Appliance removal costs the average U.S. homeowner $100. Costs may range between $60 and $180, depending on the type and size of the appliance, additional disposal fees, and other costs.
When it’s time to get rid of your old appliances, you can expect to pay an average of $100, with costs commonly ranging from $60 to $180. Disposing of old appliances, especially large ones, can pose logistical challenges for homeowners. Plus, local regulations often dictate where and how appliances can be disposed of.
Call an appliance removal company to haul away your old appliances safely and responsibly. This way, you can avoid the hassle and risk of moving a heavy appliance on your own.
The cost to remove an appliance depends on several factors. Since appliances often can’t be put in a dumpster rental, you’ll likely need to hire someone to remove and dispose of your old appliance. A local appliance removal company can give you a quote based on the type and size of the appliance, additional disposal fees, and where they’re removing the appliance from.
Different types of appliances have different removal costs. Some removal companies charge a flat fee depending on the type of appliance, while others will have a price range for each type.
| Appliance Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $50–$150 |
| Air conditioner | $50–$100 |
| Oven | $75–$150 |
| Washer or dryer | $100–$250 |
| Water heater | $100–$250 |
On average, it will cost more to have a large appliance removed than a small one. Larger appliances often require special equipment to remove or additional workers to maneuver them out of your house. If the appliance removal company doesn’t charge a flat fee by appliance type, they’ll likely charge by weight, so a heavier appliance will cost more to haul away.
Some appliances, like air conditioners, refrigerators, or microwaves, may cost extra to remove due to environmental disposal fees. The fees are often included in the removal price for certain appliances, but if the company charges by weight instead of appliance type, you may have to pay an additional charge.
Appliances that are difficult to access may cost more to remove. Washers and dryers that have to be carried up narrow basement stairs or extra-large appliances that don’t easily fit through your home’s doorways can incur extra labor costs. Let the appliance removal company know in advance if your appliance is in a hard-to-reach area.
If you’re disposing of your water heater, gas oven, dryer, or dishwasher, a plumber or electrician may need to disconnect the appliance before you can safely have it removed. These pros may charge a flat service fee to disconnect your appliance, and removal companies won’t take an appliance that hasn’t been safely disconnected before they arrive.
| Type of Connection | Average Cost to Disconnect |
|---|---|
| Electric | $50–$100 |
| Gas | $50–$100 |
| Water | $60–$140 |
Consider tipping the appliance removal workers $10 to $20 each. While this isn’t a mandatory cost, it’s a good way to show appreciation for exceptional work, particularly for jobs that require extra time, heavy lifting, or hard-to-reach areas.
If you have a truck or other vehicle that can accommodate your old appliance and someone to lend an extra set of hands to help move it, you can bring it to the appropriate recycling station yourself. Expect to pay any disposal fees the facility charges, which can average between $10 and $50, depending on the item.
Hiring an appliance removal company to dispose of a refrigerator, oven, washer, or dryer is a great option if you don’t have a way to transport the appliance or it’s too big or heavy to move on your own. An appliance removal company will have a trained and insured team who’ll make sure your item is disposed of according to local guidelines. Hiring a pro will save you the time, hassle, and physical labor involved with getting rid of heavy, difficult-to-move appliances.
You can't just throw anything into a dumpster rental. Fluorescent light bulbs, paint, tires, household cleaners, and food waste are just a few commonly prohibited items. Ask dumpster rental companies what you can and can't throw into their dumpsters before renting.
Appliance removal companies often offer other junk removal services, so while they’re hauling away your old appliances, you may want to get rid of other large or hazardous items you no longer want.
| Item Type | Average Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| Mattresses | $75–$150 |
| Electronics | $10–$100 |
| Furniture | $75–$150 |
| Construction debris | $100–$800 |
| Paint cans | $5–$10 |
Disposing of old appliances can be a strain on your budget, but there are some wallet-friendly ways to remove old appliances for less.
If you’re replacing your old appliance with a new one, purchase the new appliance from a retailer that offers free or low-cost removal. Many stores include removal and disposal of your old appliance when you purchase a new one, so check the fine print when it comes time to buy.
In some areas, your municipality or private trash collection service may offer free or minimal-fee appliance disposal. You’ll have to set your appliance out for pickup, though, so removing and transporting it from your house to the curb will be a DIY job.
When you hire a removal company for one appliance, it may be less expensive to add additional appliances than to dispose of them all separately. If you have room to store appliances you no longer use, waiting until you have more than one to get rid of could be cost-effective.
If your appliance is still in working condition, consider donating it. Some nonprofits will pick up your old appliance free of charge, although you’ll probably need to get it outside for pickup first. Depending on the organization, you may even be able to write off your donation on your taxes, so remember to get a receipt.
A scrap collector can take your old appliance for free. Scrap collectors sell the metal and your appliance’s other components and will often pick the appliance up from you. You’ll likely need to put your appliance out on the curb for them to take it—call a collector to find out the exact process.
While smaller appliances might fit in your trash bin, many municipalities and private waste collection companies prohibit throwing them away with your regular trash. Contact your trash collection service to learn how to dispose of old appliances properly. Some companies will pick your items up curbside for no charge or a minimal fee.
