Why a fridge can't just go to the curb
Refrigerators, freezers and mini-fridges contain refrigerant (older units have Freon/CFCs, newer ones have HFCs or R-600a) and compressor oil. Under the federal Clean Air Act it is illegal to dispose of the appliance without first having a certified technician recover the refrigerant. Sanitation crews will not take one, and landfills will not accept it un-processed.
This is the single fact that rules out the easy answer. Every legitimate disposal path below exists to get the refrigerant handled correctly.
Option 1: Retailer haul-away when you buy the new one
The simplest route: when a new refrigerator is delivered, most retailers will haul the old one away for a small fee (often $20–$50, sometimes free with the purchase). Confirm it when you order — you usually have to select and pay for haul-away at checkout, and the old unit must be emptied, defrosted and disconnected before the delivery crew arrives.
In Indian River County, an appliance-removal crew such as verobeachjunk.com will pull the old unit from a tight kitchen or a garage, protect the floors on the way out, and deliver it to a certified recycler.
Refrigerator disposal options and typical cost
| Method | Typical cost | Who does the lifting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retailer haul-away with new purchase | $0 – $50 | Delivery crew | Must arrange at time of order |
| Utility recycling program | Free (may pay a rebate) | Program crew | Unit usually must still run |
| Self-haul to scrap yard | -$5 to +$20 | You | Mostly steel; refrigerant fee varies |
| Junk removal crew | $75 – $150 | The crew | Best for upstairs / no-truck situations |
Regardless of method, the refrigerant must be recovered by a certified technician — reputable recyclers and haulers handle this as part of the service.
Option 2: Utility appliance recycling programs
Florida Power & Light and some municipal utilities periodically run appliance recycling programs that will pick up a working second refrigerator or freezer, recycle it properly, and pay a small bill credit or rebate. Availability and rebate amounts change year to year, so check FPL’s current program page. These programs generally require the unit to still run and to be a certain size.
Options 3–4: Scrap metal or junk removal
Scrap yard. A refrigerator is mostly steel. If you can transport it, a scrap metal yard will take it — some pay a few dollars, some charge a small refrigerant fee, all require you to do the moving.
Junk removal. When the fridge is in a second-floor apartment, a converted garage, or you just cannot safely move 250+ pounds on a hand truck, a hauling crew removes it and routes it to a certified recycler. Expect roughly $75–$150 for a single appliance, less per unit if they take a washer, dryer or range at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost figures are 2026 national and Florida-region averages compiled for general guidance. Get itemized quotes for your specific property before budgeting.