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Appliance Disposal in Arizona: Fridges, Washers and More
How to get rid of an old fridge, freezer, washer, dryer or range in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, plus the state and federal rules. Every rule comes from the official page linked next to it, checked October 31, 2026 or November 1, 2026.
Cities at a glance
| City | Fridge or freezer rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $25 per refrigerant appliance, billed on your city services bill. Remove the doors first. Or drop off one refrigerant appliance a year free at a City transfer station. | City of Phoenix Public Works: Bulk Trash; City of Phoenix Public Works: Appliance Recycling |
| Tucson | Yes, in the twice-a-year Brush and Bulky collection. Remove the doors first. | City of Tucson Environmental and General Services: Brush and Bulky |
| Mesa | $19.00 plus an $11.00 Freon removal fee for Mesa trash and recycling customers ($28.42 plus $11.00 for non-Mesa customers). Drop-off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility is free for residents, two per day. | City of Mesa: Appliance Recycling |
| Chandler | $15 per refrigerator, freezer or other coolant appliance, added to your utility bill. Bulk pickups are free up to four a year combined with collection center visits, then $43 each. Call 480-782-3510. | City of Chandler Solid Waste: Bulk Pickup |
| Gilbert | Call (480) 503-6400 to schedule an appliance pickup, up to two appliances: $16 during your bulk trash week or $85 outside it. Fridges are not taken in regular bulk trash. | Town of Gilbert Public Works: Bulk Trash |
| Glendale | $25 per refrigerator or other Freon unit, added to your water bill. Call 623-930-2660 to schedule the special crew. | City of Glendale: Bulk Trash |
| Scottsdale | Yes, on the last Thursday of the month for City solid waste customers, but only after a certified technician has removed the compressor and recovered the Freon, and with the doors removed. | City of Scottsdale Solid Waste: Boxes and Appliance Collection |
| Tempe | Not in bulk trash: Freon appliances are prohibited there. Take it to the Household Products Collection Center with a utility bill or driver's license. | City of Tempe: Bulk trash and green organics collection; City of Tempe: Items accepted for disposal at the HPCC |
- Scottsdale's appliance page says fridges and freezers are not collected unless a certified technician has recovered the Freon, "in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes 36-1651". (City of Scottsdale Solid Waste: Boxes and Appliance Collection, checked November 1, 2026)
- The text of A.R.S. 36-1651 that we read covers removing the doors, hinges, lids or latches of an unused refrigerator or freezer left where children can reach it. We found no Freon rule in it. (Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 36-1651, Abandoned refrigerators, checked October 31, 2026)
Who to call: The City rule is what decides whether your fridge gets picked up, so follow it. Call Scottsdale Solid Waste at 480-312-5600 with questions.
Freon and refrigerant rules by city: Freon removal in Arizona.
Arizona state rules
- Arizona law makes it a class 3 misdemeanor to leave a refrigerator, freezer or similar container (1.5 cubic feet or more) that is no longer used, in a place children can reach, without removing the doors, hinges, lids or latches. (Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 36-1651, Abandoned refrigerators)
Federal rules (EPA)
- The final disposer of an appliance is responsible for making sure any refrigerant in it is recovered. If someone else recovered it first, EPA requires a signed statement with that person's name and address and the date of recovery. EPA says no sticker is required for disposal. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
- Before you dispose of a fridge or freezer, EPA suggests checking with your electric utility for a rebate or bounty (appliance turn-in) program, and with your city. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
- People recovering refrigerant from small appliances (five pounds or less of refrigerant) in the waste stream do not need Clean Air Act section 608 certification. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
- Hazardous parts such as PCBs, mercury and compressor oil must be removed from appliances before disposal. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
Before you haul it
- Empty fridges and freezers completely.
- Check whether the program wants fridge or freezer doors removed, taped shut or left on. Rules differ by city; some reject taped doors.
- Unplug the appliance. On a gas range or dryer, have the gas line shut off and capped by a qualified person before moving it.
- Call ahead: fees and rules change, and the official pages are the final word.
Other cities and counties in Arizona run their own programs. This guide covers only the programs we could check on an official page. Ask your city or trash hauler before you set an appliance out.
Replacing it? Check Arizona appliance rebates first.
Arizona repair shops
FAQ
How much does Phoenix charge to pick up a fridge?
$25 per refrigerant appliance, billed on your city services bill. Remove the doors first. Or drop off one refrigerant appliance a year free at a City transfer station. Source: City of Phoenix.
Does Tucson pick up old refrigerators?
Yes, in the twice-a-year Brush and Bulky collection. Remove the doors first. Source: City of Tucson.
How much does Mesa charge for fridge pickup?
$19.00 plus an $11.00 Freon removal fee for Mesa trash and recycling customers ($28.42 plus $11.00 for non-Mesa customers). Drop-off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility is free for residents, two per day. Source: City of Mesa.
How much does Chandler charge to pick up a fridge?
$15 per refrigerator, freezer or other coolant appliance, added to your utility bill. Bulk pickups are free up to four a year combined with collection center visits, then $43 each. Call 480-782-3510. Source: City of Chandler.
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