To dispose of a refrigerator in Phoenix, you can have the retailer haul it away when you buy a new one, drop it off at a City of Phoenix transfer station (one refrigerant appliance a year is free for city customers), or hire appliance removal. What you can't do is leave it out for bulk trash. Fridges contain refrigerant, so they follow different rules than a couch or a table.
Why fridges are different: refrigerant (freon) rules
Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units and other cooling appliances contain refrigerant, often called freon. It has to be recovered by a technician with the right equipment before the appliance is scrapped, so it doesn't leak into the air. That's why cities and landfills handle these appliances separately and often charge an extra fee for them.
For you, that means three things:
- You can't just put a fridge on the curb with your other junk in Phoenix.
- Drop-off sites may charge a refrigerant fee unless you can show the freon was already removed.
- Don't cut or puncture the refrigerant lines yourself to "drain" it.
Option 1: retailer haul-away when you buy new
If you're replacing the fridge, haul-away from the store is usually the simplest route. Many appliance retailers offer to take the old unit when they deliver the new one, sometimes for a fee.
Before delivery day, ask the retailer:
- Whether haul-away is included or costs extra.
- Whether the old fridge needs to be unplugged, emptied and disconnected from the water line.
- Whether they take other appliances (like an old freezer) at the same time.
The limit is that this only works when you're buying. If you're just clearing out an old garage fridge, you'll need another option.
Option 2: City of Phoenix transfer station (free once a year)
The City of Phoenix lets every residential solid waste customer drop off one appliance with refrigerant per year at no cost. After that, the city charges $20 per freon appliance plus the regular disposal rate of $55 per ton (with a $40 minimum). If the freon has already been removed, you can avoid the refrigerant charge by showing a certificate of removal at the scale house. Details are on the city's appliance recycling page.
The city's transfer stations accept a wide range of appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, water heaters, AC units, stoves, dishwashers and TVs, according to the city's disposal guide. Fees and rules can change, so check the city's pages before you go. Our guide on where to dump trash in Phoenix lists the stations and hours.
You'll need a way to get it there. A fridge should travel upright and strapped in place. If you don't have a truck, a dump trailer rental lets you haul the fridge along with anything else you're clearing out, and secure the load before you drive.
Why Phoenix bulk trash won't take your fridge
Phoenix bulk trash is by appointment, and refrigerant appliances are on the list of things it won't collect, according to KTAR. If you set a fridge out with your pile, expect it to be left behind.
Washers, dryers and other appliances without refrigerant are a different story, but check the current rules before you book. Our Phoenix bulk trash guide explains how appointments work, and the City of Phoenix bulk trash page has the official list.
Nearby cities
If you live outside Phoenix, your city's rules apply. For example, Chandler charges $15 per freon appliance in curbside bulk collection, and Gilbert lists a $16 appliance trip fee during bulk week and $85 at other times. Check your city's page for current fees.
What about SRP and APS appliance recycling?
SRP and APS used to run appliance recycling programs that picked up old fridges and freezers and paid a small rebate. KJZZ reported that both utilities suspended those programs after their recycling contractor stopped operating. That article isn't dated, so check the SRP and APS websites for whether any program is running now before you count on it.
Selling or scrapping it
If the fridge still works and is in decent shape, try selling it or listing it for free on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Nextdoor. Working appliances often find a buyer, especially for a garage or rental property. Be clear about its size, age and any issues.
Scrap metal yards may take appliances, but rules vary on refrigerant appliances. Call ahead and ask whether they accept fridges, and whether the freon must be removed first with a certificate.
Other appliances: washer, dryer, water heater, dishwasher, freezer
Here's a quick rundown of other big appliances in Phoenix.
| Appliance | Refrigerant? | Phoenix options |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer | Yes | Same rules as a fridge: free yearly drop-off, then $20 plus the per-ton rate |
| Window or portable AC | Yes | Treat like a fridge at the transfer station |
| Washer or dryer | No | Transfer station, retailer haul-away or resale |
| Water heater | No | Transfer station or the plumber who installs the new one |
| Dishwasher | No | Transfer station, retailer haul-away or resale |
| Stove or oven | No | Transfer station, retailer haul-away or resale |
For any of these, disconnect water, gas and power properly first. If you're not comfortable shutting off a gas line or draining a water heater, have a licensed pro do it.
Prep checklist: empty it, defrost it, tape the doors, measure the doorways
Before the fridge goes anywhere:
- Empty it completely and throw out any food.
- Unplug it a day ahead so it can defrost, and put towels down for the water.
- Shut off and disconnect the water line if it has an ice maker or dispenser.
- Remove loose shelves and drawers, or tape them in place.
- Tape the doors shut (or remove them) so they can't swing open while you move it.
- Measure the fridge and every doorway and turn on the way out.
- Use an appliance dolly and a helper. Fridges are top-heavy.
If you'd rather skip all of that, our appliance removal service handles the lifting and hauling. Call or request a free quote, or see our Phoenix junk removal page for the areas we serve.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a refrigerator out for bulk trash in Phoenix?
No. Phoenix bulk trash doesn't accept appliances that contain refrigerant, such as fridges, freezers and AC units. Use a transfer station, retailer haul-away or appliance removal instead.
Is it free to dispose of a refrigerator in Phoenix?
City of Phoenix residential solid waste customers can drop off one refrigerant appliance per year at a transfer station at no cost. After that, the city charges $20 per freon appliance plus $55 per ton, with a $40 minimum.
What is a freon removal certificate?
It's proof that a technician recovered the refrigerant from the appliance. Showing one at the Phoenix transfer station scale house lets you avoid the city's refrigerant fee.
Does SRP or APS still pick up old refrigerators?
Both utilities suspended their appliance recycling programs after their contractor stopped operating, according to KJZZ. Check SRP's and APS's websites for current status.