer haul-away: most appliance retailers offer to take the old unit when delivering a new one, sometimes for a fee.
Utility recycling programs: some electric utilities pay or offer free pickup for old, working refrigerators and freezers to take inefficient units off the grid. The EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program works with utilities and retailers that recover refrigerant and foam and recycle the rest.
City bulk pickup: many cities collect appliances by appointment; for example, Philadelphia’s bulk program takes refrigerators and air conditioners, and Baltimore’s takes appliances as bulk items.
Scrap recyclers: some accept appliances with refrigerant and recover it themselves; ask first.

Washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers

These appliances contain no refrigerant and are largely steel. Options:

Scrap metal recyclers: often accept them free or even pay a little by weight.
Retailer haul-away on delivery of a new appliance.
City bulk pickup by appointment.
Donation: working appliances can go to reuse stores; Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept appliances in good working order.
Dumpster: many providers accept them, sometimes with a per-item fee. Ask first.

Water heaters

Old tank water heaters are heavy steel tanks lined with glass and often full of sediment. Drain the tank completely before moving it – a full 40- or 50-gallon tank weighs hundreds of pounds more. Plumbers who install a new water heater usually haul away the old one. Otherwise, scrap recyclers take them, and many dumpster providers accept them. Gas water heaters must be disconnected by a qualified person.

Microwaves and small appliances

Microwaves, toasters and similar small appliances contain electronics. Some states and cities keep electronics out of landfills; retailer take-back programs and local e-waste events are the usual options. Small appliances without electronics can often go with regular trash or into a container.

Preparing an appliance for removal

Unplug and disconnect power, water and gas – gas lines should be disconnected and capped by a qualified person.
Empty and clean refrigerators and freezers; remove shelves if they will be donated.
Secure or remove doors on refrigerators, freezers and washers so no child can get trapped inside.
Drain water heaters and washers.
Use a dolly and two people – appliances are heavy and awkward on stairs.

Appliances in a dumpster: the rules of thumb

Ask the provider before loading any appliance.
Never put a refrigerator, freezer or AC unit in a container unless the provider has confirmed how they handle refrigerant.
Expect per-item fees for some appliances.
Remove doors and load appliances flat and low to keep the load stable.

Appliances in storm and flood cleanups

After floods and storms, refrigerators and freezers full of spoiled food are among the worst items to handle. Empty and bag the food for regular trash first if possible, tape the doors shut, and place appliances in the separate appliance pile if your city runs a storm debris collection – FEMA recommends keeping large appliances separate from other debris. Don’t put them in a private container unless the provider agrees. See storm debris cleanup.

Landlords and property turnovers

Rental turnovers often involve replacing old appliances. Coordinate delivery of new units with haul-away of the old ones so they don’t end up at the curb, where many cities cite property owners for improper set-outs. For several units at once, a scrap recycler or an appliance recycler with pickup can be more practical than individual retailer haul-aways.

Moving heavy appliances safely

Measure first: doors, hallways and stairs – remove appliance doors if needed to fit.
Use an appliance dolly with a strap, and move one step at a time on stairs with a person below and above.
Protect floors with cardboard or plywood; appliances scratch hardwood and tear vinyl easily.
Tape down doors and cords so nothing swings open or trips someone.
Get help: refrigerators and washers are top-heavy and hard to control alone.

Donating working appliances

A working refrigerator, washer or stove in good condition can help someone else. Reuse stores, including Habitat for Humanity ReStores, accept appliances in good working order, and some offer pickup. Clean the appliance, keep the manual if you have it, and check the store’s acceptance rules before you schedule.

What appliance disposal costs

Costs range from free – many city bulk programs and scrap recyclers – to a modest fee for retailer haul-away or a per-item surcharge in a dumpster. Some utility programs even pay a small rebate for old, working refrigerators and freezers. Compare the options before you choose, especially if you have several appliances.

During a remodel

Kitchen and laundry remodels often replace several appliances at once. The easiest approach is to have the new appliances delivered with haul-away of the old ones, so only cabinets, counters and flooring go in the container. See kitchen remodel debris.

How our service fits in

Local Dumpster Network is a free referral service. When you call, you are connected with an independent, local dumpster provider that serves your ZIP code. Tell them which appliances you have so they can tell you what they accept and at what cost.

Appliance disposal: fridges, washers and water heaters