How to get rid of a refrigerator in Baltimore, MD

Schedule it through 311 at least 4 working days before your monthly bulk Saturday and set it out by 7 a.m., marked "bulk collection". Appliances are on Baltimore's accepted bulk list, and the Residential Drop-Off Centers take appliances free.

Last checked against the official Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed
When
Your monthly bulk Saturday
Drop-off
Appliances free at Drop-Off Centers

The Western (Reedbird) Residential Drop-Off Center is open Saturdays only (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) during a facility modernization project.

Option 1: City pickup (Monthly bulk trash pickup (call 311 to schedule))

Who can use it

  • For City of Baltimore residents; up to 3 bulk items each month.
  • Drop-off centers are for Baltimore City residents with valid ID.

How to book

  1. Call 311 (outside the City: 443-263-2220) or use 311 Online to find your bulk Saturday and get on the schedule.
  2. Give your address, phone number and the 3 items you want picked up.
  3. Call 4 or more working days before your scheduled Saturday.

Refrigerator rules

  • Appliances are listed as accepted bulk items; a refrigerator counts toward the 3-item monthly limit.
  • Under federal EPA rules, refrigerant must be recovered before final disposal.

Setting it out

  • Mark every item "bulk collection" and place it where your regular trash is picked up.
  • Set items out by 7 a.m. on pickup day and keep pets indoors.
  • Rear pickup: leave items at the end of the yard with the gate unlocked.
  • Not accepted: building materials (sheetrock, siding, wood pieces, roofing), auto parts, paint or stain, and flammable or hazardous waste.

Fees and limits

  • The City lists no fee for bulk trash pickup.
  • Residential Drop-Off Centers are free for City residents. Since Nov 1, 2025, a $135-per-ton fee applies to residents and haulers disposing of non-hazardous solid waste at the Quarantine Road Landfill itself.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • The City's drop-off guide lists appliances as accepted, free for City residents with ID.
  • Residential Drop-Off Centers (free for City residents with ID; furniture, other bulk items and appliances accepted): Eastern, 6101 Bowley's Lane, Mon to Sat 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sisson Street, 2840 Sisson St, Mon to Sat 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Northwest Transfer Station, 5030 Reisterstown Road, Mon to Sat 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Quarantine Road, 6100 Quarantine Road, Mon to Sat 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Western (Reedbird), 701 Reedbird Ave, Saturday only, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., during a modernization project.
  • Residents (not small haulers) are limited to 2 loads a day and 5 a week, in a car, unmodified van or minivan, or an unmodified pickup no larger than 3/4 ton.

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.

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

What we could not confirm

  • The City's bulk page does not say whether refrigerator doors must be removed or whether refrigerant must be drained before pickup. Ask 311 when you schedule.
  • The City does not publish a date-by-date bulk calendar; call 311 to learn your bulk Saturday.

Common questions

Does Baltimore pick up refrigerators?
Yes. Appliances are accepted bulk items on your scheduled monthly Saturday.
Do I need to remove the doors?
The City's page does not say. Ask 311 when you schedule; removing doors is a common child-safety step.
Is there a fee?
The City lists no fee for bulk pickup, and drop-off of appliances is free for residents.

Sources

Last checked Oct 23, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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