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Appliance Disposal in Houston, TX: Fridge Pickup and Rules
How to get rid of an old fridge, freezer, washer, dryer or range in Houston, from official city pages checked October 31 and November 1, 2026. Houston population: 2,397,315 (U.S. Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025).
City rules and fees
- Heavy trash curbside collection takes stoves, washers, dryers and water heaters. (City of Houston Solid Waste Management: Heavy Trash)
- Refrigerators and freezers go out with heavy trash only with a certified technician's tag showing the refrigerant has been removed. (City of Houston Solid Waste Management: Heavy Trash)
- Volume limit: 8 cubic yards per set-out. Homes with City curbside service get six heavy trash collections per calendar year. (City of Houston Solid Waste Management: Heavy Trash)
- Residential Drop-Off Centers take household appliances (stoves, washers, dryers) and refrigerators with a tag showing Freon removal. Houstonians may use them up to four times per month. (City of Houston Solid Waste Management: Residential Drop-Off Centers)
- City rules can be stricter than the federal rule: EPA says no sticker is required for disposal, but Houston heavy trash still needs the certified technician's tag on a fridge or freezer. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
Federal refrigerant rule
- 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 haul it
- Empty fridges and freezers completely.
- Check whether the program wants fridge or freezer doors removed, taped shut or left on. Rules differ by city; some reject taped doors.
- Unplug the appliance. On a gas range or dryer, have the gas line shut off and capped by a qualified person before moving it.
- Call ahead: fees and rules change, and the official pages are the final word.
Other cities
Texas repair shops
Partner shops coming soon. No Texas repair shop is listed on this site yet. Shops will only be shown as partners after they agree in writing. Until then, ask any shop you call whether it works on your appliance and brand, and check reviews from more than one source.
FAQ
Does Houston pick up old refrigerators?
Only with heavy trash, and only if a certified technician's tag shows the refrigerant has been removed. Source: City of Houston Solid Waste Management.
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