How to get rid of a refrigerator in New York City, NY

Book a free DSNY CFC removal appointment through 311 or the online form. Remove the hinges and locks, put the fridge at the curb after 6:00 PM the night before with its back facing the street, and DSNY will remove the Freon, tag it, and collect it on your next recycling day.

Last checked against the official NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) website. See sources.

Cost
Free
How
Book a CFC removal appointment via 311 or online
Watch out
R600a/R32 fridges cannot be collected

Option 1: City pickup (DSNY CFC removal appointment)

Who can use it

  • NYC residents with DSNY collection. Businesses must use private carters.

How to book

  1. Call 311 or submit DSNY's online CFC removal request. Appointments cannot be made anonymously.
  2. Up to 10 appliances can go on one appointment.

Refrigerator rules

  • You must make an appointment for refrigerators and other appliances with CFC gas. Appointments cannot be made anonymously, and up to 10 appliances can go on one appointment.
  • Remove hinges and locks from refrigerators and freezers.
  • Place it on the curb with the back facing the street after 6:00 PM the night before your appointment.
  • Only tagged appliances are collected, on your next recycling day after the CFC is removed.
  • Some newer appliances use R600a or R32 refrigerant (look for a yellow triangle with black flames). DSNY cannot collect these. It will red-tag them and leave them. Contact the manufacturer or a private carter.

Setting it out

  • Remove hinges and locks.
  • Place the fridge on the curb with the back facing the street after 6:00 PM the night before your appointment.
  • DSNY removes the CFC, attaches a tag, and collects it on your next recycling day.

Fees and limits

  • Free for residents.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

We did not find an official public drop-off site for this item. Ask a private hauler, or check the city's page listed under Sources.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStores generally want household appliances that are less than 10 years old, in good working order and complete. Rules vary by store; find yours with the ReStore locator.

Donation rules are set by each charity and can change. Call before you load up.

Common questions

Is fridge pickup free in NYC?
Yes. DSNY provides free curbside CFC removal and collection for residents.
What happens after the appointment?
DSNY staff remove the CFC and attach a tag with a six-digit number. The fridge is collected on your next recycling day.
What if my fridge has R600a refrigerant?
DSNY cannot collect it. Contact the manufacturer or a private carter.

Sources

Last checked Oct 21, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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