Refrigerator removal cost
$100 – $200
Refrigerator removal costs $100 to $200. Fridges contain refrigerant that a certified hauler must drain before recycling, which is why they cost more than their size alone suggests.
What affects the price
- Refrigerant recovery. EPA rules require certified recovery of the refrigerant before a fridge is scrapped, and that handling is built into the price.
- Utility programs. Some electric utilities haul away old working fridges for free through appliance recycling programs.
- Doorways. Full-size fridges are a tight fit in many homes, and taking doors off to get it out adds time.
Cost to dispose of a refrigerator
Disposing of a refrigerator through a full-service hauler costs $100 to $200. That covers loading it, recovering the refrigerant and taking the unit to a recycler. It is more than a similar-size piece of furniture because a fridge cannot simply go to landfill: its refrigerant has to be recovered first. Getting the fridge to the curb yourself usually lands you at the lower end of the range.
Why a fridge costs more than its size suggests
Refrigerators and freezers hold refrigerant, and US EPA rules under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require a certified handler to recover it before the unit is scrapped. That step, plus the compressor oil, is built into the removal price. It is the main reason a fridge costs more to haul than a stove or dishwasher of the same size.
How to get rid of a refrigerator for free
Two routes skip the fee. Many US electric utilities run appliance-recycling programs that collect an old working fridge or freezer for free, and some add a small rebate, to get an energy-hungry second unit off the grid. Scrap-metal collectors will also often take a fridge at no charge since it is mostly steel, though they do not handle the refrigerant paperwork. Both need the unit accessible, usually at the curb or in the garage.
Moving a refrigerator vs removing one
Removing a fridge means hauling it away for disposal, at the $100 to $200 above. Moving one you are keeping, to a new home or another room, is a labor job instead: two people and a proper dolly, often $60 to $150 locally depending on stairs and distance. If you are replacing the fridge, many retailers haul the old one away when they deliver the new one, sometimes free, which is worth asking before booking a separate pickup.
Estimate your full load
We added one refrigerator to start. Add anything else you need gone for a single price, then request quotes.
Furniture
Appliances
Electronics
Other
Estimated junk removal cost
$120 – $200
1/8 truck · about 2.5 cubic yards
Full-service haul-away (loading + disposal included). Final price is set by the hauler after seeing the job. US averages, 2026.
Related appliances removal costs
Cost in your state
FAQ
How much does refrigerator removal cost?
Refrigerator removal costs $100 to $200. Fridges contain refrigerant that a certified hauler must drain before recycling, which is why they cost more than their size alone suggests.
How much does it cost to dispose of a refrigerator?
$100 to $200 for full-service removal, which includes the certified refrigerant recovery a fridge needs before it can be recycled. Curbside is at the lower end, and many utilities will collect an old working fridge free through an appliance-recycling program.
Do I have to pay to remove the freon from a fridge?
Not separately. Certified refrigerant recovery is included in the removal price, which is why a refrigerator costs more to haul than a stove or dishwasher of the same size. Under EPA rules the refrigerant must be recovered by a certified handler before the unit is scrapped.
Will my utility take an old refrigerator for free?
Often, yes. Many US electric utilities run appliance-recycling programs that haul away an old working fridge or freezer at no cost, sometimes with a small rebate, to cut energy use. Check your utility's website for a refrigerator or appliance recycling program in your area.
How is refrigerator removal priced?
Haulers charge by how much room the item takes in the truck, not by the hour, so combining it with other junk in one pickup lowers the cost per item. Leaving it at the curb is often about 25 percent cheaper than an in-home carry-out.