How to get rid of a refrigerator in San Diego, CA

Take it to the Miramar Recycling Center, which charges $25 for each refrigerator, freezer or other CFC appliance. The City does not pick up appliances, and appliances are not accepted as Miramar Landfill trash.

Last checked against the official City of San Diego Environmental Services Department website. See sources.

Cost
$25 per refrigerator
Where
Miramar Recycling Center
Hours
Mon–Sat 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

No City pickup (checked Oct 21, 2026): the City says its planned bulky item pickup service is paused until further notice. Regular trash, recycling and organics collection continue.

City pickup: not available for refrigerators

The City of San Diego does not pick up refrigerators. The Miramar Recycling Center takes them for $25 each.

Why

  • Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other appliances containing CFCs: $25 each at the Miramar Recycling Center.
  • Call 858-268-8971 to verify pricing and accepted items before you go.

Skip to your real options: drop it off, donate it, or have it hauled away (below).

Option 1: Drop it off yourself

  • Miramar Recycling Center, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Miramar Landfill Mattress Collection Site, east side of the landfill entrance (5161 Convoy St.), Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Miramar Recycling Center, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 858-268-8971 to verify prices and accepted items.
  • Miramar Landfill for general bulky waste (fees apply). Appliances, TVs and electronics are not accepted as landfill trash.

Option 2: 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 could not confirm the exact Miramar Landfill fee for a single couch. Rates depend on vehicle and waste type; ask the scale house or call 858-694-7000.

Common questions

How much does it cost to recycle a fridge in San Diego?
$25 at the Miramar Recycling Center.
Can I throw a fridge away at Miramar Landfill?
No. Appliances must go to the recycling center, not landfill trash.

Sources

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