Large Appliance Pickup/Recycling Programs

Programs generally offered by local waste management companies that pick up large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, window air conditioners and trash compactors, generally for an extra fee. Items are either collected on a handful of specific days over the course of a year or by special request. Most programs ensure that freon units are removed from refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and humidifiers before they are sent to the local scrap metal recycling facility. Also included are appliance recycling programs offered by local energy companies that encourage residents to replace energy inefficient appliances such as old refrigerators, freezers or room air conditioners by having a recycling contractor to pick them up at no charge; and in some communities, local government agencies/boards pay consumers who arrange for their operational refrigerators, freezers, room A/C units, and room dehumidifiers to be recycled (picked-up), instead of disposing of them. Qualifying appliances for recycling programs must be in working order.