How to get rid of a refrigerator in Washington, DC

Refrigerators are accepted in DC's bulk collection with the doors removed. Book through 311 or 311.dc.gov, and set it out between 6:30 p.m. the night before and 6:00 a.m. on your appointment day.

Last checked against the official DC Department of Public Works (DPW) website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed
Key rule
Remove the doors
How
Book via 311 or 311.dc.gov

Option 1: City pickup (Bulk trash collection by appointment)

Who can use it

  • For residential households with DPW trash collection: single-family homes and residential buildings with three or fewer units.

How to book

  1. Submit a Residential Bulk Trash Collection service request through 311 or 311.dc.gov before setting anything out.
  2. No more than seven items per appointment.
  3. DPW: (202) 673-6833.

Refrigerator rules

  • Major appliances such as refrigerators are accepted, with doors removed.
  • Up to seven items per appointment.

Setting it out

  • Place items where your trash and recycling are collected, between 6:30 p.m. the night before and 6:00 a.m. on your appointment day.
  • You could get a sanitation violation ticket if items are in public space at any other time.

Fees and limits

  • DPW's bulk page does not list a fee for appointments.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Fort Totten Transfer Station, 4900 John McCormack Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011. Resident drop-off: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Bring a DC driver's license, or another state's photo ID plus a recent utility bill, to prove residency.
  • No commercial tags, sideboards, ladders, stake-bodies, cargo vans, rental trucks over 15 feet, or tag-along trailers.

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

  • DPW's page does not say whether Fort Totten accepts refrigerators from residents. Check before driving one there.

Common questions

Will DC pick up a refrigerator?
Yes, by bulk appointment, with the doors removed.

Sources

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

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