Appliance Removal Cost

Appliance removal runs $75–$200 paid — but appliances are the one category where you can often get rid of them free, or even be paid. They're mostly steel, scrap yards want them, and retailers will haul the old one away when they deliver the new one. Here's the full picture, including the Freon rules that catch people out.

What every option costs

The Freon rule — read this first

Anything with a refrigerant circuit is regulated differently: fridges, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and wine coolers.

Federal law requires refrigerant to be recovered by a certified technician before the appliance is scrapped or landfilled. In practice that means:

• Most scrap yards will still take them, but either charge a $10–$30 recovery fee or pay you less than for a clean steel appliance.
• Many cities won't take them at kerbside without a separate booking, or will charge a fee.
• Junk removal companies add $20–$50 for refrigerant handling.
• Never puncture the sealed system or cut the lines yourself. Beyond being illegal, refrigerant under pressure is genuinely dangerous.

Also: remove or disable the door on any fridge or freezer left outside even briefly. Child entrapment is the reason this rule exists, and in many states it's legally required before disposal.

The free routes, in order worth trying

1. Utility rebate — the one that pays you

This is the most overlooked option on the page. Many electricity utilities run appliance recycling programmes that will collect an old working fridge or freezer from your home and pay you $30–$150 for it. The economics make sense to them because an old second fridge in a garage is an energy sink.

Conditions typically are: it must still be working, it must be a certain size, and you're often limited to one or two per household per year. Search your utility's name plus "appliance recycling rebate."

That's a swing of up to $350 against paying a hauler $200. Worth ten minutes.

2. Retailer haul-away when the new one arrives

If you're replacing the appliance, this is the easiest route. Home Depot, Lowe's and most appliance retailers will take the old unit away when they deliver the new one — usually free, sometimes for a modest fee.

Arrange it at the point of purchase. Delivery crews generally can't add it on the day, and it's the single most common reason people end up paying separately.

3. Scrap metal yard

Appliances are largely steel with copper motors and wiring. Most scrap yards take them free and some pay a small amount — realistically $5–$30 depending on size and current scrap prices. Washers, dryers, dishwashers and stoves are straightforward. Fridges and freezers may carry a refrigerant recovery fee.

Call ahead to confirm they take white goods and whether there's a fee for sealed systems.

4. Donate it if it works

Habitat for Humanity ReStore takes working appliances at most locations and often collects larger items free. Local shelters and furniture banks frequently need them. A working appliance is genuinely useful to someone.

Nobody takes broken appliances as donations — don't make your disposal problem someone else's.

What paid removal costs

What pushes it up

• Refrigerant — $20–$50 across the board
• Stairs — $15–$40 per flight; appliances are the worst item for this
• Disconnection — gas lines and hardwired units may need a professional
• Basement location — often the most expensive scenario

Preparing an appliance for collection

• Disconnect it properly. Water off and lines drained for washers and dishwashers; gas shut off at the valve for stoves — use a professional if you're not certain.
• Drain water heaters completely. A full 50-gallon tank weighs over 400 lbs.
• Empty and defrost fridges and freezers, and clean them out. Crews can refuse a unit full of spoiled food, and you don't want it in your hallway anyway.
• Remove or disable the door on fridges and freezers.
• Move it to the garage or kerb if you safely can — appliances are where labour charges bite hardest.

When paying makes sense

• It's in a basement or above the ground floor. A washer down a flight of stairs is a two-person job with a real injury risk.
• It's broken, so donation and utility rebate are both out.
• You have no vehicle that takes a fridge.
• You're clearing several things. Per-item cost drops sharply.
• Deadlines — new appliance arriving, move-out, closing.

Conversely: if the appliance works, it's on the ground floor, and you have any way to move it, the utility rebate or scrap yard route means you end up ahead rather than $150 down.

Common questions

Will Home Depot take my old appliance?

Yes, when delivering a replacement — usually free, sometimes for a small fee. Arrange it when you order, not on delivery day. They don't accept walk-in appliances.

Can I put an appliance out with the trash?

Not normally. Most curbside services won't take white goods in regular collection — you need scheduled bulk pickup, and anything with refrigerant often needs a separate booking.

How much is an old appliance worth as scrap?

Realistically $5–$30 depending on size and scrap prices. Not worth a special trip for the money alone, but it makes disposal free rather than costing you.

Do I need a technician to remove Freon?

For legal disposal, the refrigerant must be recovered by a certified technician — but you don't have to arrange that yourself. Scrap yards, recyclers and junk removal firms handle it as part of the service, which is what the fee covers.

What about a really old fridge in the garage?

That's exactly what utility rebate programmes are designed for. Check your electricity provider first — you may get it collected free and be paid for it.

Related

• Who takes your old stuff for free
• How to dispose of a microwave
• Junk removal prices in 2026

Prices are typical US ranges for 2026 and vary by metro, provider and access. Refrigerant handling requirements are federal but fees vary. Utility rebate programmes and amounts vary by provider and change. Always confirm before you go. Last verified August 2026.