All materials

Where to dispose of appliances

Washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers and water heaters. 15 places accept it in Southern California.

Good to know

Large appliances are mostly metal and are accepted at landfills, transfer stations and scrap metal yards; scrap yards may even pay for them.

Appliances that contain refrigerant (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners) are handled separately. See the refrigerators page.

Appliances containing refrigerant (Freon) must have it removed by a certified technician before the metal can be recycled. Many facilities accept them but charge an additional fee, and some do not take them at all.

Remove doors or secure them shut before transport.

Other ways

• Scrap metal yards. Metal recyclers often take appliances for free or pay by weight.
• Retailer haul-away. Appliance retailers usually offer haul-away with delivery of a new unit.
• Utility rebate programs. Some California electric utilities pick up working old refrigerators for free and pay a small rebate.

Don't bother

These do not take appliances: Palm Springs Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, Anaheim Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, Irvine Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.