How to Get Rid of a Refrigerator

No matter how well you maintain them, appliances don’t last forever. If your fridge needs to be replaced, you may be wondering what to do with the old one when your replacement arrives. There are a few different solutions to suit different budgets and abilities, ranging from hiring professionals to doing everything yourself. Read our guide for the full breakdown!

The Importance of Proper Disposal

While it’s always important to dispose of unwanted goods and materials properly, appropriate disposal is particularly important for refrigerators. This is due to the dangerous chemicals they contain, which have the potential to cause injury or serious environmental contamination if released. They can include:

• Hydrofluorocarbons
• Refrigerant
• Oil
• Foam Insulation

All of these are potentially dangerous substances. In addition to these chemicals, refrigerators contain large amounts of metal that can be reused if disposed of correctly. Proper disposal also prevents your refrigerator from taking up space in landfills and reduces your environmental footprint. 

As well as the environmental factors, proper disposal can be a legal issue. There are strict rules regarding the proper disposal of appliances containing refrigerant, and disregarding these rules can lead to large fines and even criminal convictions. 

Preparing Your Refrigerator for Disposal

Before you dispose of your refrigerator, you need to decide whether it is going to be disposed of or sold/donated. If your refrigerator is still in good, functioning order but no longer suits your needs, selling or donating it is the best way to get rid of it, but if it’s non-functioning it will need to be disposed of. 

To prepare to sell/donate

• Remove all food from your refrigerator
• Unplug and defrost completely. 
• Deep clean the interior, ensuring you leave it in the condition you’d like to receive it in. 
• If you still have it, find the refrigerator manual and keep it to give to the new owner. 

To prepare for disposal:

• Remove all food items from your refrigerator
• Unplug your refrigerator and make sure the freezer compartment is fully defrosted. This may take a few hours. Leave the door open to speed up the process. 
• Clean the interior. While it doesn’t have to be perfect, some recycling centers may not accept extremely dirty refrigerators. 
• Tape the doors closed with duct tape to ensure they don’t swing open during transport. 

Your Disposal Options

Donation/Selling

If your refrigerator is in good working order, donation or selling is by far the best way to get rid of it. Not only do you extend your refrigerator’s useful lifespan, but you also help provide a cheap/free appliance to someone who may not be able to afford a new one. It also removes the stress of transporting the refrigerator as the purchaser or charity store will usually organize that on their end. 

Before donating or selling, make sure the refrigerator is working properly and that it’s thoroughly cleaned. 

To donate: 

• Research local charities in your area that accept appliances
• Contact the organization of your choice and check to make sure they’ll accept your fridge. 
• Organize pick up or drop off with the charity.
• If leaving free items curbside is common in your area, you could try doing that with a sign to indicate that your fridge is still functional. Just make sure you’re prepared to follow through with alternative disposal methods if no one takes it. 

To sell: 

• Do your research to find out what refrigerators of a similar age, make, and model are selling for on the second-hand market. 
• List your fridge on your preferred platform. Most people use Craigslist or Facebook marketplace, but you could also try a local community notice board. 
• Ensure you include clear photos and an honest description in your listing.
• Once you have a purchaser, organize pickup or dropoff with them. 

Appliance Recycling

If your refrigerator is non-functional, recycling is a great, ethical way to dispose of it. Appliance recycling programs differ depending on where you live and are more common in larger centers. These programs will be able to safely remove the dangerous chemicals from your refrigerator and recycle useful parts such as metal, glass, and wiring. 

We recommend performing an internet search to find out what’s available in your area. Some recycling programs will pick your refrigerator up from your house while others require you to drop it off. Although these recycling programs usually have a cost, they’re often very affordable and they sometimes even include discounts on newer, energy-efficient refrigerators. 

Hiring Professionals

If you just want to get rid of your refrigerator and don’t mind paying, hiring a disposal service is another option. Look for local options in your area that offer a pick-up service and ensure your fridge is properly disposed of. These companies will ensure that all of the dangerous chemicals are removed and that your fridge meets all legal requirements before it’s either disposed of or sent to landfill. While the cost can be higher using this option, for many people the lack of hassle is worth it!

Manufacturer Programs

Depending on the make of your refrigerator, you might be eligible for a manufacturer take-back program. In order to meet sustainability goals, many appliance manufacturers offer recycling programs as part of an effort to be environmentally friendly. Do an internet search to see if your refrigerator manufacturer participates in these programs. They’re often operated from local retailers and in some cases even include free pickup. 

Legal Regulations

Whatever you choose to do, it’s essential that you make sure you’re complying with local regulations. While the Clean Air Act mandates that refrigerants are always removed safely before a fridge is disposed of, there are some other local authorities that have additional requirements, such as mandatory recycling. Check with your local waste management authority to make sure you’re acting within the law before you get rid of your refrigerator.