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Freon Removal Before Disposal in Texas
Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners hold refrigerant (often called Freon). Federal rules apply everywhere; city rules decide what gets picked up. Checked October 31 and November 1, 2026.
City rules
| City | Fridge, freezer and AC refrigerant rule | Source (checked) |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | Fridge or freezer at the curb needs a certified technician's tag showing refrigerant removal. | City of Houston Solid Waste Management: Heavy Trash (November 1, 2026) |
| Dallas | No household appliances that contain coolant at the curb, including air conditioners and refrigerators. | City of Dallas Sanitation: Brush and Bulky Item Collection (November 1, 2026) |
| Dallas | McCommas Bluff Landfill accepts appliances with refrigerants removed, if applicable. | City of Dallas Sanitation: McCommas Bluff Landfill (November 1, 2026) |
| Fort Worth | Drop-Off Stations take fridges and ACs; the City says Freon does not need to be removed. | City of Fort Worth Environmental Services: Drop-Off Stations (October 31, 2026) |
| Corpus Christi | The City guide says: "Remove freon from appliances." | City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Services: Solid Waste Services Guide (PDF) (November 1, 2026) |
| Lubbock | Citizen Convenience Stations take empty fridges; City staff remove Freon. | City of Lubbock: Solid Waste: Citizen Convenience Stations and Landfill (November 1, 2026) |
| San Antonio | The City pages do not mention refrigerant. | City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management: Curbside Brush and Bulky Item Collection (November 1, 2026) |
| Arlington | Curb appliances with Freon need a certificate showing it was properly removed. | City of Arlington: Residential Curbside Collections (November 1, 2026) |
| Plano | Freon items must go through Special Paid Collection, which adds an environmental fee. Call 972-769-4150 for the current fee. | City of Plano: Bulky Waste Special Paid Collection (November 1, 2026) |
Federal rules (EPA)
- 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 dispose of a fridge or freezer, EPA suggests checking with your electric utility for a rebate or bounty (appliance turn-in) program, and with your city. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
- People recovering refrigerant from small appliances (five pounds or less of refrigerant) in the waste stream do not need Clean Air Act section 608 certification. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
- Hazardous parts such as PCBs, mercury and compressor oil must be removed from appliances before disposal. (U.S. EPA: Appliance Disposal (Section 608))
Fees by city: official disposal fee table. All city rules: appliance disposal in Texas.
FAQ
Do I need to remove the Freon before throwing out a fridge in Texas?
It depends on the city. Houston heavy trash takes a fridge or freezer only with a certified technician's tag showing the refrigerant has been removed. Dallas does not take household appliances that contain coolant at the curb; McCommas Bluff Landfill accepts appliances with refrigerants removed, if applicable. Arlington curb pickup needs a certificate showing the Freon was properly removed. Federally, the final disposer must make sure refrigerant is recovered. Sources: City of Houston, City of Dallas Sanitation, City of Arlington, U.S. EPA.
Do I need a sticker to dispose of an appliance?
EPA says no sticker is required for disposal under federal rules. Some Texas cities ask for more: Houston heavy trash needs a certified technician's tag on a fridge or freezer, and Arlington curb pickup needs a certificate showing the Freon was removed. Sources: U.S. EPA, City of Houston, City of Arlington.
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