How to Dispose of Old Appliances in Southwest Florida
Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more — the safe, legal disposal options across Lee and Collier counties, from free pickup to full-service removal.
Your Options for Getting Rid of Old Appliances
There are several ways to dispose of an old appliance in SW Florida — the best one depends on its condition, the refrigerant situation, and how fast you need it gone.
Full-service junk removal
A crew picks up the appliance from wherever it sits — garage, kitchen, upstairs — and hauls it away. Fastest option, handles freon units safely. Typical cost: $75–$175 per appliance.
Curbside bulk pickup
Lee County and some cities offer scheduled bulk pickup for large items. Check your municipality’s schedule — appliances with freon (refrigerators, freezers, AC units) may have extra requirements.
Donate it
Working appliances can go to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, or the Salvation Army. Some offer free pickup for large items.
Retailer haul-away
Many appliance retailers (Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy) offer haul-away of the old unit when delivering a new one — often for a small fee or free with purchase.
Self-haul to transfer station
You can bring appliances to your county’s transfer station or recycling facility. Expect a tipping fee. Freon must be professionally evacuated first — never attempt it yourself.
Utility company programs
FPL and LCEC occasionally run recycling programs for working refrigerators and freezers — check their websites for current offers.
The Freon Rule: Why Refrigerators, Freezers & AC Units Need Special Handling
Any appliance containing refrigerant — refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, dehumidifiers, and some water coolers — cannot simply be thrown in a dumpster or set at the curb without proper handling. Under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, refrigerant must be recovered by a certified technician before the unit is scrapped or recycled. Venting refrigerant is a federal violation with fines up to $44,539 per day.
This is why full-service appliance removal is often the simplest route for freon-containing units — the handling and compliance are taken care of, and the unit is hauled away in one step. If you’re self-hauling, call your county’s transfer station to confirm they accept freon appliances and whether refrigerant must be evacuated beforehand.
Appliance Types & What to Know
Different appliances have different disposal considerations. Here’s a quick reference.
Refrigerators & freezers
Contain freon — require certified refrigerant recovery before disposal. Full-service removal handles this automatically.
Washers & dryers
No refrigerant concerns. Can go curbside (check your city’s bulk schedule), be donated if working, or hauled away.
Dishwashers
Easy to remove and dispose. Must be disconnected from water supply first. Recyclable as scrap metal.
Stoves & ovens
Gas stoves must be disconnected from the gas line by a professional before removal. Electric stoves are straightforward.
Water heaters
Heavy (40–80 lbs empty). Can be recycled as scrap metal. Gas units need gas line disconnection.
Window AC units
Contain refrigerant — same freon rules as refrigerators. Small enough for one person to carry but still need proper handling.
Donation Options in Southwest Florida
If the appliance still works, donating it keeps it out of the landfill and helps a local family. Several organizations in SW Florida accept working appliances:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — accepts working appliances and offers free pickup for large items in some areas. Multiple locations across Lee and Collier counties.
- Goodwill — accepts smaller working appliances at drop-off locations. Large appliances vary by location.
- Salvation Army — accepts working appliances and may offer free pickup.
Call ahead to confirm what each location currently accepts — policies vary and change seasonally. Appliances must be clean, functional, and free of damage or pest issues.
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 Services & Guides
Appliance disposal often comes alongside other clearing needs.
Furniture & Appliance Removal
Full-service pickup from anywhere in the home.
Estate Cleanouts
Whole-home clearing including all appliances.
Junk Removal Cost Guide
What to expect on pricing.
What Can’t Go in the Trash
Full list of banned items and how to handle them.
Areas We Serve
Appliance removal and disposal across Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, North Fort Myers, and Punta Gorda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a refrigerator at the curb for bulk pickup?
It depends on your municipality. Some cities allow it if the doors are removed and freon has been professionally evacuated. Check with your city or county — or have it picked up by a full-service removal crew to skip the hassle.
How much does it cost to have an appliance hauled away?
Full-service appliance removal typically runs $75–$175 for a single unit, less per item when removing multiple appliances at once. The price covers pickup from wherever the appliance sits, loading, and proper disposal.
Do I need to disconnect the appliance before pickup?
For full-service removal, yes — the appliance should be disconnected from water, gas, and electrical. Gas disconnections should be done by a licensed professional. The crew handles everything from there.
What if the appliance still works — can it be donated instead?
Yes — working appliances in good condition can go to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, or the Salvation Army. Let the crew know and usable items are donated rather than landfilled.
Is it illegal to throw away a refrigerator?
You can’t simply dump a freon-containing appliance — federal law (EPA Section 608) requires that refrigerant be recovered by a certified technician first. Full-service removal ensures this is handled properly.