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Freon Removal Before Disposal in Arizona
Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners hold refrigerant (often called Freon). Federal rules apply everywhere; city rules decide what gets picked up. Checked November 1, 2026.
City rules
| City | Fridge, freezer and AC refrigerant rule | Source (checked) |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Scheduled curbside pickup is $25 per refrigerant appliance; remove doors, hinges, lids, glass shelves and latches first. | City of Phoenix Public Works: Appliance Recycling (November 1, 2026) |
| Mesa | $11.00 Freon removal fee per appliance with refrigerant, on top of the $19.00 (Mesa trash and recycling customers) or $28.42 (non-Mesa customers) pickup fee. | City of Mesa: Appliance Recycling (November 1, 2026) |
| Chandler | $15 coolant removal fee per item. | City of Chandler Solid Waste: Bulk Pickup (November 1, 2026) |
| Glendale | $25 per Freon unit; call 623-930-2660. | City of Glendale: Bulk Trash (November 1, 2026) |
| Scottsdale | Compressor removed and Freon recovered by a certified technician before pickup. | City of Scottsdale Solid Waste: Boxes and Appliance Collection (November 1, 2026) |
| Tempe | Freon appliances are prohibited in bulk trash; the HPCC accepts them. | City of Tempe: Bulk trash and green organics collection (November 1, 2026) |
- 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.
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))
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)
Fees by city: official disposal fee table. All city rules: appliance disposal in Arizona.
FAQ
Do I need to remove the Freon before throwing out a fridge in Arizona?
It depends on the city, and several charge a Freon fee instead. Phoenix: $25 per refrigerant appliance for scheduled curbside pickup. Mesa: $19.00 plus an $11.00 Freon removal fee per appliance for Mesa trash and recycling customers, or $28.42 plus $11.00 for non-Mesa customers. Chandler: $15 per Freon or coolant appliance, on your utility bill. Glendale: $25 per Freon unit, on your water bill. Scottsdale only collects fridges and freezers after a certified technician has removed the compressor and recovered the Freon. Federally, the final disposer must make sure refrigerant is recovered. Sources: City of Phoenix, City of Mesa, City of Chandler, City of Glendale, City of Scottsdale, U.S. EPA.
Do I need a sticker to dispose of an appliance?
EPA says no sticker is required for disposal under federal rules. In Phoenix, to avoid the refrigerant fee at a transfer station, the Freon must be properly removed and a certificate of removal shown at the scale house. Sources: U.S. EPA, City of Phoenix.
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