Appliance Removal

Top 5 Appliance Removal FAQ's

• "What are the best ways to dispose of old appliances?"

It depends on your preferences, and to an extent, what's available in your area. Here are the most common options:

• Retailer Service
  If you are replacing an old appliance with a new one, your retailer may offer to collect your old appliance for free, or, for a fee.
• Local City Pickup
  You may be able to set your appliance curbside (with some restrictions), and/or take it to a local drop-off location. Some localities require fees, or collect donations.
• Junk Removal Services
  These companies remove the appliance for a fee. The upside is that they can be scheduled for almost any time convenient to the homeowner.
• Recycle
  Your appliance may be recyclable for parts or metals. Some utility providers, local recycling companies, and/or scrap metal companies also provide free pickup.
• Donate
  Depending on the appliance’s condition, you may be able to donate it for free to a local organization.
• Sell for Cash
  Depending on the appliance’s condition, you may be able to find a prospective buyer via local newspapers or website listings.

Options can vary widely by locality. If no free option is available, most areas have one or more junk removal services that will pick up appliances for a very modest fee.

• "Are there recycling options for old appliances?"

Depending on your location and the appliance, you may have several recycling options available in your area. Recycling options include:

• City or County
  Local public programs can be offered either regularly or periodically. These programs offer to recycle for a fee.
• Utility Company
  Utility providers encourage homeowners to purchase more efficient appliances. To assist with this, many offer programs to purchase your old, working appliances.
• Local Scrap Metal Company
  ​​​​​​​These companies specialize in the redistribution of metals. In some cases, they may take the appliance for free, or even pay you for the appliance.

For more information on appliance recycling, visit the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal website .

• "Will my utility company pick up old appliances?"

Utility companies sometimes incentivize homeowners to purchase more efficient appliances by offering appliance recycling programs. When they do that, most provide free pick-up of old appliances.

If you would like your appliance picked up from your home, contact your local utility company to learn more. If they provide this service, you will receive a date, time, and conditions under which they will pick up your appliance.

• "Will services remove an appliance from inside my house, or is it up to me to get it outside?"

Some services will remove an appliance from inside the home under certain conditions; others will require you to move the appliance to the curb:

• Junk Removal Services
  Most will remove appliances from inside the home. They may charge an additional fee for this.
• Utility Companies
  Utilities vary. Some will remove appliances from inside the home; others will only pick up appliances at curbside. Some may request that the appliance is detached from any wood or metal work (like adjacent countertops), unhooked from utility lines, and that there is a convenient path to exit.
• Local City Pickup
  ​​​​​​​Check with your city, many do not offer in-home removal. Those that offer this service typically require curbside pick-up.

When contacting a removal service, find out:
Is there an additional fee for in-home removal?
What needs to be removed or detached?
Does the area need to be clear of personal belongings?

• "What happens to old appliances after they are taken away?"

Discarded appliances are either recycled, sent to a landfill, or repurposed for continued use, depending on the age and condition of the unit.