Old appliances are some of the most awkward items to get rid of. They're heavy, they often require specialized disposal, and most donation centers won't take them if they don't work. Here's exactly what appliance removal costs in Raleigh in 2026 — and why some appliances cost more than others.
Appliance Removal Pricing by Item
Below are the actual line-item prices from our live pricing system. Single-appliance pickups apply our $95 residential service-call minimum when the line item is below $95.
- Refrigerator: $99 (above minimum)
- Freezer (upright): $95 (line item $89, $95 minimum applies)
- Mini fridge: $95 (line item $45)
- Washer (single): $95 (line item $79)
- Dryer (single): $95 (line item $69)
- Washer + dryer together: $148 ($79 + $69 — above minimum)
- Stove or range: $95 (line item $79)
- Dishwasher: $95 (line item $69)
- Water heater (standard): $105 (above minimum)
- Tankless water heater: $95 (line item $85)
- Microwave (countertop or over-the-range): $95 (line item $25)
- Window AC unit: $95+ (includes refrigerant recovery)
Why Appliances Cost More Than Regular Junk
A couch and a refrigerator are roughly the same size, but a fridge costs 20-40% more to remove. Here's why:
- Refrigerant removal (EPA rule): Any appliance with refrigerant (fridges, freezers, ACs) must have the refrigerant professionally recovered by an EPA Section 608 certified technician before disposal. Landfills will not accept uncertified units.
- Weight: A full-size fridge weighs 200-300 lbs. Water heaters can weigh 150+ lbs when drained (300+ full). Two-person lift minimum.
- Disposal fees: Metal recyclers pay something for scrap, but transport fees and certification paperwork eat into that
- Tipping hazards: Tall appliances need proper securing in the truck to prevent damage during transport
Refrigerator Disposal in Raleigh: What Actually Happens
This is the question we get most. When we haul your old fridge, here's the chain of custody:
- Pickup: Our crew disconnects and removes the unit (we drain water lines if connected)
- Refrigerant recovery: The unit goes to a certified processor who evacuates any remaining refrigerant using EPA-compliant equipment
- Component recycling: Steel exterior, copper lines, aluminum coils, and motor components are separated and sold to metal recyclers
- Plastic and foam: Interior plastics and insulation foam go to waste processing (foam can contain blowing agents that also need proper handling)
That whole chain is why you can't just leave a fridge at the curb. Raleigh's curbside bulk pickup does not take refrigerators, freezers, or AC units with refrigerant — you'll get a violation notice.
Free & Low-Cost Appliance Disposal Options
- Duke Energy recycling program: Duke customers can recycle an old working refrigerator or freezer for $50 cashback (they haul it for you). Limited to working units, scheduling is slow.
- Retailer haul-away: When you buy a new appliance from Lowe's, Home Depot, or Best Buy, they'll usually remove the old one for $25-$50 — but only on delivery day, and they won't remove anything not being replaced
- Wake County Convenience Centers: Accept appliances with refrigerant for a fee ($20-$40 per item) if you can haul them yourself
- Scrap metal buyers: Will take working or non-working appliances for scrap value, but you deliver
For most homeowners, paid appliance removal is the path of least resistance: we show up when scheduled, disconnect, haul, and handle all the EPA paperwork. No waiting weeks for Duke to show up.
Washer, Dryer & Dishwasher Removal: The Easy Ones
These appliances don't contain refrigerant, so disposal is simpler. Most get scrapped for metal value — the drum, motor, and exterior panels all have recycle value. Washing machines and dryers are $79 and $69 line items respectively; single-appliance pickups hit our $95 service-call minimum. Bundling washer + dryer together totals $148.
Water Heater Removal: Why It's a Standalone Item
A standard water heater is $105 in Raleigh (slightly above our $95 minimum). Tankless water heaters are $85 line-item, $95 with minimum applied. Why water heaters cost what they do:
- They're heavy — a 40-gallon unit weighs 130+ lbs empty, 400+ lbs full
- They may contain residual water (we drain before removal)
- Gas units require disconnection from a gas line (must be done safely)
- They're often in tight basements or closets
If you're replacing a water heater with a plumber, ask if they'll haul the old one — many do for around $95-$125 as part of the install. If not, we'll handle it.
Combining Appliances with Other Junk
Doing a kitchen remodel? A laundry room update? Bundle your appliance removal with any other furniture, boxes, or clutter in the same pickup. A full-truck cleanout priced by volume ($350-$450) often covers a fridge, stove, dishwasher, and a truckload of other junk — better value than paying per appliance.
Scheduling Appliance Pickup
We usually book same-day or next-day in Raleigh. If you're in Wake Forest, Cary, Apex, or Durham, turnaround is similar. Book online with a photo or call (984) 983-8500 for a firm quote.