How Can I Get Rid of a Fridge in San Diego? Disposal, Recycling & Costs
How can I get rid of a fridge? It's one of the most common questions we get in San Diego. A refrigerator can't go out with your trash, it's too heavy to move alone, and it contains refrigerant that has to be recovered before the metal is recycled. Here's how to dispose of an old refrigerator the right way.
Your options for disposing of a refrigerator
- Sell or give it away if it still works. Working fridges go fast on local listings.
- Ask the store that delivers your new fridge. Many retailers will pick up the old fridge for a fee when they deliver, but usually only a like-for-like swap.
- Haul it to a landfill or transfer station yourself. Appliances with refrigerant often cost extra to drop off, and you'll need a truck, a dolly and a helper.
- Book a fridge haul away. We pick up the old fridge from your kitchen, garage or yard and take it to a certified recycler.
Where can I take an old refrigerator?
Where to dispose of a fridge in San Diego County: Miramar Landfill, Sycamore Landfill in Santee, Otay Landfill and the EDCO transfer stations accept appliances, and some scrap metal recyclers take them once the refrigerant has been removed. Where can you recycle a refrigerator? Look for a recycler that recovers refrigerant, because federal rules require it before scrapping. Call ahead, because rules and fees change.
How to throw away a refrigerator safely
- Empty it, unplug it and let the freezer defrost for a day so it doesn't leak in your car or truck.
- Tape the doors shut. Never leave a fridge outside with the doors on, because it's a safety hazard for kids.
- Keep it upright, and use an appliance dolly with straps on stairs.
- Don't cut refrigerant lines yourself. It's illegal to vent refrigerant.
Cost to dispose of a refrigerator
Doing it yourself means a landfill or appliance fee, plus a truck rental and fuel. To dispose of a refrigerator with us, the fridge is priced as a single item with a $130 minimum pickup. Add a washer, dryer or other junk to the same trip and it's often covered by the minimum.
Pick up old fridge service across San Diego
Our crew will pick up the old fridge from anywhere on your property: kitchen, garage, upstairs or the backyard. Where to get rid of an old refrigerator without lifting a finger? Let us haul away the refrigerator the same day in most of San Diego County.
See refrigerator removal prices and book a pickup
(619) 999-3565Frequently asked questions
Where to take an old fridge in San Diego?
Landfills and transfer stations across the county accept fridges, usually for an extra appliance fee. Certified appliance recyclers also take them. Or book a fridge haul away and we take it for you.
Can I put a refrigerator in a dumpster?
Most dumpster services won't accept appliances with refrigerant. The refrigerant has to be recovered first, so it's easier to recycle the fridge or book a pickup.
How much does it cost to have a fridge hauled away?
With CleanOut247, a fridge is priced as a single item with a $130 minimum pickup. Curbside pickup costs 30% less than full-service.
