Local disposal guide
How to Dispose of a Fridge or Freezer in Calgary
A fridge or freezer cannot go in your cart or at the curb, and the refrigerant inside needs proper handling. Here are your real options in Calgary, Eco Centre, scrap recycler, or retailer take-back, and the easiest way to just have it gone.
- Free estimates
- We do the lifting
- Responsible recycling
Start here
Why a Fridge Is Not a Curbside Item
The City of Calgary does not collect fridges, freezers, or water coolers in your carts, and they are far too heavy for a normal dump run. They also contain refrigerant, freon, which has to be handled properly by law, so a cooling appliance cannot simply be thrown out. Here are the routes that work in Calgary.
Your options
Four Ways to Get Rid of a Fridge in Calgary
Recycle it at a City Eco Centre
City Eco Centres accept fridges and freezers for recycling. Charges apply, including a refrigerant (freon) removal surcharge that applies even if the refrigerant has already been taken out. You handle the transport and loading.
Take it to a scrap metal recycler
A fridge is mostly steel, so Calgary scrap-metal recyclers may take one, some charge a fee, some accept it for free. Call ahead to confirm what they accept and whether the refrigerant needs handling first.
Ask the retailer to haul the old one
When a new fridge is delivered, many retailers will take your old one away at the same time. Ask about take-back when you buy, it is often the simplest option if you are replacing it.
Donate it (if it still works)
A clean, working fridge or freezer in good shape can sometimes be donated. Call the charity first, as each has its own condition and age rules and many cannot take older units.
The easy way
Or Skip the Freon Fee and the Heavy Lift
Every option above means moving a fridge, often up a flight of basement stairs, into a vehicle and driving it across the city, then sorting out the refrigerant surcharge yourself. If you would rather not, that is what we do. Appliance removal means we carry the fridge, freezer, or water cooler out from wherever it sits and take it to responsible recycling, refrigerant handling included. You never touch it.
It is easy to add to a larger cleanout, and there is no separate disposal fee to sort out afterward. Text a photo to 587-330-5500 for a free, no-obligation price.
Common questions
Fridge Disposal Questions
Can I put a fridge in my cart or at the curb in Calgary?
No. The City of Calgary does not collect fridges, freezers, or water coolers in any residential cart. A cooling appliance has to go to a City Eco Centre, a scrap metal recycler, or a retailer take-back, or you can have us remove it for you.
Why is there a freon or refrigerant fee?
Fridges and freezers contain refrigerant that must be handled properly by law. City Eco Centres charge a refrigerant removal surcharge, and it applies even if the refrigerant has already been taken out. When we remove the appliance, the disposal is part of your quote, no separate fee to sort out.
Do I have to remove the refrigerant myself?
No. Refrigerant handling is specialized work, leave it to the recycler or to us. Just let us know it is a fridge, freezer, or water cooler so we handle it correctly.
Will you take a fridge from the basement?
Yes. We remove fridges, freezers, and water coolers from wherever they sit, including basements, garages, and up or down stairs. We do the lifting.
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