Disposing of an old refrigerator is regulated under the Clean Air Act because of the refrigerant inside. This guide lists the EPA-approved free pickup options, retailer haul-away programs, what disposal costs, and the scrap value of an old fridge.
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team — last updated May 2026
Quick Answer: How to Dispose of a Refrigerator
Five legal options for refrigerator disposal in 2026:
- EPA RAD program pickup — free in 38 US states through your utility company
- Retailer haul-away — Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's collect free with new fridge delivery
- Municipal bulk pickup — schedule via your city's 311 line (free or $25-$50)
- Scrap-metal dealer — they pay $5-$30 for the steel and copper after refrigerant recovery
- Standalone pickup service — $50-$150 from junk-removal companies
Refrigerant must be recovered by an EPA Section 608 certified technician — never cut a fridge line yourself.
Refrigerator Disposal Cost
| Fridge type | Cost (with replacement) | Standalone | |---|---|---| | Standard top/bottom freezer | Free | $25-$75 | | French door / side-by-side | Free | $50-$100 | | Sub-zero / built-in | Free | $100-$200 | | Mini fridge / dorm | Free | $25-$50 | | Commercial / walk-in | Free | $200-$600 |
EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal Program
The EPA's RAD program partners with utility companies in 38 US states to offer free refrigerator pickup. Your utility recovers the refrigerant (R-134a or R-600a), the compressor oil, and any foam blowing agents (HFCs or CFCs in older units) before sending the carcass for metal recycling.
To find the RAD partner in your area:
- Search "[your utility company] appliance recycling"
- Or call your utility's energy efficiency department
- Some programs offer $25-$75 cash bounty for working units
Often the utility wants the fridge whether it works or not, because the refrigerant alone is worth more than the hauler's cost.
Retailer Haul-Away with New Fridge
| Retailer | Free haul-away | Scheduled with | |---|---|---| | Home Depot | Yes, with delivery | Online order | | Lowe's | Yes, with delivery | Online or in-store | | Best Buy | Yes, with delivery | Yes for any appliance | | Costco | Yes, members only | Costco Logistics | | Sears | Yes, with delivery | Sears Outlet too |
Standalone pickup (no replacement purchase) is rare from retailers — use junk-removal services or the EPA RAD program for that.
Scrap Value of an Old Fridge
| Component | Value | |---|---| | Steel cabinet (50-150 lb) | $5-$15 | | Copper coils + tubing (~3-5 lb) | $9-$20 | | Aluminium fins (~5-10 lb) | $3-$7 | | Compressor (sealed) | $5-$15 | | Refrigerant R-134a | Recovery only — not buy-able |
Total scrap: $25-$60 for a typical residential fridge. Larger commercial units can yield $80-$200. Scrap yards require refrigerant-recovery paperwork before accepting any sealed-system appliance.
Find Refrigerator Recyclers in Your City
Shop a Replacement Refrigerator (UK readers)
Shop a Replacement Refrigerator (US readers)
Sources
- US EPA, Sustainable Materials Management 2025
- Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse, 2026 state-law summary
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 (UNITAR / ITU)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get my old fridge picked up free?
Three free options: (1) EPA RAD program through your electric utility (38 US states), (2) retailer haul-away with new fridge delivery (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Costco), (3) municipal bulky-waste pickup day (every US city offers them — schedule via 311).
How much does it cost to dispose of a refrigerator?
Free with a replacement fridge delivery from major retailers. Standalone disposal: $25-$75 for standard top-freezer fridges, $50-$100 for French door, $100-$200 for sub-zero or built-in units. Commercial walk-ins run $200-$600.
Will the city pick up my old refrigerator?
Yes — every US city offers bulky-waste collection that accepts appliances. Some are scheduled monthly, some quarterly. Schedule via your city's 311 line. Most are free; some charge $25-$50 for appliances containing refrigerant.
Can I scrap an old fridge for cash?
Yes, but the refrigerant must be recovered first by an EPA Section 608 certified technician. Once you have a recovery certificate, scrap yards typically pay $25-$60 for a residential fridge ($80-$200 for commercial). The HVAC contractor may charge $50-$100 for refrigerant recovery, eating into the scrap profit.
Is it legal to throw a fridge in the trash?
No. Federal law (Clean Air Act §608) prohibits venting refrigerant — penalties up to $44,539 per day per unit. Most cities also ban appliances from regular trash. Always use the EPA RAD program, retailer haul-away, or municipal bulky-waste day.