How to Recycle Old Appliances

Why Appliance Recycling Matters

Every year, millions of old refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances are discarded. When handled improperly, these appliances release harmful refrigerants into the atmosphere, leach heavy metals into soil and groundwater, and contribute to growing e-waste problems. Proper recycling recovers valuable materials — steel, copper, aluminum, and plastics — and ensures hazardous components are handled safely.

The good news: recycling an old appliance is often free, and in some cases, you'll even get paid for it.

What Happens When an Appliance Is Recycled?

Understanding the recycling process helps you appreciate why it matters and why certain appliances require special handling:

Refrigerant recovery — for refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, EPA-certified technicians extract refrigerants (like Freon) before the unit is processed. This step is legally required and must be done by a certified professional.
Hazardous material removal — oils, capacitors, and other hazardous components are removed and disposed of separately.
Metal shredding and separation — the remaining appliance shell is shredded and sorted into steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals for reuse in manufacturing.
Plastic and foam recovery — insulation foam (which may contain older blowing agents) and plastic components are processed separately.

Option 1: Utility Company Appliance Recycling Programs

This is the easiest and most rewarding recycling option for refrigerators and freezers. Many electric utilities run free pickup programs specifically for old, inefficient appliances — because removing them from service reduces energy demand on the grid.

Benefits typically include:

Free scheduled pickup from your home
Cash rebates of $25–$100 for qualifying appliances
Certified refrigerant recovery included
Confirmation that the appliance was recycled responsibly

Find programs in your area through the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder or by searching your utility company's website for "appliance recycling."

Option 2: Retailer Recycling and Haul-Away

When purchasing a new appliance, most major retailers will haul away your old one for recycling at the same time:

Home Depot — free haul-away with appliance delivery
Lowe's — haul-away available with delivery
Best Buy — appliance recycling available; free for members on qualifying purchases

Retailers are required to recycle hauled appliances responsibly, including proper refrigerant recovery for cooling appliances.

Option 3: Municipal Recycling Programs

Most cities and counties have appliance recycling options through their waste management departments:

Bulk pickup programs — schedule a pickup and place the appliance at the curb on the designated day
Drop-off recycling centers — many municipalities have facilities that accept large appliances
Special collection events — periodic e-waste and large appliance collection days

Contact your local waste management department or check their website for specific options and any associated fees.

Option 4: Scrap Metal Recyclers

Scrap metal dealers recycle appliances by recovering the steel, copper, and aluminum content. Many offer free pickup, and some pay a small amount based on current scrap metal prices.

This is a practical option for appliances that don't qualify for utility programs (like washing machines or dishwashers). Search "scrap metal pickup" in your area and call ahead to confirm they accept your appliance type.

Option 5: Manufacturer Take-Back Programs

Some appliance manufacturers run take-back or recycling programs for their products. LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool have participated in various recycling initiatives. Check the manufacturer's website for current programs in your region.

Preparing Your Appliance for Recycling

Before your appliance is picked up or dropped off:

Defrost refrigerators and freezers — allow 24–48 hours for complete defrosting
Remove all food and contents
Disconnect from power, water, and gas lines
Remove doors from old refrigerators if they'll be stored outside temporarily (safety requirement in many states to prevent entrapment)
Keep the appliance accessible for pickup crews

Moving the Appliance for Recycling

If you need to move the appliance to the curb, a garage, or a drop-off location, a heavy-duty hand truck is essential for safe handling. The LEEYOUNG Folding Hand Truck Dolly (375lb capacity) is built for exactly this — it handles refrigerators and large appliances safely, works on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, and folds flat for easy storage.

What You Cannot Recycle Through Standard Programs

Appliances with asbestos insulation (pre-1980 units) — require specialized hazardous waste handling
Appliances with PCB-containing capacitors — also require hazardous waste disposal
Broken or leaking refrigerant lines — must be handled by EPA-certified technicians before recycling

If you're unsure about an older appliance, contact your local hazardous waste facility for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Recycling old appliances is straightforward when you use the right program. Start with your utility company's recycling program for refrigerators and freezers — it's free, often comes with a cash rebate, and ensures proper refrigerant handling. For other appliances, retailer haul-away or municipal programs are the most convenient options. Either way, responsible recycling keeps hazardous materials out of landfills and recovers valuable resources for reuse.

Back to blog