How to Get Rid of Old Refrigerator

Your fridge is probably one of the most essential elements in your kitchen. Being used on a daily basis, it’s only natural for it to suffer from tear and wear. That’s why today we’ll teach you some great ways in how to get rid of old refrigerator.

5 Signs that You Need to Get a New Fridge

Not sure if you need to change or replace your fridge? Believe it or not, not knowing when to replace it is quite normal. That’s why we’ll teach you some telltale signs that it’s probably time for you to start looking for a new refrigerator.

Generally speaking, standard fridges can last between 10 to 18 years. However, there are cases in which you’ll need to replace it sooner than what you expect. For instance, compact fridges tend to only last between 4 to 12 years.

Additionally, there are certain actions that can wear out your fridge at a faster rate. For example, counting on a dirty or worn out gasket can cause your fridge to work harder than it should. Also, constantly opening and closing it can also take a toll on your refrigerator. That’s why it’s a good idea to give it a rest after using it.

When a fridge starts meeting the end of its line, it’s common for you to start noticing. Here are some red flags that you need to get a new fridge:

• You start seeing frost and condensation.
• There’s excessive heat when touching the back of your fridge.
• The food’s going bad way too soon.
• You can hear the motor constantly running.
• Local utility bills are risings out of the blue.

In case your fridge is presenting any of these signs, or it simply is too old, then consider getting rid of it in a responsible way. However, you should NEVER toss it to the garbage.

Why Shouldn’t You Simply Throw Away Your Fridge to the Garbage?

Although many homeowners have as a first choice to throw their fridge to the garbage, this is among the worst options anyone can go for.

First, when you get rid of your old fridge the old way, you may end up contributing to landfill waste. This waste ends up damaging, even more, the ozone layer due to the emission of greenhouse gases. For this reason, simply dumping refrigerators and freezers can be illegal in many states.

That’s why it’s encouraged to properly dispose of any household appliances. This correct disposal must abide by federal law.

Throwing your fridge the old way will also take you a lot of time. When you schedule an appointment with your local trash service, you need to do it at least two weeks in advance. That’s too much time for someone with a busy schedule.

Lastly, there’s also the chance of the trash service not taking your fridge.

Luckily, there are green alternatives that don’t take as long as tossing your fridge to the trash. Further on in this blog, we´ll show you these alternatives so you can do safe refrigerator disposal.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways in How to Get Rid of Old Refrigerator

So, if it isn’t a good idea to throw away your fridge, what should you do?

Here 4 alternative ways in how to get rid of old refrigerator:

• Take your fridge to a local scrap metal recycler
• Donate your fridge if it’s in working conditions
• See if your appliance dealer can pick it up
• Haul away your old fridge with a junk removal service

Remember that, before you take your fridge anywhere, you’ll need to do a few things beforehand.

First, remember to unplug your fridge a few hours before moving it. That way, you’ll allow it to defrost. Then, make sure that your fridge doesn’t have any food inside. Finally, you’ll want to secure any loose items that are inside your fridge, such as the shelves or other compartments. Feel free to use tape when securing these components.

Take Your Fridge to a Local Scrap Metal Recycler

First, one great way in how to get rid of old refrigerators is by taking them to a recycling facility or a state energy office. These centers tend to organize recycling programs for any large appliances.  Additionally, these programs follow the EPAs’s regulations.

When recycling your fridge, you limit the amount of landfill waste. This means less toxic fumes and other substances released to the environment! Keep in mind that recycling often involves a fee. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check if your fridge counts on an appliance disposal guide.

Donate Your Fridge If It’s in Working Conditions

Sometimes, homeowners replace their fridge not because it’s broken, but because they’re looking for a newer model. If this is your case, then your best responsible appliance disposal method is donating your fridge!

Certain local charity organizations accept refrigerators if they’re in good condition. Contact any of them and check if they will accept the donation. If you’re lucky, the organization can even offer a free pick up!

See If Your Appliance Dealer Can Pick It Up

Believe it or not, there are certain retailers and manufacturers that’ll pick up any old home appliances. In fact, if you’re buying a new fridge, it’s very likely that they will ask you if you count on an old fridge at your home. Think of it as a one-to-one trade-in program.

Nevertheless, your fridge needs to be in good shape if you want to be part of this program. Moreover, there are fees involved in this service, ranging from $10 to $50. Be sure to check the dealer’s requirements

Haul Away Your Old Fridge with a Junk Removal Service

Lastly, you can always go with the good-old option of allowing experts to handle the job. When you hire a professional junk removal company to haul away your old fridge, they take care of everything. You won’t need to worry about anything.

Junk removal companies offer you a fast solution to your problem at the best price! You can contact your go-to junk removal service and get a free quote. You can even use this opportunity to haul away any other large items, such as broken couches, mattresses, and even old TVs!

Now that you know the main steps in how to get rid of your old refrigerator, we invite you to perform a safe and ecofriendly disposal! Stay safe!