How to get rid of a refrigerator in Portland, OR

Ask your garbage company for a bulky waste pickup: refrigerators and freezers are $51 each at City-set rates, plus an $18 pickup fee. Or drop it at Metro Central or Metro South for $30 per appliance.

Last checked against the official City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) website. See sources.

Cost
$18 pickup fee + $51 per fridge
Drop-off
$30 per coolant appliance at Metro
Limit
Metro: 5 coolant appliances per person per day

Option 1: City pickup (Bulky waste pickup through your garbage company)

Who can use it

  • City-set bulky rates apply to single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes in Portland.
  • Renters: your landlord is the garbage account holder, so ask them to request the pickup.
  • Apartments and businesses: check with your property manager about disposal options.

How to book

  1. Contact your garbage company for a cost estimate and a pickup date. Not sure who it is? Use the City's find my hauler tool.
  2. Your pickup day may differ from your regular collection day. City rules require the company to pick up within seven days of your request.
  3. Tip from the City: send photos of your items to your garbage company for the most accurate quote.
  4. City garbage and recycling questions: 503-823-7202 or wasteinfo@portlandoregon.gov (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday).

Refrigerator rules

  • Refrigerators, freezers and portable air conditioners are in the City's coolant-containing category at $51 each.
  • Do not set it out more than 24 hours before pickup.

Setting it out

  • Set items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.
  • Do not set items out more than 24 hours before pickup.
  • If your items are not out in time, you are still charged the pickup fee plus another fee for the second trip.

Fees and limits

  • Pickup fee: $18 flat charge per trip, plus a per-item charge.
  • Extra large (sectional couch of 2 or more pieces, hide-a-bed, entertainment center, king mattress including box spring): $29 each.
  • Large (3-cushion couch, recliner, dresser, dining table, queen/full mattress including box spring): $21 each.
  • Medium (bookshelf, desk, chair, twin mattress including box spring, box spring only): $14 each.
  • Coolant-containing appliances (refrigerator, freezer, portable air conditioner): $51 each.
  • Your garbage company decides which category each item falls into, and may charge extra if the pickup needs extra time or staff.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Metro transfer stations accept coolant appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers) for $30 each, limit five per person per day.
  • Metro Central transfer station, 6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland, OR 97210.
  • Metro South transfer station, 2001 Washington St, Oregon City, OR 97045.
  • Public hours at both: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed to the public on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
  • Garbage (including broken furniture): $51 minimum for loads up to 240 lbs; heavier loads pay a share of $176.70 per ton plus a $30 staffed-scale transaction fee. Uncovered loads cost extra ($3 extra on minimum loads).
  • Metro accepts cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and checks; card payments carry a 2% processing fee. Questions: 503-234-3000.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity's national guidance: household appliances should be less than 10 years old, in good working order, with all parts. Check with your local ReStore first.
  • Metro's Find a Recycler tool lists other donation options.

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

What we could not confirm

  • Neither the City's nor Metro's page says whether you must remove the doors or empty the fridge before pickup or drop-off. Ask your garbage company.

Common questions

How much does Portland charge to pick up a fridge?
$51 per refrigerator at City-set rates, plus an $18 pickup fee per trip.
Is it cheaper to drop it off?
Metro charges $30 per coolant appliance at its transfer stations, if you can haul it.
Can I put it out early?
No. The City says not to set items out more than 24 hours before pickup.

Sources

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

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