How to Dispose of Old Refrigerators and Freezers
Federal law under EPA Clean Air Act Section 608 makes it illegal to dispose of refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or air conditioning units without certified recovery of refrigerant gases (Freon, CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs). Sanitation haulers will refuse to collect any cooling appliance that does not display an official certified Freon evacuation sticker.
Most municipal transfer stations accept refrigerators for a modest fee (typically 15 to 35 dollars) to cover certified on-site Freon recovery. Always verify your local municipal hauler requirements before placing large items at the curb.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Many local electric utilities offer free in-home pickup and cash rebates of 25 to 50 dollars for retiring working, inefficient old refrigerators or freezers.
If setting curbside for municipal bulk collection, contact an EPA-certified technician to recover the coolant gas and apply an official recovery certification sticker to the unit.
Federal child safety regulations require removing doors, removing latches, or securing doors shut with heavy duct tape to prevent tragic entrapment of children.
Call your city public works department or hauler at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a designated white goods bulk collection.
⚠️ Important Rules to Avoid Fines & Hazards
- Never vent refrigerant gas into the atmosphere; illegal venting violates federal EPA regulations and carries civil penalties up to 25,000 dollars.
- Cooling appliances without a certified Freon removal sticker will be tagged with a violation sticker and left at the curb by municipal collection crews.
- Never lay a refrigerator on its back during transport unless allowed to stand upright for 24 hours prior to turning back on.
Our directory covers 164 verified US cities with direct contact numbers, hauler websites, and neighborhood collection rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do refrigerators require a Freon sticker?▼
Refrigerants contain potent greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting chemicals. Municipalities require a signed certificate or sticker from a licensed HVAC recovery specialist before landfilling or recycling steel scrap.
Will scrap metal yards take old refrigerators with Freon?▼
No licensed scrap yard will accept a refrigerator or air conditioner unless the compressor has been visibly removed or an EPA recovery certificate is provided.
Do appliance delivery companies haul away old refrigerators?▼
Yes, major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy offer haul-away and recycling services when delivering a new refrigerator for a nominal fee.