How to get rid of a refrigerator in Louisville, KY

Louisville's Large Item Pickup does not take refrigerators or anything that contains, or once contained, Freon. Take it to the Waste Reduction Center, which accepts up to 4 Freon appliances free.

Last checked against the official Louisville Metro Public Works (Solid Waste Management) website. See sources.

Curbside
Not collected (contains Freon)
Drop-off
Waste Reduction Center, free up to 4
Hours
Tue to Fri and Sat

City pickup: not available for refrigerators

Louisville's Large Item Pickup does not collect refrigerators or other appliances that contain or once contained Freon. The City says to take them to the Waste Reduction Center.

Why

  • Refrigerators, air conditioners and other items that contain or once contained Freon are excluded from Large Item Pickup.
  • Fees apply at the Waste Reduction Center for loads over the four-item limit.
  • 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

  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue (entrance on Bland Street): up to 4 Freon appliances free. Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue (entrance on Bland Street). Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free for residents for up to 4 large household items a day. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and Christmas Day; closes at noon on the day before Thanksgiving, the Saturday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

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 pages do not say whether the refrigerant must be removed, or the doors taken off, before you bring a fridge to the Waste Reduction Center.
  • The City's pages do not list a phone line just for Large Item Pickup; use Metro311 for questions.

Common questions

Will Louisville pick up my old fridge?
No. Items that contain or once contained Freon are not accepted in Large Item Pickup.
Where can I take it?
The Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Ave (entrance on Bland St), free for up to 4 Freon appliances.
Is there a fee?
No fee for up to four; the City says fees apply to loads over the four-item limit.

Sources

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

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