How to get rid of a refrigerator in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee does not pick up refrigerators at the curb. Appliances are not bulky waste; take the fridge to the North Side or South Side Drop Off Center, where appliances are recycled.

Last checked Oct 23, 2026 against the official City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Sanitation Services website. See sources.

Curbside: Not collected (appliance)
Drop-off: North or South Drop Off Center
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Drop Off Center summer hours (Tuesday to Sunday) end November 28, 2026; winter hours have been Tuesday to Saturday. Eastbound Lincoln Ave is closed from 43rd to 35th St, so reach the South Side center westbound from S. 35th St.

City pickup: not available for refrigerators

Milwaukee does not collect refrigerators or other appliances curbside. The City says to take them to a Drop Off Center.

Why

The City says appliances are not bulky waste and must go to a Drop Off Center.
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

Appliances are on the Drop Off Centers' recycled-items list. Bring a current photo ID.
North Side Drop Off Center, 6660 Industrial Road, and South Side Drop Off Center, 3879 W. Lincoln Avenue. For City of Milwaukee residents and property owners with a current photo ID. 2026 summer hours (April 12 to November 28): Tuesday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winter hours (last posted for Nov 30, 2025 to Apr 11, 2026): Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed City holidays, including Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday.
Not allowed: box trucks or trailers over 16 feet, dump trucks, flatbeds, semis and utility trucks.

Option 2: Donate or give it away

The City's donation page lists the Salvation Army, which accepts appliances and offers free pickup.
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 Drop Off Center page does not say whether a refrigerator is charged by load size or free as scrap metal, or whether refrigerant must be removed first. Call 414-286-CITY (2489) before you go.
The City has not yet posted its winter 2026-27 Drop Off Center dates; the winter schedule shown is last season's.

Common questions

Will Milwaukee pick up my old fridge?

No. Appliances are not collected curbside; take them to a Drop Off Center.

Where are the Drop Off Centers?

6660 Industrial Road (north) and 3879 W. Lincoln Avenue (south).

Is there a fee?

The City's page does not make clear whether appliances are charged; call 414-286-CITY before you go.

Sources

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