How Much Does Appliance Disposal Cost in Southwest Florida?
Fridge, washer, stove, dishwasher — here’s what it actually costs to have old appliances removed in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.
The Short Answer: $75–$250 Per Appliance
Most single-appliance removals in Southwest Florida run between $75 and $250, depending on the type, weight, and whether special handling is needed (refrigerant recovery, gas disconnection). Multiple appliances on the same trip bring the per-unit cost down significantly.
Below is a breakdown by appliance type, plus the free and low-cost alternatives worth considering before you call.
Cost by Appliance Type
Typical ranges for professional removal in SW Florida. Your actual quote is confirmed before anything is loaded.
Refrigerator or Freezer
$100–$250. EPA-required refrigerant recovery (Section 608) adds $20–50 to the base cost. Older units with R-12 or R-22 cost more to handle.
Washer
$75–$150. Standard disconnect-and-haul. Front-loaders with concrete counterweights are heavier and may run toward the upper end.
Dryer
$75–$150. Electric dryers are straightforward. Gas dryers need the gas line capped by a licensed plumber before removal — factor that in.
Dishwasher
$75–$130. Usually the lightest and fastest removal. Plumbing disconnect is typically included.
Stove or Oven
$85–$200. Electric ranges are simpler. Gas ranges need professional disconnection — never attempt this yourself.
Window or Wall AC Unit
$75–$100. Refrigerant handling applies. Central HVAC units are a separate category and typically cost more.
Washer + Dryer Combo
$150–$250. Stacked units or side-by-side pairs are priced as a set, which is cheaper than two separate pickups.
Multiple Appliances (3+)
$200–$500+. Volume pricing applies — the more you remove in one trip, the lower the per-item cost.
Free and Low-Cost Alternatives
Before paying for removal, check whether a free option fits your situation:
- Retailer haul-away: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy will haul away your old appliance when delivering a new one — typically $25–50, sometimes free with purchase. Ask at checkout.
- FPL and LCEC rebate programs: Florida Power & Light and Lee County Electric Cooperative occasionally run refrigerator/freezer recycling programs that pay you $35–75 to recycle a working unit. Check FPL.com or LCEC.net for current availability.
- Lee County bulk pickup: Lee County Solid Waste offers curbside bulk pickup for a $13.25 fee per item. You schedule online or call (239) 533-8000. Wait time is typically 1–2 weeks. The appliance must be at the curb by 6 AM on your scheduled day.
- Scrap metal value: A working refrigerator or washer has $15–40 in scrap metal value. Some scrap yards will pick up for free if you have multiple units. Try Fort Myers Iron & Metal or Lee County Scrap.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Working appliances under 10 years old may qualify for free pickup and donation. The Fort Myers ReStore (4396 Veronica S. Shoemaker Blvd) accepts donations Tuesday–Saturday.
When free doesn’t work: If the appliance is broken, too heavy to move to the curb, upstairs, or you need it gone today — that’s when professional removal makes sense. A junk removal crew handles the disconnection, heavy lifting, stairs, and hauls it away the same day.
What Drives the Cost Up (or Down)
The price you’re quoted depends on several factors beyond just the appliance type:
- Refrigerant recovery: Any appliance containing refrigerant (fridges, freezers, AC units) requires EPA-compliant recovery before disposal. This is a legal requirement, not an upsell.
- Gas appliance disconnection: Gas stoves, dryers, and water heaters need professional disconnection. If a licensed plumber hasn’t already capped the line, this adds $50–$100 to the total cost.
- Access difficulty: A fridge in a ground-floor kitchen costs less to remove than one up a narrow staircase or through a tight lanai. Stairs, tight turns, and long carry distances increase labor time.
- Weight and size: A commercial-grade Sub-Zero refrigerator weighs 400+ lbs compared to 150 lbs for a standard top-freezer model.
- Volume discount: Removing 4 appliances at once is significantly cheaper per unit than 4 separate trips. If you’re doing a kitchen remodel or clearing an estate, bundle everything into one call.
- Disposal method: Items that can be recycled or donated cost less to dispose of than items that must go to a landfill.
Appliance Disposal Rules in Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties
Southwest Florida has specific rules about how appliances must be disposed of:
- Refrigerant-containing appliances cannot go in regular trash or bulk pickup until the refrigerant has been professionally recovered. This applies to refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and AC units.
- Lee County: The Buckingham Landfill (Topaz Court, off SR 82) accepts appliances at the public drop-off. Hours are Mon–Fri 6 AM–6 PM, Saturday 6 AM–noon. There’s a disposal fee based on weight. Refrigerant must be recovered before drop-off, or the landfill will do it for an additional charge.
- Collier County: The Naples Transfer Station (2640 W. Enterprise Ave) and the Collier County Landfill (3750 White Lake Blvd) accept appliances. Call (239) 252-2508 for current fees.
- Charlotte County: The Zemel Road Landfill accepts appliances. Freon-containing items require a separate drop-off area.
For more on local disposal rules, see the Lee County Landfill & Recycling Guide and What Can’t Go in the Trash in SW Florida.
How It Works
Tell us what’s going
A quick call or a few photos.
Get an upfront price
You approve it before anything moves.
It’s hauled away
A local crew loads up and sweeps the spot clean.
Related Guides & Services
More on appliance disposal, costs, and junk removal across Southwest Florida.
Appliance Disposal Guide
How to dispose of old appliances in SW Florida — options, rules, and what’s accepted.
Junk Removal Cost Guide
What junk removal costs across SW Florida, by load size and item type.
Furniture & Appliance Removal
Single-item and multi-item removal for furniture, appliances, and heavy items.
Lee County Landfill Guide
Drop-off locations, hours, fees, and what each facility accepts.
Dumpster Rental vs. Junk Removal
Which option makes more sense for your project?
Estate Cleanout Services
Full-property clearances including all appliances, furniture, and personal items.
Areas We Serve
Appliance removal available across Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, North Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and the surrounding Lee, Collier, and Charlotte county communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get rid of an old refrigerator?
Typically $100–$250 in Southwest Florida. The higher end accounts for EPA-required refrigerant recovery. If you’re buying a new fridge, ask the retailer about haul-away — it’s often $25–50 or free with delivery.
Is there a free way to dispose of old appliances in Fort Myers?
Several options: FPL sometimes pays $35–75 to recycle working fridges/freezers, the Habitat ReStore in Fort Myers accepts working appliances under 10 years old, and Lee County bulk pickup is $13.25 per item (scheduled through LeeGov.com). Each has limitations — condition, wait time, or curb-only pickup.
Do I need to disconnect a gas appliance before removal?
Yes. Gas stoves, dryers, and water heaters must be disconnected by a licensed plumber before a junk removal crew can haul them. Never attempt to disconnect a gas line yourself. If you don’t have a plumber, ask when you call for a quote — this is a common situation and can usually be coordinated.
Can I put an old washer or dryer at the curb for trash pickup?
Not with regular trash. Lee County requires you to schedule a bulk pickup ($13.25 per item) or take it to the Buckingham Landfill yourself. Appliances left at the curb without a scheduled pickup can result in a code violation.
What’s the cheapest way to remove multiple appliances at once?
Bundle them into a single junk removal trip. Removing 3–4 appliances at once typically costs $200–$500 total — significantly less per item than separate pickups. If you’re doing a kitchen remodel or estate clearance, this is the most cost-effective approach.
Does SunCoast Haulers recycle old appliances?
Whenever possible. Metal components (steel, copper, aluminum) are separated for recycling. Working appliances in decent condition are donated to organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The goal is to divert as much as possible from the landfill.