When it comes time to get rid of your old refrigerator, you might wonder if refrigerator recycling for cash is a thing? 

And the short answer is, "Well, it's complicated."

Part of the answer is that it depends on where you live and what you think of when you speak of "recycling" because there are a number of ways to give new life and purpose to your old refrigerator, working or not.

How Many Ways Can You Dispose of a Refrigerator?

If you are trying to get rid of an old refrigerator that doesn't work anymore, then dumping it somewhere is probably your first inclination. But don't be hasty. Dumping your broken-down frig in an empty lot or along a back road somewhere is both irresponsible and illegal, not to mention a safety hazard.

So, maybe you decide to take the thing to your local landfill. Maybe not. That, too, depends on where you live. California law, for example, prohibits the dumping of refrigerators and freezers in landfills. Similar laws are in effect in other states, counties and municipalities so you'll to check first.

But dumping an old refrigerator is a bad idea anyway because of the toxic materials such as the insulating foam and refrigerant, especially Freon.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has this to say about Freon-type materials:

"Household refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 1995 typically contain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant. Many window air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers contain hydrochlorofluorocarbon ((HCFC) refrigerant. CFCs and HCFCs are ozone-depleting substances (ODS) that, if released to the environment, destroy the ozone layer. Moreover, CFC and HCFC refrigerants are also potent greenhouse gases."

The EPA goes on to point out that refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 2005 are also insulated with foam that contains ODS that contribute to ozone depletion.

You can also take your used, non-working appliance to an authorized Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program partner.  RAD is a voluntary partnership program that works with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state and local government agencies, affiliates, and others to dispose of old refrigerated appliances using environmental best practices.

And where can you find one of these RAD partners in your area? Go to this link and click on the map: https://www.epa.gov/rad/find-rad-partner-programs

But What About Cash for My Refrigerator?

Yes, you can get cash for your old unit, especially if it's still working and in good condition. While selling your refrigerator isn't exactly recycling, it qualifies as "re-use" and "re-purposing" which counts just the same!

Your selling for cash options range from yard sales to online selling sites to second-hand appliance shops. In addition, a number of states and municipalities offer rebate programs for old refrigerators as do many power and utility companies.

And, if all else fails, you can usually sell your old frig, working or not, for scrap.

"Selling your refrigerator to a company or individual that recycles scrap metal could bring you some cash even if the fridge no longer works. Scrap metal companies and individual recyclers will often buy old appliances and break them down, selling them for parts or to companies that turn the metal into other items." - Well Kept Wallet

If your working refrigerator is less than 10 years old and in really good condition you can possibly get a few hundred dollars for it, especially from a private party. At the very least you may be able to snag $25 to $50 as a rebate. 

But you don't have to try for the cash.

Refrigerator Recycling Made Easy

Recycling your old refrigerator isn't really a DIY kind of thing, nor should it be. Considering that refrigerators and freezers contain chemical refrigerants, oils, and other compounds that must be removed and recovered - according to federal law - this is not a simple project.

If you want to handle some of this yourself you should locate an authorized recycler and get your old appliance over there. Once you have managed to load, transport and unload your refrigerator, then the steel, other metals, and selected parts can be recycled. Some recycling programs also capture the foam insulation inside the refrigerator doors for added environmental benefits.

So much for DIY. 

If you don't have the vehicle or help you need to do all that loading and unloading, then making a call to a professional refrigerator disposal service is the answer. At Junk King, for example, we can do all the hard work for you. And you can rest assured that your discarded refrigerator will be properly recycled and disposed of. 

If you don't have the vehicle or help you need to do all that loading and unloading, then making a call to a professional refrigerator disposal service is the answer. At Junk King, for example, we can do all the hard work for you. And you can rest assured that your discarded refrigerator will be properly recycled and disposed of, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly repurposing through our refrigerator repurposing program.

Schedule a Refrigerator Recycling Pick-Up

Junk King provides an efficient, safe, and eco-friendly old appliance removal service. With Junk King you don’t have to worry about the pickup or disposal of your used refrigerator. And because our priority is preserving the environment, we will make sure that your old refrigerator ends up in the right place, whether that’s a local charity, or a recycling facility. So contact us for all your appliance recycling needs.

And because our priority is preserving the environment, we will make sure that your old refrigerator ends up in the right place, whether that’s a local charity, or a recycling facility. So contact us for all your appliance disposal needs, including refrigerator disposal, to ensure it is handled responsibly.

Junk King provides an efficient, safe, and eco-friendly old appliance removal service. With Junk King, you don't have to worry about the pickup or disposal of your used refrigerator. Our commitment to preserving the environment is paramount, and we take extra steps to ensure responsible disposal. When it comes to cooling appliance recycling, we have a specialized program that guarantees your refrigerator's components are repurposed efficiently. We're also dedicated to eco-friendly refrigerator disposal, prioritizing methods that minimize environmental impact. Additionally, if you're looking to salvage your refrigerator or have it properly recycled through a sustainable appliance removal process, Junk King has you covered. Contact us for all your appliance recycling needs, and let us handle the entire process with care and dedication to environmental responsibility.

Scheduling your refrigerator recycling pick-up is as simple as 1, 2, 3.

You can make an appointment by booking online or by calling 1.888.888.JUNK (5865). Our professional and insured appliance removal team will show up at your home and we call 15 minutes before we arrive on site.

Once there, we’ll give you a free estimate based on how much room your appliances take up in our truck. You point and we haul those items into our junk removal trucks, with no hidden fees.

Discover the hidden value in your old refrigerator today! Don't miss out on potential cash rewards for recycling your appliance responsibly. Contact Junk King now to schedule your refrigerator pickup and start earning while you declutter.