How to get rid of a refrigerator in Seattle, WA

Book an SPU Special Item Pickup. Refrigerators are $31 per item, or $39.25 if the fridge contains CFCs, such as fridges and freezers made before 2005.

Last checked against the official Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) website. See sources.

Cost
$31 (2005 or newer) or $39.25 (made before 2005, contains CFCs)
How
Book Special Item Pickup online or at (206) 684-3000
Key rule
Remove latching doors

Option 1: City pickup (Special Item Pickup)

Who can use it

  • The person on the SPU utility account must make the request.
  • Apartment residents and renters in buildings with 5 or more units cannot book it themselves. Ask your property manager or owner to set it up.
  • Utility Discount Program customers in single-family homes can get two free bulky and special item pickups per year.

How to book

  1. Log in to your SPU account online and choose Special Item Pickup, or call SPU Customer Service at (206) 684-3000.
  2. Your items are collected on your next regular garbage day after you book. Do not leave items out until your pickup is confirmed.

Refrigerator rules

  • For safety, remove refrigerator and freezer doors that have latches. For older CFC units, SPU also allows securing the doors tightly with rope or duct tape.
  • Cover it on rainy days.
  • Each item cannot be over 300 lbs, 8 feet tall, or 4 feet in diameter.

Setting it out

  • Set items where your garbage is normally collected, on a flat, level surface (no stairs) that is easy to reach from the street.
  • Items must be out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
  • Cover items on rainy days.

Fees and limits

  • $31 per large item (furniture, mattresses, box springs, sofas, appliances, TVs larger than 2 x 2 x 2 feet).
  • $39.25 per item for items containing CFCs, such as refrigerators and freezers made before 2005.
  • Each item cannot exceed 300 lbs, 8 feet tall, or 4 feet in diameter.
  • Charges appear on your combined utility bill.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • The North and South Transfer Stations take household appliances for $34 each (limit 2 per load). Refrigerators must be empty with doors removed. No commercial appliances.
  • North Transfer Station, 1350 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103.
  • South Transfer Station, 130 S Kenyon St, Seattle, WA 98108.
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day (North Station also closed July 4).
  • Rates as of April 1, 2026: garbage $37 minimum per trip (covers up to 420 lbs), then $174 per ton. Appliances $34 each, limit 2 per load; refrigerators must be empty with doors removed.
  • Stations do not accept material over 8 feet long and over 200 lbs. Questions: (206) 684-8400. Pay by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County Stores accept refrigerators and freezers that are clean, working and 10 years old or newer.

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

Common questions

How much does it cost to get rid of a fridge in Seattle?
$31 through SPU Special Item Pickup, or $39.25 for units with CFCs such as fridges made before 2005. Dropping one at a transfer station costs $34 per appliance.
Do I need to remove the doors?
Yes. SPU asks you to remove latching doors. For pre-2005 CFC units you can instead secure the doors tightly with rope or duct tape.
Can I donate a working fridge?
Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County Stores take clean, working fridges that are 10 years old or newer.

Sources

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

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