How to Get Rid of Old Appliances
Disposing of old appliances requires knowing which ones are accepted in dumpsters and which require special handling due to refrigerants, mercury, or other regulated substances. This guide covers every common household appliance.
The short answer
Most appliances can go straight in a dumpster: washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and microwaves are all accepted. The exception is anything with refrigerant (freon): refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers, and AC units must have the freon professionally recovered first under EPA rules, which adds a $20 to $100 fee. Appliances are mostly steel, so scrap yards will often take them free or even pay you, and retailers usually haul away your old unit when they deliver a new one.
5 ways to get rid of appliances
Retailer haul-away
Often free or a small fee with a new purchaseMost appliance stores take the old unit when they deliver a new one. Ask when you buy.
Best for: Replacing an appliance
Utility recycling program
Sometimes free, some programs pay youSome electric utilities pick up working old refrigerators and freezers and recycle them. Check your utility's website.
Best for: An old fridge or freezer that still runs
Scrap metal recycler
Free, sometimes paid by weightWashers, dryers, stoves and water heaters are mostly steel. Many scrap yards take them, but anything with refrigerant needs the refrigerant recovered first.
Best for: Metal appliances and a way to haul them
City bulk pickup
Free to low cost, varies by cityMany cities collect appliances on bulk days. Units with refrigerant often need a tag or a fee for refrigerant recovery.
Best for: One appliance
Roll-off dumpster
From $495 for a 10 yard, all-inWashers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers and microwaves can go in. Refrigerators, freezers and AC units need the refrigerant recovered by a certified technician first under EPA rules.
Best for: A kitchen remodel or whole-house cleanout
Overview
Most household appliances can be placed in a roll-off dumpster, but certain appliances containing refrigerant (freon), mercury, or PCBs require special handling before disposal. Knowing the difference saves you time, avoids fines, and ensures compliance with EPA regulations.
Heads up: there is usually a fee
$20 - $100 freon feeFridges, freezers, and AC units carry a $20 to $100 freon-recovery fee
Any appliance with refrigerant (refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers, AC units) must have the freon professionally recovered before disposal under EPA rules, which typically adds a $20 to $100 fee. Freon-free appliances like washers, dryers, and stoves go straight in the dumpster. Exact costs vary by location, so call us and we will sort out which of your appliances need the freon step and what it runs in your area.
What Can and Cannot Go in a Dumpster
Accepted in a Dumpster
- Washing machines and dryers
- Stoves, ovens, and ranges (disconnect gas line first)
- Dishwashers
- Microwaves
- Hot water heaters
Drain completely before disposal.
- Garbage disposals
- Toasters, blenders, and small kitchen appliances
- Vacuum cleaners
- Fans and space heaters
- Lawn mowers and snow blowers
Drain all fuel and oil first.
Not Accepted / Special Handling Required
- Refrigerators and freezers
Contain refrigerant (freon) that must be professionally evacuated by an EPA-certified technician before disposal.
- Air conditioners (window and central units)
Contain refrigerant. Must be professionally evacuated.
- Dehumidifiers manufactured before 2010
May contain HCFC refrigerant requiring professional evacuation.
- Wine coolers and beverage refrigerators
Contain refrigerant. Same handling as refrigerators.
- Older thermostats
Mercury-containing thermostats must be recycled through thermostat recycling programs.
Best Dumpster Size for Appliances
Recommended container sizes based on typical appliances project scope.
10 Yard
12' x 8' x 3.5' | 1 ton
Disposing of a few appliances alongside a small cleanout project.
View Size Details15 Yard
16' x 7.5' x 4.5' | 1.5 tons
Kitchen remodel with multiple appliance removals plus cabinets and other debris.
View Size Details20 Yard
22' x 7.5' x 4.5' | 2 tons
Full kitchen and laundry remodel with appliances, cabinets, flooring, and more.
View Size DetailsWeight Considerations
Average weight: Varies widely by appliance type
Individual appliance weights vary significantly. A washing machine weighs 150-200 lbs, a stove 125-200 lbs, a dishwasher 75-125 lbs, and a hot water heater 100-150 lbs (empty). Most appliances are dense but do not take up much volume. If you are disposing of only a few appliances, they will add weight to your load but use minimal dumpster space.
Weight Tips
- Appliances are heavy for their size. A few large appliances in a 10-yard dumpster can add 500-800 lbs.
- Remove doors from washing machines and dryers to create usable space inside the cavities.
- Drain hot water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers completely before loading into the dumpster.
- Gas appliances must have the gas line properly disconnected before removal. Contact your gas company if unsure.
Disposal Tips for Appliances
Check for freon-containing components
Before putting any appliance in a dumpster, verify it does not contain refrigerant. Refrigerators, freezers, AC units, and some dehumidifiers all contain freon that must be professionally removed first.
Drain all fluids
Hot water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers contain residual water. Drain them before loading. Lawn mowers and snow blowers must have fuel and oil drained and disposed of at an auto parts store.
Disconnect gas lines properly
Gas stoves, dryers, and water heaters must have gas lines properly capped before removal. If you are not comfortable doing this, hire a plumber or contact your gas utility.
Use the walk-in door for heavy items
Use the dumpster's rear swing door to walk or dolly heavy appliances directly into the container rather than lifting them over the side.
Consider appliance recycling
Appliances are primarily steel, which is 100% recyclable. Many scrap yards will pick up appliances for free or even pay you for them. Retailers also commonly offer haul-away when delivering new appliances.
Disposal Regulations
EPA Section 608 requires that refrigerant be recovered from appliances by a certified technician before disposal. Fines for improper refrigerant venting can reach $44,539 per day per violation.
Many states prohibit appliances from standard landfills and require appliance recycling programs.
Mercury-containing thermostats must be recycled through the Thermostat Recycling Corporation program or equivalent.
Some utilities offer appliance recycling programs with free pickup and even cash incentives ($25-$75) for working refrigerators and freezers.
Environmental Considerations
Appliances are among the most recyclable household items. Steel, copper, aluminum, and other metals can be recovered and reused. Proper disposal also prevents refrigerants, mercury, and other pollutants from entering the environment.
Eco-Friendly Disposal Tips
- Check with your electric utility for appliance recycling programs; many offer free pickup and cash rebates.
- Working appliances in good condition can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStores or similar organizations.
- Scrap metal yards often accept appliances for free or pay by weight for the steel content.
- Retailers frequently offer free haul-away of old appliances when delivering new ones.
- Never cut refrigerant lines yourself. The refrigerant must be recovered by an EPA-certified technician.
Ready to Rent a Dumpster for Appliances?
Get an instant quote for the right dumpster size. Most orders delivered within 24 hours.
Which tools and prices help with appliances?
- Weight estimator: add up debris weight by material
- Cubic yard calculator: measure your debris pile
- Dumpster prices: live all-in prices by size
- Order online: get your exact price by ZIP
- Dumpster sizes: 10 to 40 yards compared
Sources
- U.S. EPA: Volume-to-weight conversion factors: Reference weights per cubic yard for common waste materials.
- U.S. EPA: Construction and demolition debris: National C&D generation and recycling figures.
- U.S. EPA: Household hazardous waste: What must stay out of the dumpster and where it goes.
How these numbers are set: weights per cubic yard are planning ranges for loose debris, consistent with the EPA conversion factors above; included tons are Ultimate Dumpsters' standard allowances by size. Real loads vary with moisture and packing.
Straight Talk From Our Team
“The weight estimator is the one I wish every customer used first. People size by how big the pile looks, but a load of concrete or dirt or wet drywall hits the tonnage limit while the box still looks half empty. Run the weight before you pick the size and the overage surprise just goes away. That is the whole reason we built it.”
Michael V.
Head of Operations, Ultimate Dumpsters. Weigh it before you pick the size
Appliances Disposal FAQs
Common questions about disposing of appliances in a dumpster.
Not without preparation. Refrigerators contain refrigerant (freon) that must be professionally evacuated by an EPA-certified technician before the unit can be placed in a dumpster. Once the freon is removed and documented, the empty refrigerator can go in the dumpster. Our junk removal service handles this for you.
Washing machines do not contain refrigerant, so they can go directly into a roll-off dumpster. Drain any residual water first. Alternatively, scrap metal yards often accept washing machines for free, and retailers may haul away your old unit when delivering a new one.
Yes, after properly disconnecting the gas line (for gas stoves). Electric stoves can go directly into the dumpster. For gas stoves, ensure the gas line is properly capped by a qualified person before removing the unit.
The best approach depends on the appliance condition. Working appliances: donate to charity or sell. Non-working appliances without freon: place in a dumpster or take to a scrap yard. Freon-containing appliances: use a professional removal service, utility recycling program, or our junk removal crew.
Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away of your old appliance when delivering a new one. Big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy typically offer this service. Check at the time of purchase, as policies vary by location and appliance type.
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