Old appliances are too big for the trash cart and, in the case of refrigerators and freezers, can’t legally go to a regular landfill. Here are your options in Raleigh and Wake County — from free routes to full-service pickup.
First: does it contain refrigerant?
Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, and dehumidifiers all contain refrigerant. Under the federal Clean Air Act, that refrigerant has to be recovered by a certified process before the unit is scrapped — you can’t just leave a fridge at the curb or drop it at a standard landfill. Any responsible disposal route handles this step for you.
Washers, dryers, and stoves don’t have refrigerant, so they’re simpler — they’re mostly metal and are easy to recycle as scrap.
Your options
1. Retailer haul-away
Buying a replacement? Many appliance retailers will haul off your old unit when they deliver the new one, sometimes free and sometimes for a small fee. Ask at checkout — it’s the easiest route if the timing lines up.
2. Recycle it yourself
Wake County’s multi-material recycling facilities accept major appliances (“white goods”) for recycling, and metal appliances like washers and dryers are recycled for scrap. Fridges and freezers are routed for proper refrigerant recovery. Confirm what your nearest site takes and its hours on the official Wake County waste & recycling pages before you load up.
3. City / town bulk pickup
Some Wake County municipalities collect large appliances at the curb on a schedule. Check your town’s solid-waste page for whether appliances are included, how to schedule, and any fees.
4. Donate it (if it works)
Working appliances in good condition can sometimes be donated — call ahead to confirm the organization accepts them and offers pickup.
5. Junk removal pickup
If you don’t have a truck, the appliance is in a basement or upstairs, or it’s simply dead, a junk removal service will carry it out and recycle it properly. At Raleigh Junk Pros, appliance pickups are one of our most common jobs — see our appliance removal pricing or upload a photo for a quote.
How much does appliance removal cost?
For a hauler, expect roughly $100–$180+ per appliance, with refrigerators on the higher end because of the refrigerant handling and weight. Removing more than one at a time usually brings down the per-item cost. Get an instant quote to see your exact price.