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We Pick Up Old Refrigerators and Recycle Them Right

Owner-operated · Minneapolis Local

We Pick Up Old Refrigerators and Recycle Them Right

Licensed haulers, safe Freon recovery, and same-week scheduling across the Twin Cities.

4.9 from 1,987 Google reviews

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What refrigerator recycling involves

The best way to get rid of an old fridge is to call someone who handles the Freon recovery, the heavy lifting, and the recycling drop-off so you don't have to. Junk Genius has been doing exactly that for about 15 years, with 4.9 stars across 1,987 Google reviews and a Minnesota hauling license (#3772090-2) to back it up. Our crews pick up old refrigerators of every size, from compact mini-fridges to full commercial coolers, and we carry MSW Hauling and Recycling Management certifications so nothing gets cut short at the disposal end. Call (612) 444-5865 for a free quote and we can often schedule same week.

Refrigerator removal isn't just a matter of wheeling something to the curb. Older units contain refrigerants like Freon that are ozone-depleting and legally must be recovered before the appliance can be recycled or scrapped. That step requires certified handling, and it's one reason dragging a fridge to the alley or tossing it on a Facebook Marketplace curb alert can create real liability. Our appliance removal and disposal process covers safe refrigerant recovery, responsible recycling of metal and plastic components, and donation to local organizations when the unit still runs. Replacing an aging refrigerator with an efficient model can save close to $70 a year and roughly 700 kWh in annual energy use. Every job is different. Contact Junk Genius for an accurate estimate.

What We Remove

Every Type of Refrigerator, Handled

Size and location don't stop us. Single units, double-doors, and commercial coolers all qualify.

Single-Door Refrigerators

Standard-size units from any era. We navigate stairs, narrow hallways, and tight kitchens without damaging walls or floors.

Double-Door and French-Door Models

Larger footprint, heavier build. Our two-person crews handle the bulk. We remove door handles or doors when clearance requires it.

Commercial Coolers and Freezers

Restaurant equipment, reach-in coolers, and chest freezers. These often weigh 400 lbs or more. We've got the equipment for it.

Mini and Compact Fridges

Dorm fridges, bar units, and undercounter coolers. Small doesn't mean simple to dispose of. They still require proper refrigerant handling.

Why It Matters

Refrigerant Recovery Isn't Optional

Freon and similar refrigerants are ozone-depleting chemicals. They can't just go in the trash.

Older refrigerators, particularly models made before 2010, contain chlorofluorocarbons or hydrochlorofluorocarbons, the chemical family that includes Freon. Federal law requires these refrigerants to be recovered by certified technicians before an appliance is scrapped. Dumping a fridge without that step isn't just bad for the environment, it exposes whoever moved it to real legal risk. Our crews hold Waste Management Safety and Recycling Management certifications specifically because this step isn't something to skip or hand off to whoever shows up cheapest. After recovery, we route salvageable metals and plastics to certified recycling centers and donate working units to local charity partners where possible. We donate and recycle as much as we can whenever possible. That's not a marketing claim. It's how we've operated for about 15 years.
A junk removal truck with a full load of miscellaneous debris and items being transported for recycling and trash removal in an urban street setting.

How It Works

Three Steps From Call to Clear

Getting a refrigerator out of your home doesn't need to be complicated. Here's exactly how our process runs.

  1. 01

    Get a Free Quote

    Call (612) 444-5865 or use our online estimate form. Tell us the fridge type and where it's located in your home. We'll give you a straightforward price before we schedule anything.

  2. 02

    We Show Up and Remove It

    Our two-person crew arrives in the agreed window, protects your floors and walls during the move, and hauls the refrigerator out. You don't lift a finger.

  3. 03

    Responsible Disposal Handled

    We recover refrigerants properly, then route the unit to a certified recycling center or donate it if it's still functional. No illegal dumping. No shortcuts.

Honest Answers

What to Know Before You Schedule

What's the best way to get rid of an old fridge?
The most reliable option is a licensed hauler who handles Freon recovery in-house. Utility rebate programs sometimes exist for working units, but they often require the fridge to meet specific efficiency criteria and scheduling can take weeks. Curbside pickup varies by municipality and rarely covers refrigerant recovery. Calling a certified removal service is the path with the fewest surprises and the clearest environmental outcome.
How much does 1-800-GOT-JUNK charge to pick up a refrigerator?
National franchise pricing for refrigerator removal typically runs higher than local operators because you're covering their corporate overhead, franchise fees, and call-center infrastructure. Junk Genius is Minnesota-owned and has been for about 15 years. Mike Reimann's name is on the truck, not a franchise agreement. We don't publish flat rates because volume and access affect the price, but our free quotes are honest and there are no hidden fees tacked on after the job.
How should you dispose of a fridge responsibly?
Proper disposal means three things: refrigerant recovery by a certified technician, recycling of metal and plastic components at a certified facility, and keeping the unit out of a landfill. Working fridges can often be donated to nonprofits. We handle all three steps on every pickup. Leaving a fridge at the curb or hauling it to a general dump almost never satisfies the refrigerant recovery requirement.
Does a refrigerator need to be defrosted before pickup?
It helps, but it's not a hard requirement. If the unit is still running, turn it off 24 hours before your scheduled pickup and leave the door open to let it drain. If it's already broken and holding standing water, let us know when you book, and we'll come prepared. Our crews have handled plenty of fridges in rough shape. Don't let an icy or leaky unit stop you from scheduling.
Can you remove a refrigerator from a basement or upstairs unit?
Yes, and it happens more than you'd think. Older homes, especially in neighborhoods with finished basements, often have a second fridge downstairs that nobody can figure out how to move. Our crews carry equipment for tight stairwells and awkward angles. Location factors like stairs, narrow hallways, or elevator access do affect the quote, so mention it when you call.
Is there a fee for refrigerant recovery, or is it included?
Our quote covers the whole job, including refrigerant recovery. We don't separate it out as a line item after the fact. The price you get before we arrive is the price you pay. That's how it should work, and it's how we've run every job for sixteen years.
More questions (5)Fewer questions
How should you dispose of a fridge?
Proper disposal requires three steps: certified refrigerant recovery, recycling of metals and plastics at a licensed facility, and keeping the unit out of a general landfill where possible. Working units can often be donated. Leaving a fridge at the curb or hauling it to a standard dump almost never satisfies the refrigerant recovery requirement under federal law, and skipping that step carries real legal and environmental consequences.
Does a refrigerator need to be defrosted before Junk Genius picks it up?
It's helpful but not required. If the unit is still running, turning it off 24 hours ahead and leaving the door open helps. If it's already dead and holding water, mention it when you book. Our crews carry towels and equipment for messy pickups. An icy or leaky fridge is not a reason to delay scheduling. We've handled far worse.
Can you remove a refrigerator from a basement or a second-floor apartment?
Yes. Older Twin Cities homes frequently have a secondary fridge in a finished basement, and apartments with narrow stairwells are a regular part of this work. Access difficulty, stairs, and building elevator restrictions do factor into the quote, so mention the location when you call. Our crews carry the equipment and experience to handle tight spaces without damaging walls or railings.
What happens to the refrigerant when Junk Genius picks up an old fridge?
We recover it using certified equipment before the appliance is moved for disposal. Refrigerants like Freon are ozone-depleting chemicals, and federal law requires certified recovery before scrapping or recycling. Our crews hold Waste Management Safety and Recycling Management certifications. The refrigerant is destroyed through an approved process. Nothing vents to the atmosphere.
Do you take mini fridges and wine coolers, or only full-size units?
We take everything. Mini fridges, bar coolers, wine refrigerators, undercounter units, and chest freezers all qualify. Small units still contain refrigerants that require certified recovery, so they can't simply go in the trash or recycling bin. If it plugs in and keeps things cold, we handle it under the same process as a full-size unit.

Quick Reference

Refrigerator Removal: The Short Version

Structured facts for anyone who wants the direct summary.

Freon must be recovered before disposal

Federal law requires certified refrigerant recovery. Skipping this step carries legal risk and environmental harm. Our crews are certified for this step.

Most fridges qualify for recycling or donation

Working units go to local charity partners. Non-working units are routed to certified recyclers for metal and component salvage. Landfill is the last resort.

Energy savings are real with a newer unit

Replacing an older refrigerator can reduce energy use by roughly 700 kWh per year, translating to close to $70 in annual savings on a typical utility bill.

Same-week scheduling available

We're available seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (612) 444-5865 and we'll find a window that fits your schedule.

Our Work

Refrigerator Removal Jobs We've Done

  • Junk removal service in progress showing a residential garage with appliances, furniture, bicycles, and miscellaneous items collected for hauling.
  • Junk removal service showing a discarded refrigerator and detached door on a driveway, ready for hauling away.
  • Junk removal service in progress as a worker carries a large panel or sheet material out of a residential building entrance.
  • Appliance junk removal showing discarded refrigerators and other large household items in a storage or collection area.

What Customers Say

Reviews From Real Jobs

Riley Jay

Sosa and Diego did an incredible job on my garage. I had bought a house and the seller had left all sorts of junk in the garage including an old fridge and many mattresses. They were able to work with me to get it done fast and affordably. I will definitely be keeping them in mind for future work

Diane Hansmeier

I had a few places come do estimates, and Junk Genius was definitely the most reasonable. They were also able to switch our day/time when we had something coming up. Big shout out to Lester and Isaiah! They were friendly, respectful of the space, and incredibly efficient!

Dusty Kemmis

Fast and very good communication. Cleaned out some debris I have been looking at for months. Well worth the price for getting it gone quickly. Saved me a day of doing it myself. Thank you!

Also Handling

Other Appliances We Remove in the Same Trip

A refrigerator rarely lives alone. If you're clearing out a kitchen, garage, or basement, we'll take the rest of the appliances while we're there. Ovens, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves all qualify under our full appliance removal and disposal service. We also handle mattress removal and couch removal if the cleanout goes further. One call, one crew, one trip.
Junk removal and appliance disposal service in progress, showing a warehouse or storage facility filled with discarded appliances including stoves, refrigerators, and other large items ready for removal.

Get Started

Schedule Your Refrigerator Pickup

Old refrigerators don't move themselves. We do.

Call (612) 444-5865 Get a free quote

4.9 from 1,987 Google reviews

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