How to get rid of a refrigerator in Long Beach, CA

Refrigerators go out as a Special Collection in Long Beach: schedule online or at (562) 570-2876 and say it's an appliance. Remove the doors or duct-tape them shut, and keep it apart from other items, since a separate truck collects appliances. A special-handling fee may apply.

Last checked against the official City of Long Beach Energy and Environmental Services, Long Beach Recycles website. See sources.

Pickup
Special Collection
Fee
Regulatory fee may apply
Prep
Remove or tape doors

Option 1: City pickup (Special Collection (12 free per year))

Who can use it

  • City-serviced refuse accounts.

How to book

  1. Submit a Special Collection Request or call the Call Center at (562) 570-2876.
  2. Tell the City when scheduling if you have an oversized item (such as a sofa) or appliances, TVs, monitors or tires.

Refrigerator rules

  • Refrigerators and freezers must have doors removed or taped shut.
  • Appliances are collected by a separate truck; keep them apart from other items.

Setting it out

  • Place items at your regular weekly collection location by 6 a.m. on your confirmed pickup day. Do not set items out before your scheduled day.
  • Up to 8 large items or 25 bags, bundles or boxes per pickup. You may use two free pickups on the same day.
  • Items may not exceed 72 x 48 inches unless you flag them as oversized. Bundles max 48 inches and 40 pounds; bags max 25 pounds.
  • Keep appliances, TVs, monitors and tires separate; a separate truck collects them. Wrap large glass. Crews cannot enter private property.

Fees and limits

  • 12 Special Collections per calendar year at no additional cost.
  • A regulatory fee may apply for items requiring special handling (appliances, TVs, monitors, tires).

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • 24/7 Mattress Drop-Off, 970 W. Chester Place: free for Long Beach residents, mattresses and box springs only, no staff on site to help unload.

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 amount of the special-handling regulatory fee for appliances is not on the Special Collection page.
  • The City's Special Collection page does not state the amount of the special-handling regulatory fee; it points to the City's Fees and Charges schedule.

Common questions

Is fridge pickup free in Long Beach?
It uses one of your 12 free Special Collections, but a regulatory fee may apply for special handling.
Do I need to remove the doors?
Yes, remove them or duct-tape them shut.

Sources

Last checked Oct 28, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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