Appliance removal: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What appliance removal is

Appliance removal disconnects and hauls away old refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves and similar appliances. Crews handle the heavy lifting and send metal and other parts to recycling where possible, and the refrigerant in fridges and freezers is commonly required to be recovered by a certified technician before disposal.

Signs you need it

  • An old refrigerator is in the kitchen or garage and the replacement is already delivered
  • A broken washer or dryer is blocking the laundry room and needs to leave the home
  • A stove or range is being replaced and the old unit must be disconnected and taken out
  • A freezer or fridge has stopped working and is taking up space you need
  • You are clearing a rental or an estate and several appliances need to leave in one trip

What the pro does

  • Confirm which appliances are leaving and check that the replacement or the disposal plan is set
  • Disconnect water lines, drain hoses and any gas or electrical connection that the crew is allowed to remove
  • Empty the fridge and freezer, and tape the doors shut for transport
  • Carry the appliance out with a dolly, straps and protection on the floor and the doorway
  • Recover refrigerant from fridges and freezers through a certified technician, and label the unit
  • Take the appliance to a recycling or disposal site and provide a record of where it went

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number and type of appliances, and whether they are fridges, washers or ranges
  • Stairs, narrow doorways and the distance from the appliance to the truck
  • Whether the crew disconnects the appliance or a qualified trade must do it
  • Refrigerant recovery, which needs a certified technician for fridges and freezers
  • Whether the appliance is working and whether it can be donated or resold
  • Whether the job includes removal of other debris or furniture at the same visit

What a written quote should spell out

  • The list of appliances being removed and the type of each one
  • Which disconnections the crew does and which are left to a qualified trade
  • How refrigerants are recovered from fridges and freezers, and who does it
  • Where each appliance is taken, such as recycling, donation or disposal
  • Whether floor protection and debris cleanup are included

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Who recovers the refrigerant from the fridge, and are they certified
  • Do you disconnect the water and gas, or do I need a plumber or gas fitter first
  • Will you recycle the metal and donate any units that still work
  • How do you carry the appliance out without damaging the doorway or the floor
  • Will you give me a record of where each appliance went
  • What is the charge if the appliance cannot be taken out through the door

Red flags

  • A crew that drains refrigerant into the air or offers to skip recovery
  • A fridge carried with its doors unsecured, or damage to its refrigerant lines that the crew does not mention
  • A company that disconnects gas lines without a qualified person
  • No record of where the appliance goes, which often means it is dumped

What you can do yourself

You can empty the fridge, unplug the appliance, turn off the water supply and clear the path before the crew arrives. Call a professional for refrigerant recovery, gas connections and any appliance that needs a dolly to clear stairs or a narrow door.

Licenses and permits

Refrigerant recovery is commonly done by a certified technician, and gas and electrical disconnection is commonly licensed work. Check with your state or local licensing agency before any disconnection, and make sure the person doing it is qualified for that task.

Appliance removal questions

Can I just leave the old fridge on the curb?

Many areas restrict that, and a fridge contains refrigerant that commonly must be recovered. Ask the local waste service what it accepts, or have a removal company handle it with a record of recovery.

Do I need to unplug the appliance before pickup?

Yes, unplug it and turn off the water supply. The crew can disconnect the hoses, but power and gas should be handled by the proper trade.

Will the crew take a working appliance for donation?

Some do, and some only recycle. Ask before the job, because a working unit may be worth passing to someone who can use it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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