Is Your Refrigerator On Its Last Legs? Here's How To Get Rid Of It The Right Way

When it comes to getting rid of an aging or completely defunct refrigerator, the most important way to dispose of it is in an ecologically responsible manner. Government agencies, appliance dealers, specialized junk removal companies, and even donation centers, are all legitimate options when it comes to the proper disposal of your fridge. If you were instead considering leaving it at the curb, abandoning it on the side of the road somewhere, or having it hauled to a landfill, now you know. Besides, dumping your refrigerator in a landfill isn't only illegal, but also harmful to the environment. The hazardous chemicals in refrigerators can leak into the soil and groundwater, causing damage to the ecosystem.

Following proper disposal methods for your old refrigerator not only helps protect the environment, but depending on which group you contact, you could even possibly earn some spare cash or a tax refund. What's even better is that contacting any of the abovementioned groups for appliance pickup is simple, convenient, and more often than not, free. So now you just have to figure out who to call.

Refrigerators have an average life span of around 12 years, though depending on the make, model, and how well they've been taken care of, they can last up to 20. When it's time to purchase a replacement fridge, remember to check and see if the company you're purchasing from also hauls away old appliances. While many companies do offer this option, some charge a small processing fee, while others will do it for free.

Another way to get rid of your geriatric ice box is through your municipal waste management services. It is important to remember that not all cities offer this particular service, so be sure to check beforehand. These government entities generally have a different operating service that's not parallel to your normal trash and recycling schedule.

Sometimes you have to call or make arrangements for the pickup online, while other municipalities have a specified day each month, commonly referred to as bulk pickup. Still, other cities may offer no pickup service, and you'll have to instead haul your dead fridge over to a specific location in order to properly dispose of it. At least you know that there are options.

There is a whole market for the wonderful world of junk collection and removal. These niche companies operate in one of two ways. The first method for said business is to drop off a large waste container that you personally fill. After a predetermined amount of time (usually a day or two, depending on what you're moving), the container is picked up, and your dead refrigerator is hauled away to be properly disposed of. The other option is the same as the first, except the company also provides moving support.

Depending on where you live, you might even be able to sell your deceased appliance to a scrapyard. These particular businesses specialize in processing metals and other precious materials, which are harvested from larger items (like old fridges or cars) that are no longer functioning. The only hitch here is that not only do you have to haul your refrigerator to the location, but you also have to remove the hazardous fluids that are inside the appliance. The amount of money you get is dependent on a multitude of variables, though, so you'll also want to keep that in mind, too.