How to get rid of an old refrigerator in Dallas
A refrigerator is one of the hardest things to get rid of in Dallas. The city will not take it at the curb, and it is heavy, awkward and full of refrigerant. Here are your options.
Why the city will not take your fridge
Dallas bulk trash collection does not accept appliances that contain coolant, gas or chemicals, and that includes refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. Refrigerant has to be handled properly before the metal can be recycled, so these appliances cannot just go in the back of a city truck.
Nearby cities have their own rules. Cedar Hill, for example, requires refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners to be tagged as free of freon before bulk pickup, and Addison does not accept appliances with refrigerants at all. Check your own city before setting one out.
Your options
- Ask the store that sells your new one. Some appliance retailers will haul away the old unit when they deliver the new one, sometimes for a fee. Ask before you buy.
- Donate it if it still works. A clean, working refrigerator may be accepted by a donation center. Call ahead, because many are selective about large appliances.
- Hire a junk removal company. We carry it out, load it and haul it away, so you do not have to move it yourself. Working units go to a donation center when possible, and the rest goes to proper disposal and recycling.
How to get your refrigerator ready for pickup
- Empty it completely, including the freezer and the door shelves.
- Unplug it a day ahead so the freezer can defrost, and wipe up any water.
- If it has an ice maker or water line, have the water shut off and the line disconnected first. A plumber should handle this if you are not sure how.
- Tape the doors shut so they do not swing open while it is being moved.
- Clear a path from the fridge to the door and tell us about any stairs.
What it costs to have a fridge hauled
We price by how much space your items take up in our trailer, and you get the price before we lift anything. Pickups start at $150 for a minimum load, and a full trailer runs $700 to $900. See our full pricing.
A single refrigerator usually falls in our minimum load. If you have other things to go at the same time, like an old washer or a couch, it is often cheaper to haul them together in one trip than to book separate pickups.
Sources: City of Dallas Sanitation, City of Cedar Hill 2026 trash guide, Town of Addison.
Last updated October 2026. City rules change, so check your city's website before setting anything out. This post is general information.
Common questions
Will Dallas pick up my old refrigerator?
No. Dallas bulk trash collection does not accept appliances with coolant, including refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.
Do I need to empty my refrigerator before pickup?
Yes. Empty it completely, unplug it a day ahead to defrost, and tape the doors shut.
Can you take a refrigerator from inside the house?
Yes. We carry it out of the kitchen, garage or upstairs and load it. Tell us about stairs when you book.
Do you take other appliances?
Yes. We haul washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, water heaters, window air conditioners and full appliance sets from a remodel.