How Much Does Appliance Removal Cost in 2026?
Appliance removal costs $50 to $150 per item on average, with most homeowners paying $60 to $120 for a standard appliance like a refrigerator, washer, or dryer. The exact price depends on the type and size of the appliance, your location, whether it needs special handling (Freon recovery, gas disconnection), and how many items you're removing at once. Many companies offer volume discounts — removing 3+ appliances together can save 15-30% compared to individual pickups.
Appliances are among the most common items removed by junk removal companies because they're heavy, bulky, and difficult to dispose of properly. Most landfills ban or restrict appliances due to hazardous components (Freon in refrigerators, mercury in some older appliances, PCBs in capacitors). This means you generally can't put an old refrigerator or washing machine out with your regular trash — you'll need to either hire a junk removal company, take it to a designated recycling facility, or arrange for retailer haul-away when buying a replacement.
Appliance Removal Prices by Type
| Appliance | Low | High | Average | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Refrigerator | $75 | $150 | $110 | 200-350 lbs | Freon recovery may be extra ($20-$50) |
| Freezer | $60 | $120 | $90 | 100-250 lbs | Freon recovery may apply |
| Washing Machine | $60 | $120 | $90 | 150-250 lbs | Water line disconnection needed |
| Dryer | $60 | $120 | $90 | 100-200 lbs | Gas dryers need gas line disconnect |
| Stove / Oven | $60 | $120 | $90 | 150-300 lbs | Gas stoves need gas line disconnect |
| Dishwasher | $50 | $100 | $75 | 75-150 lbs | Built-in; needs plumbing/electrical disconnect |
| Microwave | $20 | $50 | $35 | 30-70 lbs | Often free if bundled with other items |
| TV (50"+) | $50 | $100 | $75 | 50-100 lbs | CRT TVs may cost more (heavy, leaded glass) |
| TV (<50") | $25 | $60 | $40 | 20-50 lbs | Many e-waste facilities accept for free |
| Exercise Equipment | $75 | $200 | $135 | 150-400 lbs | Treadmills, ellipticals; may need disassembly |
| Tires (each) | $15 | $40 | $25 | 20-40 lbs | Many landfills ban tires; special disposal required |
Volume Discounts: The More You Remove, The Less You Pay Per Item
Most junk removal companies charge by truck space or by the job, not strictly per item. This means removing multiple appliances at once is significantly cheaper per item than scheduling separate pickups. Here's how the math typically works:
- 1 appliance: $75-$150 (you're paying for the minimum trip charge + labor)
- 2 appliances: $120-$220 (about $60-$110 each)
- 3 appliances: $150-$280 (about $50-$93 each)
- 4+ appliances: $180-$350+ (about $45-$87 each)
If you're replacing multiple appliances (for example, during a kitchen remodel or move), schedule all removals for the same pickup to maximize savings. Many companies also offer discounts for seniors, military, first-time customers, and same-day bookings.
Free Appliance Removal Options
Before paying for appliance removal, explore these free or low-cost alternatives:
- Retailer haul-away (free with purchase): Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Sears, and most appliance retailers offer free old appliance removal when you buy a new one and pay for delivery/installation. This is the easiest and cheapest option if you're replacing the appliance. Some retailers charge $15-$30 for haul-away, but many include it free with delivery.
- Utility company programs: Many electric and gas companies offer free refrigerator and freezer pickup as part of energy efficiency programs. They'll pick up your old, working fridge, recycle it properly, and sometimes even pay you $30-$50 for it. Check with your local utility provider.
- Charity pickup (free): The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and local furniture banks may pick up working appliances for free. They must be in good working condition — charities typically don't accept broken appliances. Schedule 1-2 weeks ahead.
- Scrap metal dealers (free or paid): Some scrap yards will pick up large appliances for free because they can sell the metal (steel, copper, aluminum). You may even get paid $10-$40 per appliance depending on scrap prices. Call local scrap yards to ask about pickup services.
- Sell it: Working appliances can sell for $50-$300 on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. Even broken appliances may sell for $20-$50 to someone who repairs or scraps them. Price it low and mention "must pick up" to attract buyers quickly.
- Give it away: Facebook Buy Nothing groups and Freecycle.org connect you with people who will pick up working appliances for free. This is the fastest option if the appliance still works.
Special Handling Requirements
Certain appliances require special handling due to hazardous materials or complex connections:
- Refrigerators and freezers (Freon): Contains refrigerant (Freon) that is regulated by the EPA. Professional removal companies are certified to recover Freon. Some charge $20-$50 extra for Freon recovery. Never attempt to remove Freon yourself — it's illegal and can cause frostbite or asphyxiation.
- Gas dryers and gas stoves: Require gas line disconnection by a qualified professional. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a plumber or gas fitter ($50-$100) or ask the removal company if they offer gas disconnection ($20-$50 extra). Always turn off the gas valve before disconnecting.
- Washing machines and dishwashers: Require water line disconnection. Turn off the water supply valve, disconnect the hose, and have a bucket ready to catch residual water. Some models also have electrical connections that need to be disconnected.
- Built-in appliances (wall ovens, cooktops, built-in microwaves): These are hardwired into the electrical system and may require professional disconnection. Some are also secured to cabinetry with screws or brackets.
- CRT TVs and monitors (older models): Contain leaded glass and may require special e-waste disposal. Some companies charge $20-$50 extra for CRT disposal. Many e-waste recycling facilities accept CRTs for free or a small fee.
- Tires: Most landfills ban tires because they trap methane and rise to the surface. Tire disposal requires special facilities that shred or recycle tires. Some junk removal companies don't accept tires — always ask when booking.
Appliance Recycling: What Happens After Removal?
Most appliances are recyclable. A typical refrigerator contains 50-100 lbs of steel, 5-10 lbs of copper, aluminum, and plastic. Washers and dryers contain similar amounts of metal, plus motors and pumps. When you hire a professional removal company, the appliances are typically taken to a specialized recycling facility where:
- Refrigerants are recovered (for refrigerators and freezers) by certified technicians using EPA-approved equipment.
- Hazardous components are removed, including mercury switches, PCBs in capacitors, and leaded glass in CRT TVs.
- Metals are separated using magnets (for ferrous metals like steel) and eddy currents (for non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum).
- Plastics are shredded and recycled into new plastic products or used as fuel in waste-to-energy facilities.
- Foam insulation (in refrigerators) is processed and may be recycled into carpet padding or insulation.
According to the EPA, recycling one refrigerator saves enough energy to power an average home for 3-4 hours, and prevents approximately 10 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions (from Freon) from entering the atmosphere. Always ask your removal company about their recycling practices — some companies still take appliances to landfills despite the availability of recycling options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove a refrigerator?
Refrigerator removal costs $75-$150 on average. The price includes haul-away and disposal/recycling. Freon recovery may be an extra $20-$50 if not included in the quote. Many retailers offer free refrigerator removal when you buy a new one. Utility companies may also offer free pickup as part of energy efficiency programs.
Can I put appliances out with the trash?
No, in most cities you cannot put large appliances out with regular trash. Landfills ban or restrict appliances due to hazardous components (Freon, mercury, PCBs). You'll need to schedule a bulk waste pickup ($10-$50), hire a junk removal company ($50-$150 per item), or take the appliance to a designated recycling facility. Leaving appliances curbside without a scheduled pickup can result in fines.
Do appliance removal companies disconnect gas and water lines?
Some do, some don't — always ask when booking. Many companies require you to disconnect appliances (unplug, turn off water, disconnect gas) before they arrive. If you're not comfortable disconnecting gas lines, hire a plumber or gas fitter ($50-$100) or ask the removal company if they offer professional disconnection ($20-$50 extra). Never disconnect a gas line yourself unless you know what you're doing — gas leaks are dangerous.
Are old refrigerators worth anything for scrap?
Yes, a typical refrigerator contains 50-100 lbs of steel, 5-10 lbs of copper, and aluminum. At current scrap prices ($0.05-$0.10/lb for steel, $2-$3/lb for copper), a refrigerator is worth $10-$40 in scrap value. You'll need to transport it to the scrap yard yourself, and some scrap yards require you to remove the Freon first (which needs a certified technician). Some scrap dealers offer free pickup for large quantities.
How do I get rid of a TV for free?
Options for free TV disposal include: (1) Best Buy and other electronics retailers may accept old TVs for recycling (sometimes free with purchase, sometimes $25-$30 fee). (2) Local e-waste recycling events — many cities host free e-waste collection days a few times per year. (3) Manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Sony offer take-back programs. (4) Sell or give away a working TV on Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing groups. (5) CRT TVs (older, bulky) may require special handling — check with your local waste management.