How to Get Rid of Old
Appliances in NYC (2026 Guide)

CFC-Containing Appliances (Refrigerators, Freezers, AC Units)

Appliances that contain CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants — including refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners — require special handling. Federal law (Clean Air Act) mandates that CFC refrigerants be properly recovered before disposal.

What this means for you:

• You cannot simply put a refrigerator or AC unit at the curb — CFC refrigerants must be properly recovered first
• CFC recovery must be performed by a certified technician before any appliance can be disposed of
• Professional removal services like JunkRabbit handle CFC recovery as part of the pickup (additional $25–$50 fee), so you do not have to coordinate anything separately

Releasing CFC refrigerants into the atmosphere is a federal offense with fines up to $44,539 per day per violation. Always use a proper disposal method.

Non-CFC Appliances (Stoves, Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers)

Appliances without refrigerants are simpler to dispose of. Washers, dryers, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers do not require special CFC handling, making professional removal straightforward and affordable.

1. Retailer Haul-Away

If you are buying a new appliance, most retailers offer haul-away of your old one when they deliver the replacement:

• Home Depot: Free haul-away with delivery of a new appliance
• Lowe's: Free haul-away with qualifying delivery
• Best Buy: Haul-away available for $29.99 per appliance with delivery
• AJ Madison: Free haul-away with most deliveries in the NYC metro area
• Local appliance dealers: Many offer haul-away — always ask when purchasing

This is the easiest option if you are replacing an appliance. The delivery crew handles disconnection, removal, and proper disposal. Just confirm the haul-away is included before you finalize your purchase.

2. Professional Appliance Removal

Professional appliance removal through JunkRabbit is the fastest option when you are not buying a replacement. Our haulers handle everything: disconnection, carrying from any floor, CFC recovery, and licensed disposal.

Prices are base rates. Borough, floor, and elevator adjustments apply. Minimum order: $75.

3. Con Edison Rebate Programs

Con Edison periodically offers rebates and incentive programs for recycling old, energy-inefficient appliances. These programs typically target:

• Old refrigerators and freezers: Rebates of $50–$75 for recycling a working unit that is at least 10 years old
• Room air conditioners: Seasonal exchange programs where you can swap an old window AC for a new energy-efficient model at a discount
• Dehumidifiers: Occasional recycling rebates

Con Ed rebate programs change seasonally. Check coned.com/en/save-money or call their energy efficiency hotline for current offers. When available, these programs include free pickup of the old appliance.

4. Scrap Metal Recyclers

Appliances contain valuable metals — steel, copper, aluminum — that scrap yards will pay for. While you will not get rich (expect $5–$25 per appliance depending on current metal prices), it is a free disposal option if you can transport the appliance yourself.

Several scrap yards in the outer boroughs accept household appliances. Some may even offer free pickup for multiple large appliances, since the scrap value covers their hauling cost.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerator removal is the most complex appliance disposal due to CFC requirements. Before removal day:

• Empty all contents and defrost the freezer 24 hours in advance
• Clean the interior to prevent odors during transport
• Unplug and pull away from the wall
• Do not attempt to remove CFC refrigerant yourself — this is illegal and dangerous

Washers and Dryers

Washer and dryer removal requires disconnecting water supply lines (washer) and vent ducts (dryer). For gas dryers, the gas line must be properly capped — this should only be done by a professional. Electric dryers are simpler to disconnect.

• Turn off water supply valves before disconnecting washer hoses
• Have towels ready — residual water will drain from hoses
• For gas appliances, turn off the gas valve and have a licensed plumber cap the line

Stoves, Ovens, and Ranges

Gas stoves require the gas line to be shut off and properly capped before removal. Electric stoves need to be unplugged from the 240V outlet. In both cases, professional haulers handle the disconnection as part of the removal service.