How to get rid of a refrigerator in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta's scheduled bulk collection takes household appliances, including refrigerators. Schedule it, then set the fridge at the curb in front of your home after 7 p.m. the night before your regular collection day.

Last checked against the official City of Atlanta Department of Public Works, Office of Solid Waste Services website. See sources.

Cost
Free (12 a year)
How
Collection Tool or ATL311, 404-546-0311
When
Your regular collection day

Option 1: City pickup (Scheduled bulk waste collection (12 free per year))

Who can use it

  • Single-family residential customers with City solid waste service. Only the resident at the address can schedule.
  • Not for evictions, vacant properties, rental-property cleanouts, business waste or contractor debris.

How to book

  1. Schedule with the City's Solid Waste Services Collection Tool (linked from the Bulk Waste Collection page), message @ATL311 on Facebook, X or Instagram, or call ATL311 at 404-546-0311.
  2. Since February 16, 2026, bulk collections are scheduled on your regular weekly collection day. If you give an email address, you get a confirmation showing your date.

Refrigerator rules

  • Refrigerators are listed among approved household appliances (white goods).
  • Under federal EPA rules, refrigerant must be recovered before final disposal.

Setting it out

  • Place items neatly at the curb in front of the property after 7 p.m. the day before collection.
  • Keep bulk items at least 6 feet from trash and recycling carts and yard trimmings.
  • Do not place items in the street, on the sidewalk, under low-hanging wires, or near mailboxes, fences, utility meters or fire hydrants.
  • One collection is up to 8 cubic yards (about a small room of furniture); more counts as an additional collection.
  • Not accepted: building materials, electronics and TVs, household hazardous waste, tires and auto parts, metal drums, pressurized gas cylinders, explosives.

Fees and limits

  • Up to 12 scheduled bulk collections per year are free.
  • Beyond 12 a year, ATL311 lists a fee of $336.38. A scheduled collection where nothing is out front still counts toward the 12.
  • Improperly set-out bulk can bring a Notice of Violation and, for repeat problems, citations up to $1,000 per offense.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

We did not find an official public drop-off site for this item. Ask a private hauler, or check the city's page listed under Sources.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity's national guidance: appliances should be less than 10 years old, in good working order, with all parts. Check with your local ReStore first.
  • When you buy a new refrigerator, ask the retailer whether haul-away of the old unit is offered.

Donation rules are set by each charity and can change. Call before you load up.

What we could not confirm

  • The City's pages do not say whether the fridge must be emptied, or the doors removed or taped, before collection.

Common questions

Will Atlanta pick up my old fridge?
Yes, through scheduled bulk collection for single-family residential customers.
Is there a fee?
No, for up to 12 scheduled bulk collections a year. ATL311 lists $336.38 beyond that.
Can I put it out early?
No. Set it out after 7 p.m. the day before collection.

Sources

Last checked Oct 27, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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