How to Get Rid of Old Appliances in Orange County

Refrigerators, washers, dryers and stoves don’t last forever. When it’s time to replace one, however, you can’t just put the old unit in the trash. Appliances are heavy, bulky and often contain materials that need special handling. So if you’re wondering how to get rid of old appliances in Orange County, here are your options and what to know about each.

Why Appliances Need Special Handling

Many major appliances contain materials that can harm people or the environment if they’re crushed or dumped. For example, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners contain refrigerants, and some older appliances contain mercury switches or other hazardous components.

In California, those materials must be removed before an appliance is crushed or shredded for scrap. According to the Department of Toxic Substances Control, people who remove them must be certified under the Certified Appliance Recycler program. That’s one reason to make sure your old appliance goes to the right place.

Option 1: Retailer Haul-Away

If you’re buying a new appliance, ask the store about hauling away the old one. Many retailers offer this at delivery, sometimes for a small fee. It’s convenient, but there’s a catch: the old unit usually needs to be disconnected, emptied and ready to go when the new one arrives.

Option 2: Your City’s Bulky Item Pickup

Most Orange County cities include free bulky item pickups with residential trash service, and appliances generally qualify. Nevertheless, the rules vary by city. Some limit the number of items or pickups each year, and you’ll typically have to move the appliance to the curb yourself.

Option 3: Donate Working Appliances

If the appliance still works well and is fairly new, it may be accepted by a thrift store, a home improvement reuse store or a community organization. Before you haul it anywhere, though, call ahead, since many donation centers have strict rules about appliance age and condition.

Option 4: Sell It

Newer, working appliances can sell online, especially popular brands. On the other hand, older or broken units rarely attract buyers, and coordinating pickups with strangers can take time.

Option 5: Take It to a Recycler

Scrap metal recyclers and some transfer stations accept appliances. However, you’ll need a truck, a helper and a way to lift a heavy unit. Additionally, some facilities charge fees for refrigerant-containing appliances.

Option 6: Hire a Junk Removal Company

For many people, the easiest way to get rid of old appliances is to hire a junk removal crew. They carry the unit out of your home, even from a garage, laundry room or upstairs, and take it to a facility that handles recycling properly. Plus, you can clear other junk in the same trip.

How to Prepare an Appliance for Removal

• Unplug it ahead of time, and let freezers defrost
• Empty it completely, including food, detergent and lint
• Turn off water and gas. Have a professional disconnect gas lines if you’re unsure
• Drain washers and dishwashers to prevent leaks
• Clear a path from the appliance to the door

Don’t Leave Appliances on the Curb

Putting an old fridge or washer on the street without a scheduled pickup can be considered illegal dumping. In addition, abandoned refrigerators can be dangerous for children if the doors aren’t removed. So always schedule proper pickup or disposal.

Choosing the Best Option

If you’re buying new, retailer haul-away is often simplest. If you have time and the unit fits the rules, your city’s bulky pickup is free. And if you want it gone quickly without lifting anything, a junk removal service is usually the fastest way to get rid of old appliances.