How to get rid of a refrigerator in Sacramento, CA

Book a free Appliance & E-Waste Pickup through Sac311. Refrigerators are accepted, up to two appliances per appointment, and this program runs year-round, separate from junk pickup.

Last checked against the official City of Sacramento Recycling & Solid Waste website. See sources.

Cost
Free (2 appliance appointments a year)
How
Request Appliance & E-Waste Pickup through Sac311 or 3-1-1
Season
Year-round

Timing note (checked Oct 21, 2026): the City says free Household Junk appointments are not offered from mid-October through January because the same crews handle leaf season. Fee-based junk pickups may be available through City Utility Billing. Appliance pickups run year-round.

Option 1: City pickup (Household Junk Pickup and Appliance & E-Waste Pickup)

Who can use it

  • For City of Sacramento residential collection customers, including tenants of single-family homes and duplexes.
  • Tenants in buildings with 5 or more units that are not served by City collection should ask their landlord, property manager or hauler.

How to book

  1. Submit a service request at sac311.org, use the Sac311 app, or call 3-1-1 ((916) 264-5011).
  2. List exactly which items you will set out.
  3. Junk and appliances need separate appointments and will likely be picked up on different days.
  4. Cancel or reschedule by 5:00 p.m. two business days before. A no-show still counts as one of your free pickups.
  5. Used your free pickups, or need a junk pickup from November to January? Call City Utility Billing at (916) 808-5454. A special service pickup has a minimum fee of $39.48.

Refrigerator rules

  • Up to two appliances per appointment. Refrigerators must have no food or food residue.
  • No commercial appliances.
  • Place it in the street, visible and easy to reach, no earlier than 24 hours before and by 6:00 a.m. on your appointment day.
  • Appliances need their own appointment. Do not set a fridge out with a junk pickup.

Setting it out

  • Set items out no earlier than 24 hours before your appointment, and by 6:00 a.m. that day. Early set-outs may be fined.
  • Junk piles go on the public street, 6 feet from parked cars, not in an alley, driveway or on the curb, and must stay within 4 x 4 x 9 feet.
  • Appliances go in the street, visible and easy to reach.

Fees and limits

  • Two Household Junk appointments and two Appliance & E-Waste appointments per year are free.
  • Extra or off-season junk pickups: minimum fee of $39.48 through City Utility Billing. Oversized piles may cost extra.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • The Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station's rate sheet (dated Jan 1, 2025) lists appliances with Freon at $82 each.
  • Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station (operated by WM), 8491 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95826. Open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (916) 737-4880.
  • City Recycling & Solid Waste customers can use the free dump coupon mailed with the yearly service guide for one free load at 8491 Fruitridge Road.
  • The operator's posted gate rates (sheet dated Jan 1, 2025; subject to change) list a $72 minimum per load. Check current rates before you go.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento ReStore accepts appliances in good working condition that are less than 10 years old.

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

What we could not confirm

  • Transfer station prices are from a January 2025 rate sheet and may have changed.
  • The City's appliance page does not mention a refrigerant removal requirement for curbside pickup.
  • Transfer station prices come from the operator's rate sheet dated January 1, 2025. We could not find a newer sheet, so prices may have changed.

Common questions

Does Sacramento pick up refrigerators for free?
Yes. City residential customers get two free Appliance & E-Waste appointments per calendar year, up to two appliances each.
Is appliance pickup affected by leaf season?
No. The City says the appliance and e-waste program operates year-round.
Can I set my fridge out with my junk pile?
No. Appliances need a separate appointment and will likely be picked up on a different day.

Sources

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