How to get rid of a refrigerator in Fresno, CA

Fresno's One-Time Bulky Item Pickup and Operation Clean Up do not take refrigerators or freezers. Fresno County's appliance guide says to use a Certified Appliance Recycler and lists SA Recycling, 3489 S. Chestnut Ave., as taking large appliances with or without freon.

Last checked against the official City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities, Solid Waste Management Division website. See sources.

Curbside
Not collected
Drop-off
Certified appliance recycler
Retailer
Ask about haul-away

The last Fall 2026 Free Dump Event at CARTS is Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, 2026, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

City pickup: not available for refrigerators

Fresno does not collect refrigerators or freezers in its One-Time Bulky Item Pickup or Operation Clean Up. Use a certified appliance recycler or retailer haul-away.

Why

  • Refrigerators and freezers are on the City's not-accepted list for bulky item pickup and Operation Clean Up.
  • California law bars landfills and scrap dealers from accepting discarded appliances without a Certificate of Recycling from a Certified Appliance Recycler.
  • Under federal EPA rules, refrigerant must be recovered before final disposal.

Skip to your real options: drop it off, donate it, or have it hauled away (below).

Option 1: Drop it off yourself

  • Fresno County's Special Handling list names SA Recycling, 3489 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, for large appliances with or without freon. Call first.
  • CARTS (3457 S. Cedar Ave.) is listed by the County for large appliances without freon only.

Option 2: 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 Free Dump Event list includes "appliances" but does not say whether refrigerators or freezers with refrigerant are taken. Call 311 before bringing one.
  • The City's pages do not list the Special Haul price; it is in the Master Fee Schedule. Call (559) 621-6888.

Common questions

Will Fresno pick up my old fridge?
No. Refrigerators and freezers are not accepted in the One-Time Bulky Item Pickup or Operation Clean Up.
Where can I take a fridge with freon?
Fresno County lists SA Recycling, 3489 S. Chestnut Ave., for large appliances with or without freon.
Why can't I take it to the dump?
California requires a Certificate of Recycling from a Certified Appliance Recycler before a landfill or scrap dealer can accept a discarded appliance.

Sources

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

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