Broken refrigerators can be very cumbersome to dispose due to their size, weight, and toxicity. In many places, consumers need to transport the refrigerator themselves to the dump rather than have it hauled away. Many states such as California do not permit refrigerators to be dumped into landfills because they are not biodegradable.
However, there are many low cost or free refrigerator disposal options available, especially for those that are replacing an old refrigerator.
Free Refrigerator Disposal
Those who are replacing a broken refrigerator with a new refrigerator may be able to get it hauled away for free or low cost. Many appliance sellers will throw in delivery and haul away of an old refrigerator for free or for a small fee with the purchase of a new refrigerator. Even better, some consumers can sometimes make money on the disposal if their old refrigerator is still working.
Recycling Refrigerator Rebate for Fridge Disposal
The best time to replace a refrigerator is while it's still working. Many power utilities around the country have refrigerator recycling programs where the power utility or their contractor comes to the consumer's home and hauls away the old refrigerator for free
An example program from a power utility is the PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) refrigerator recycling program that will haul an old refrigerator away for free and pay the consumer a $35 rebate. Here are the requirements:
- Consumer has to be a current PG&E customer.
- The refrigerator or freezer must be clean.
- The refrigerator or freezer must be working.
- The refrigerator or freezer needs to be between 10 and 30 cubic feet.
- Limit two rebates per year
- There must be clear and safe access for the movers to remove the old refrigerator or freezer.
Those who are buying a new refrigerator from a store with delivery and plan to take advantage of a power utility rebate should ask that the old refrigerator be relocated to the garage temporarily. Then the consumer can ask the local power utility to haul away the old refrigerator from the garage and make around $25-$50.
Other Fridge and Freezer Disposal Options
If none of the above options are available, contact the municipal department of public works and ask for the procedures for proper disposal of refrigerators. There may be a fee charged for collecting a bulky item, or they may require the consumer to haul the refrigerator to a dump. Some municipalities require the refrigerant to be removed from the refrigerator before disposal, which needs to be done by a professional due to the toxicity of the refrigerant.
There are many ways to dispose of a refrigerator. In many cases, consumers can get free refrigerator disposal or even get paid to get rid of a refrigerator like with PG&E's recycling rebate. Even for those that have to pay for disposal, following the right procedure is best to stay legal and to be environmentally sound.
Readers interested in other free items may also be interested in free money for college or free flu shots.
Reference:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Safe Disposal of Refrigerated Household Appliances."
