Refrigerators are large and heavy pieces of appliances, and that is the reason they are very hard to move and maneuver. But that is not all – throwing out a refrigerator is not as simple as throwing out trash. You cannot just leave it down the curb and expect your garbage disposal service to pick it up. Why? Most of the garbage disposal services in the country won’t dispose of refrigerators. So how do I get rid of an old refrigerator?
How Do I Get Rid of an Old Refrigerator?
You don’t need to worry, as there are several ways on how to get rid of old appliances. Check them out below and learn how to get rid of your old fridge stress-free.
Recycle Your Old Refrigerator
Recycling regulations that cover appliances such as refrigerators vary depending on where you live. Generally, your old fridge needs to meet certain regulations so you can recycle it. To make sure you are not breaking any laws, ask your local electric utility or state energy office. You can also inquire about local utilities and environmental organizations that sponsor appliance recycling programs.
Recycling your old refrigerator is an excellent way to contribute to minimizing the use of landfill waste and energy, preventing further intoxication of air, soil, and water, and reducing greenhouse gases and ozone damage.
Throw It Out With Your Garbage
Before you throw your old fridge out with your trash and leave it in the hands of the city, consider these drawbacks:
- It is horrible for the environment and may contribute to landfill waste and further ozone damage.
- Not all cities and states accept to dispose of large appliances such as refrigerators, but if your local trash service does, an appointment should be booked at least two weeks in advance. Some states also mandate the recycling of large household appliances.
- You will need to take the refrigerator to a landfill or transfer station. Remember not to tape the fridge door closed as landfills cannot legally accept such.
- Before disposing of your old fridge, it needs to be drained and have the compressor removed by a professional.
Donate Your Pre-Loved Fridge
If your used refrigerator is still in good working condition, get in touch with charities that accept donations in your area and donate it. You will usually have to drop your fridge off at a local donation center or make arrangements with the charity as some are willing to come and pick up the appliance from your house.
Trade-In or Pick-Up by Retailer or Manufacturer
Before purchasing a replacement of your old refrigerator, ask the retailer if they have an appliance trade-in program. This program is usually a part of your purchase and many retailers include it as a perk. Others charge extra for around $10 to $15, and some require that the fridge is still functioning well. They will drop your newly-bought refrigerator and haul away your old fridge and recycle or refurbish it.
Get a Professional Junk Removal Service
Why not skip the hassle and stress of getting rid of an old, unwanted fridge by hiring a professional and reputable junk removal service? They will handle everything for you – from pick-up to disposal – with a cost to haul junk away. But imagine the energy and time you can save by choosing this option; it will be worth it.
Make sure to choose not just a company that does things quick and easy, but a responsible service that disposes of appliances in an eco-friendly way.
Questions
Can you throw a mini fridge in the dumpster?
How to dispose of a mini fridge is the same as with larger refrigerators. Refrigerators, including mini-fridges, are usually disposed of through the debris pickup program of your local sanitation department. Some areas also allow throwing away refrigerators in the dumpster as long as they have been rightly drained by an HVAC professional.
Can you throw a refrigerator away?
Of course! Refrigerators and freezers can be thrown away and recycled. These large pieces of appliances contain chemical refrigerants and oils that should be removed and properly thrown away according to federal law. Only then that they can be broken down into smaller parts for the recycling process.
Bottom Line
Refrigerators are one of the most used appliances at home. And whether you like it or not, like other appliances, it won’t last forever. There will come a time you will need to replace or upgrade it and will, therefore, need to dispose of the old one. But how do I get rid of an old refrigerator? Well, you have a few options to choose from, including trading in with the retailer, recycling it, donating to charity, throwing it out with the trash, and hiring a professional junk removal service.
