How to get rid of a refrigerator in Philadelphia, PA

Refrigerators are not taken with regular trash in Philadelphia. Book a free Bulk Collection appointment (refrigerator doors must be removed), or take it to a Sanitation Convenience Center, which accepts items containing refrigerants, two per day.

Last checked against the official City of Philadelphia Department of Sanitation website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed
How
Bulk Collection appointment (online or 311)
Key rule
Remove the doors; empty it

Seasonal set-out times: from October 1 to March 31, set trash out between 5 p.m. the night before and 7 a.m. on collection day (Center City: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.). From April 1 the evening start moves to 7 p.m. (Center City 8 p.m.).

Option 1: City pickup (Bulk Collection appointment)

Who can use it

  • Residential households, including multi-family properties with up to six units.

How to book

  1. Book at bulkcollection.phila.gov or through 311. Appointments are first-come, first-served, up to one month ahead. New dates open after midnight each day.
  2. Up to four bulk items per appointment, and one appointment per household per week.
  3. You get an email with a 4-letter Pickup Code.

Refrigerator rules

  • Refrigerators go through the Bulk Collection program and must be empty with the doors removed.
  • Label it with your 4-letter Pickup Code.
  • Up to four bulk items per appointment.

Setting it out

  • Set out the evening before: no earlier than 5 p.m. in fall and winter, 7 p.m. in spring and summer. Have it out by 7 a.m.
  • Label it with your Pickup Code.

Fees and limits

  • The City's pages do not list a fee for Bulk Collection appointments.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Sanitation Convenience Centers accept large metal household items and items containing refrigerants, up to two a day.
  • Sanitation Convenience Centers (six locations) are open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed City holidays. Bring proof you live in Philadelphia.
  • Oversized items once a week; bulk items, large metal items or appliances, including items with refrigerants, limited to two a day. Unwrapped mattresses and box springs are accepted.
  • Vehicles must weigh less than 6,000 pounds total. No construction debris or commercial loads.

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.

What we could not confirm

  • We did not list Convenience Center addresses because the City's service page shows them only on an interactive map. Use the City's locator.

Common questions

How do I get rid of a fridge in Philadelphia?
Schedule a Bulk Collection appointment at bulkcollection.phila.gov or through 311, or drop it at a Sanitation Convenience Center.
Do I have to remove the doors?
Yes. The City says refrigerator doors must be removed.
What if no appointments are available?
All slots are booked. New dates open after midnight each day, up to one month ahead.

Sources

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

Related guides