How to get rid of a refrigerator in Memphis, TN

Put the refrigerator at the curb during your designated Bulk Collection Week, with the doors removed or sealed shut with tape. Memphis collects appliances as bulk waste twice a month.

Last checked against the official City of Memphis Division of Solid Waste Management website. See sources.

Cost
No separate fee listed
When
Your Bulk Week, twice a month
Key rule
Remove the doors or tape them shut

Option 1: City pickup (Outside-the-cart bulk collection (Bulk Weeks))

Who can use it

  • For City of Memphis residential solid waste customers. The City does not serve other municipalities or unincorporated Shelby County.

How to book

  1. No appointment. Find your Bulk Weeks in the Memphis Curbside Collection app or on the City's Solid Waste page.
  2. The City asks you to call 311 (901-636-6500) so crews know items are at the curb and ready for pickup.
  3. Collection days can shift for holidays or bad weather; check online or call 311.

Refrigerator rules

  • The City's Clean City Guide says residents can put appliances out for Bulk Week pickup, and to secure refrigerators by removing the doors or sealing them with tape.
  • Place it within 3 feet of the street, clear of mailboxes, cars and power lines.

Setting it out

  • Place bulky item piles within 3 feet of the street.
  • Keep piles away from mailboxes, parked cars, power lines, fences, trees and low-hanging limbs.
  • Keep tree limbs and yard waste in a separate pile from furniture, mattresses and other bulky household waste.
  • Do not put material out after crews have passed your house.
  • Secure items such as refrigerators by removing the doors or sealing them with tape.

Fees and limits

  • Bulk collection is part of City solid waste service; the City lists no separate per-item fee.
  • No fee is listed for the Convenience Centers for residents.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • The Convenience Centers take bulk waste; the City pages do not say whether they accept refrigerators.
  • Solid Waste Convenience Centers: 304 Collins Street, Memphis, TN 38112, and 3207 Farrisview Blvd, Memphis, TN 38118. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.
  • Bring your latest MLGW bill and a photo ID.
  • Solid waste fee-paying customers can also take one truckload of non-hazardous waste a month to a landfill: Republic Services North Shelby Landfill (7111 Old Millington Rd, Millington) or South Shelby Landfill (5494 Malone Rd, Memphis).

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 pages do not say whether refrigerant must be removed before pickup, or whether the Convenience Centers accept refrigerators. Call 311.
  • City pages give different pile limits: the Household Garbage page says bulky piles must not exceed 10 cubic yards, while the 2025 Clean City Guide says bulky piles are limited to half a cubic yard. Call 311 if you have a large load.

Common questions

Does Memphis pick up old refrigerators?
Yes. Appliances go out as bulk waste during your Bulk Collection Week.
Do I need to take the doors off?
Remove the doors or seal them shut with tape, the City says.
Is there a fee?
The City lists no separate fee for bulk collection.

Sources

Last checked Oct 22, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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