How to get rid of a refrigerator in Oakland, CA

Refrigerators are large-item appliances in Oakland's free bulky pickup: up to 2 per pickup for single-family homes and 1 for apartments and condos. Book at 1-888-WM-BULKY (1-888-962-8559) or online and keep the fridge separate from other items at the curb.

Last checked against the official City of Oakland (Oakland Recycles), with Waste Management of Alameda County website. See sources.

Cost
Free
Limit
2 (houses) / 1 (apartments)
How
1-888-WM-BULKY

Curbside bulky appointments are not available during the holiday tree pickup period, from the end of December to the second week of January (checked Oct 29, 2026).

Option 1: City pickup (Free Bulky Curbside Pickup and Bulky Drop Off (WM))

Who can use it

  • All Oakland households with City trash service, single-family homes and apartments, owners and renters.
  • Each household or unit can schedule one curbside pickup and one drop-off appointment.
  • Single-family homes can get a second curbside pickup after using the drop-off and the first curbside pickup (see the note below on the waiting period).

How to book

  1. Call 1-888-WM-BULKY (1-888-962-8559) or request an appointment online at OaklandRecycles.com/bulky-service.
  2. Give a valid email address to get your confirmation and set-out instructions right away; otherwise they are mailed.
  3. Single-family appointments are normally within two weeks. Apartment and condo pickups are usually scheduled in the last week of each month.

Refrigerator rules

  • Appliances: up to 2 per curbside pickup for single-family homes, 1 for apartments and condos. Keep them separate from other items.
  • Appliances are also accepted at the free Davis Street drop-off appointment.

Setting it out

  • Put items at the curb by 6 a.m. on your appointment day. Setting out more than one day early can bring a City fine.
  • Up to 4 cubic yards (about 3 x 3 x 12 feet) of furniture, carpets (rolled and taped), boxed or bagged items and remodeling debris.
  • Plus large items kept separate: single-family homes up to 2 appliances, 4 mattresses or box springs, 4 tires, 4 monitors/CPUs/TVs; apartments and condos up to 1 appliance, 2 mattresses or box springs, 2 tires, 2 monitors/CPUs/TVs.
  • Set-outs over the allowed amounts are charged a fee.

Fees and limits

  • Free: bulky drop-off and curbside pickup are included with Oakland trash service.
  • Extra charges apply for more than the allowed amounts. No hazardous or medical waste, rocks, dirt, concrete or fiberglass.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Davis Street Resource Recovery Complex, 2615 Davis Street, San Leandro: one free drop-off appointment of up to 4 cubic yards per household, booked through 1-888-WM-BULKY. Bring your confirmation and proof of Oakland residency; staff can't 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.
  • The City's Oakland Recycles pages point to StopWaste's RE:Source guide for local reuse, repair and donation options.

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

What we could not confirm

  • The Oakland Recycles pages do not say whether fridge doors must be removed or refrigerant recovered first. Check your WM confirmation instructions.
  • The waiting period for a single-family home's second curbside pickup differs: the Bulky Service page says 45 days, the 2026 flyer says 60 days after the first curbside pickup.
  • The amount of the over-limit fee is not published on the Oakland Recycles pages.

Common questions

Does Oakland pick up refrigerators?
Yes, free, as part of the bulky curbside pickup.
Can I drop it off instead?
Yes, with a free drop-off appointment at the Davis Street Resource Recovery Complex in San Leandro.

Sources

Last checked Oct 29, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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