Places That Offer Free Appliance Removal (Refrigerators, Dryers, etc)

William Lipovsky headshot William Lipovsky
Verified & Updated Sep 27, 2018

Appliance removal can be a pain. Whether you are moving, buying replacements, or simply want to clear up space — you want them gone now! We have done the research to tell you all your options for removing those old dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more.

If they are in working order, chances are good that a charity will pick them up for free, and in many cases you can deduct the donation from your taxes! Some options even allow you to make money by having your large appliances taken away, instead of paying for haul-away or having it done for free. Yes, appliance removal can be a pain but free appliance removal… easy.

Can I Just Leave My Old Appliance on the Curb?

Generally — no. Large appliances make up a huge amount of the waste produced in the U.S., so it’s very important to consider donating or recycling these appliances. In fact, many cities and states require that large appliances are recycled.

Some appliances, such as freezers and refrigerators, have liquid chemicals, like refrigerants, that must be removed before disposal because of their harmful environmental effects. Be sure to check local regulations before disposal. In most cases, local and state laws won’t allow you to just haul the appliance to the curb on trash day.

Finding someone else to take the appliance off your hands — especially if they will do it for free or even give you some money for it — is often the best option.

Selling Your Old Appliances

You may be able to sell your old appliances to a local shop and have them pick it up from your home. Usually, places that buy large used appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers, are small, local shops, not big chain stores. These businesses can fix up the old appliances and sell them at a profit. To find one of these businesses in your area, try a Google search for “who buys used appliances near me.” Call around to multiple shops and companies to find a price that is right for you, and be sure to specify that you need the appliance picked up.

You can sell your appliances online and have the buyer handle the pickup. Specify in your ad that the item must be picked up by the buyer. Consider using the following to sell your appliance online:

Consider selling locally through other means. Place an ad in your local paper or put up flyers on your community news board and around town, such as at your library. You can even put the appliance in front of your home with a “for sale” sign. Once you find a possible buyer, negotiate price and pickup. Chances are, there are people in your area who would happily take your used appliances off your hands for free, and many would even be willing to give you a little cash for them. Young families and professionals just getting started in the area are a great group to target.

You can sell the metal components of your large appliances for scrap. If you can’t find someone to buy your old appliances or if they’re simply beyond repair, you may still be able to have them picked up for free while making some money at the same time. Appliances are almost always made of valuable metal parts. The average refrigerator aged 10 years or older typically has more than 120 pounds of recyclable steel. Usually, there is a local scrap metal dealer in town who will haul your appliances away and provide you a bit of cash.

If you can’t find a scrap dealer to take your appliances, consider taking them apart yourself and selling the metal for scrap on your own. This is a bit of work, but you may be able to make more money if you’re willing to do the disassembly yourself. For more information on selling your appliances for scrap metal, see this First Quarter Finance article.

Check with your local utility company. Many local utility companies want to encourage their customers to use energy efficient appliances. A growing number of these companies will remove old appliances and either give you cash or utility bill credits. You will need to contact your local utility company to find offers in your area. To show you how this usually works with a utility company, we have provided two examples:

Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL Electric Utilities) 

  • Pickup: Free pickup is available
  • Service area: Pennsylvania
  • What appliances are accepted: Only working refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners (Note: room air conditioners must be paired with a refrigerator or freezer; these appliances can’t be picked up alone)
  • Payment: $35 for a refrigerator and $10 for air conditioners (paid by check through the mail after removal)
  • Requirements: Donors must have an active electric account with PPL Electric Utilities
  • Go here for online scheduling or call 1-877-486-9204
  • Find out more on the Pennsylvania Power and Light’s Appliance Recycling page

Dayton Power & Light (DP&L)

  • Pickup: Free pickup is available
  • Service area: Ohio
  • What appliances are accepted: Only working refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers (Note: room air conditioners and dehumidifiers must be paired with a refrigerator or freezer; these appliances can’t be picked up alone)
  • Payment: $50 rebates for each working refrigerator or freezer and a $20 rebate for room air conditioners and dehumidifiers
  • Requirements: Donors must be a DP&L customer
  • Go here for online scheduling or call 1-877-889-4765
  • Find out more on the Dayton Power & Light’s Free Appliance Pickup and Recycling page

Looking for more places to sell your used appliances for cash? Check out our list of places that buy used appliances.

Free Appliance Removal Options

Use a RAD partner. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency operates the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program. Find a local RAD partner to assist in removing your old appliances in an environmentally responsible way. These partners will remove old appliances for free and may even offer financial incentives, such as rebates or cash.

Contact your Public Municipal Services. Your local waste management division or department of public works may offer disposal of bulky appliances. Often your municipality can send someone to your home to pick up large appliances. Free collection by the municipality is especially common for refrigerant-containing appliances (refrigerators and freezers). Contact your municipality for details.

Ask your local Chamber of Commerce. Check for a Community Metal Recycling program in your area, which may be tied to the local Chamber of Commerce. Call your Local Chamber of Commerce for more details; an associate from that office should be able to tell you if this is an option in your area.

Are you buying a replacement? If so, check with the company where you bought the new appliance to see if they will remove the old appliance for you. Costco, for example, will remove the old appliance if you purchase the complete installation package. Sometimes a company will offer to remove it for a small fee — but you can always try to negotiate free removal with your purchase. This First Quarter Finance article gives more information on the haul-away options provided by other big-box appliance stores.

Donating Your Appliances

There are many charitable organizations that would be happy to take working appliances off your hands. These include organizations that resettle refugees, church organizations, and veteran associations. Many resources exist to help you find local charities that are looking for donations, and which offer free pickup. Check out DonateStuff.com and Donate Town to search for charities in your area. We have listed some of the largest nationwide organizations here to help you get started.

Habitat for Humanity

  • Pickup: Free pickup. You can contact your local Habitat for Humanity (enter a zip code in the middle of the page) to schedule.
  • Locations: Nationwide
  • Appliances accepted: Refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, and freezers in good working order that are 8 years and younger
  • Other benefits: Donations are tax-deductible. Donors should request a donation receipt upon pickup.

Goodwill

  • Pickup: Most locations offer free pickup. You can contact your local Goodwill or call 1-800-741-0186 to inquire if pickup services are offered in their area.
  • Locations: Nationwide
  • Appliances accepted: Most large appliances are accepted, but they must be in working order and meet all current safety standards.
  • Other benefits: Donations are tax-deductible. Donors should request a donation receipt upon pickup.

Looking to buy appliances instead? See our article on Goodwill sale days.

Salvation Army

  • Pickup: Free pickup. Schedule a pickup with a local Salvation Army online or call 1-800-95-TRUCK.
  • Locations: Nationwide
  • Appliances accepted: Most common home appliances; must be in working order.
  • Other benefits: Donations are tax-deductible. Donors should request a donation receipt upon pickup.

AmVets (American Veterans)

  • Pickup: Free pickup is generally available at all locations.
  • Locations: Nationwide
  • Appliances accepted: Typically small appliances (microwaves, blenders, etc.); must be in working order. Acceptable donations vary by location. You can contact your local AmVets for more details.
  • Other benefits: Donations are tax-deductible. Donors should request a donation receipt upon pickup.

The Arc

  • Pickup: Free pickup is generally available at all locations.
  • Locations: Nationwide
  • Appliances accepted: All appliances must be in working order. Each chapter accepts different items. You can contact your local charity for more details.
  • Other benefits: Donations are tax-deductible. Donors should request a donation receipt upon pickup.

Vietnam Veterans of America

  • Pickup: Free pickup. Schedule a pickup online through the Vietnam Veterans of America website.
  • Locations: Nationwide
  • Appliances accepted: Small appliances; must be in working order.
  • Other benefits: Donations are tax-deductible. Donors should request a donation receipt upon pickup

St. Vincent de Paul 

  • Pickup: Free pickup is generally available at all locations.
  • Locations: Nationwide
  • Appliances accepted: Must be in working order. Each chapter accepts different donation items. You can contact a local St. Vincent de Paul for more details.
  • Other benefits: Donations are tax-deductible. Donors should request a donation receipt upon pickup

Getting Rid of Your Old Appliances: Options That Will Cost Money

See if your area offers curbside city pickup. Depending on where you live, you may be able to recycle your appliances curbside for a fee. For example, some municipalities require residents to buy appliance fee stickers and put them on appliances to be left out on the curb for recycling. Check with your city or town for more information.

Are you buying a replacement appliance? Many large retailers will remove the old appliance for a small fee if you get your new appliance delivered. Prices will vary based on location and store. A few examples are provided here for reference:

You can also use a commercial appliance removal service. There are many local companies that provide this service for a fee; try a Google search for “appliance removal company [your town here]”. You can also consider a nationwide company such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK.

1-800-GOT-JUNK

  • Pickup: Visit the 1-800-GOT-JUNK website to schedule pickup online, or call 1-800-468-5865. Pickup costs will be included in the quote.
  • Free quote?: Yes. A free price quote for removal will be provided once the movers are on site.
  • Appliances accepted: Washing machines, clothes dryers, hot water heaters, microwaves, ovens, dehumidifiers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and furnaces.
  • More information: 1-800-GOT-JUNK recycles non-working appliances and donates those in working condition to charity “whenever possible.”
  • Find out more about appliance removal on 1-800-GOT-JUNK’s website

In Summary

There are many options for getting rid of old appliances. Some will be free, others will make you money or get you a tax deduction, and some will cost you money. This article should serve as a starting point and guide. Now that you know all of the options out there for getting that old refrigerator, dryer, washer, or range out of your house, you can decide which route makes the most sense for your situation.

See more content about Home Improvement

This Season