Fridges are a special-case appliance because of the refrigerant. Older units (pre-1995) often contain CFCs; newer ones contain HFCs. Either way, the refrigerant needs proper handling — you can’t just put it in a dumpster.
Your Options
1. Retail Haul-Away (Buying a New Fridge)
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and most appliance stores will haul the old one when delivering the new one. The retailer handles the refrigerant. Easiest option if you’re already buying a replacement.
2. Manufacturer Take-Back
Some manufacturers (Whirlpool, Maytag) run take-back programs for old units; check at purchase.
3. Utility Refrigerator Recycling Program
If your fridge or freezer is still working, your utility may pick it up for free and pay a small rebate. Both Puget Sound Energy (outside Tacoma city limits) and Tacoma Power (inside Tacoma city limits) have historically run these programs. Check directly with your utility for current eligibility, scheduling, and rebate details.
Slower scheduling than a same-day haul, but free.
4. Scrap Metal Recyclers
Some Pierce County scrap yards take old fridges, but only after refrigerant has been legally drained by a certified HVAC tech. Worth it only if you already have the unit empty.
5. Pierce County Transfer Stations
Accept fridges with appropriate fees. You haul.
6. Call Hoss
We pick up fridges with proper refrigerant handling and responsible disposal — no separate refrigerant fee. See the pricing section for current rates.
What’s Inside an Old Fridge
- Refrigerant — needs certified recovery
- Compressor — recoverable copper and steel
- Coil — copper, recyclable
- Cabinet — steel, recyclable
- Insulation — older fridges may contain CFCs in foam insulation
- Plastic shelving — landfill
Modern recycling captures most of this. The landfill share is tiny if it’s done right.
Call (253) 553-2978.