Appliance Recycling Near Me: Pickup, Rebates + Scrap Value (2026)
Large appliances are the easiest e-waste to recycle profitably. Retailers (Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s) haul away your old appliance for $30-$60 when delivering a new one - sometimes free during promotions. Many electric utilities pay $25-$75 bounties for working old fridges and freezers. Scrap yards pay for the metal: a washing machine holds 150+ lb of steel. Fridges and AC units must have refrigerant recovered by an EPA Section 608 certified handler first - never scrap them yourself.
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Where to go and what it costs
| Option | Accepts | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retailer haul-away (Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s) | Any large appliance | $30-$60 (often free in promos) | With new-appliance delivery only |
| Utility rebate programs | Working fridges + freezers | They PAY $25-$75 | Free pickup; check your electricity provider |
| Scrap yards | Washers, dryers, ovens, dishwashers | They PAY by weight | ~150+ lb steel in a washer; call for price |
| Junk removal services | Everything, any condition | $75-$200 | LoadUp, local haulers; stairs/bulky OK |
| Municipal bulk pickup | Most appliances | Free-$50 | Book ahead; fridges may need refrigerant tag |
Before you go: 4 quick checks
- Empty, defrost (24h) and dry fridges/freezers before pickup.
- Leave refrigerant recovery to EPA-certified handlers - DIY venting is a federal offence.
- Disconnect gas appliances professionally; cap the line.
- Check the scrap calculator for current steel + copper value before giving an appliance away free.
Options in major US cities
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Frequently asked questions
Who picks up old appliances for free near me?
Three free routes: retailer haul-away when a new appliance is delivered (sometimes promotional), utility fridge-rebate programs that pay YOU $25-$75 and collect free, and scrap collectors who take metal-heavy appliances for their scrap value.
How much is an old washing machine worth in scrap?
A typical washer contains 150+ lb of steel plus copper motor windings - scrap yards commonly pay a flat rate per unit or by weight. Use our scrap value calculator for live commodity-price estimates before paying anyone to take it.
Can I put a fridge in a dumpster?
No. Refrigerators contain refrigerants that must be recovered by an EPA Section 608 certified technician before disposal - venting them is a federal offence with fines up to $44,539 per violation. Use retailer haul-away, utility programs or municipal bulk pickup.
Do utility companies really pay for old fridges?
Yes - many US electric utilities run appliance-recycling programs paying $25-$75 for working second fridges and freezers, including free pickup, because removing inefficient units cuts grid demand. Check your provider’s website for "appliance recycling rebate".