Michigan Appliance Repair / Wednesday, March 9, 2022 / Categories: Featured, Freezer, Refrigerator

How To Dispose of Your Old Refrigerator

Are you trying to get rid of an old refrigerator or freezer? Many people are surprised to learn that EPA regulations require the refrigerant (sometimes referred to as “freon”) inside to be properly recovered and recycled before a refrigerator can be disposed of. Others are looking for the most environmentally friendly way to get rid of an old appliance. Fortunately, you have several options to choose from. Keep reading to learn more...

Best Option - Fix it!The most cost effective and environmentally friendly solution to a broken appliance is often repair. Older refrigerators may be more reliable and longer lasting, since they often contain fewer electronics and moving parts. If your fridge is less than 20 years old, consider scheduling service. You could save money and some space at your local landfill!
Trade it in.If you’ll be purchasing a replacement refrigerator, select a retailer that will pick up your old fridge or freezer when you purchase a new one. Home Depot and Lowes offer this service for about an additional $30.00. Before adding on fridge removal service, you’ll want to measure to make sure it will fit through your front door.
Contact Your Electric Company.If you’re located in Michigan, both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy provide refrigerator recycling services, and Consumers may even give you a cash rebate if your refrigerator or freezer is in working order. If you live outside of Michigan, just search for a local company that participates in the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program. Unfortunately, some utility companies will not accept inoperative refrigerators. They may also require you to uninstall and remove the refrigerator from your home.
Last Resort - Call Your Trash Company.Your local waste management company will probably charge a fee to pick up your old refrigerator or freezer. After hauling it out of your home and to the curb, you’ll then need to hire an appliance service company such as Michigan Appliance Repair to recover the refrigerant from the unit and tag it as safe for disposal – all so that it can spend the next several hundred years in a landfill.

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2 comments on article "How To Dispose of Your Old Refrigerator"

Angels

Unfortunately, there is no reliable trash company here in Austin.

3/4/2023 1:32 PM

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Jeanie Manser

I had no idea that Home Depot and Lowes will take old fridges, it definitely seems like it would be worth the money! We're in the market for a new fridge since we just had our floors redone and our cabinets refinished. Our old fridge is pretty outdated so I don't want to take away from the rest of the updated kitchen. I've just heard how much of a pain it is to get rig of old fridges, so that makes me want to buy from home depot or lowes even more! Thanks for the help!

3/20/2023 2:12 PM

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