Why a fridge is not like other rubbish
Fridges and freezers contain refrigerant gases and insulating foam that damage the ozone layer and the climate if released. Under the WEEE and F-gas rules they have to go to a licensed treatment site that removes the gases safely. That is why they cannot go in a skip, why some councils have stopped collecting them, and why fly-tipped fridges are treated seriously.
The good news: because producers and retailers fund the recycling system, there are genuinely free routes. Our Hillingdon and Uxbridge fridge guide covers the local details.
The 5 ways to get rid of a fridge freezer
1. Retailer takeback (free in store)
When you buy a new fridge, the retailer must offer to take back your old one on a like-for-like basis under the WEEE Regulations. Many offer collection on delivery, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee, so ask when you order. Unplug and defrost it 24 hours before.
2. The tip (free for residents)
Every household recycling centre has a fridge and freezer area. It is free for residents, but you need a vehicle that will take an upright fridge and a second person to lift it. Some sites need a booking or a van permit.
3. Give it away if it works
A working, clean fridge freezer often goes in hours on Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. Some reuse charities accept working appliances too: call first, because many only take electricals that have been safety tested.
4. Council bulky collection (if they still take fridges)
Rules vary. Ealing takes one fridge or freezer per household within its £30 booking and Brent allows up to two per booking, but Hillingdon is currently unable to collect them. Compare prices in our council collection price guide.
5. A licensed man and van (from £150 all in)
We carry it out of the kitchen, load it upright and take it to a licensed WEEE site, usually same or next day. No defrosting drama on your doorstep, and no vehicle needed.
Before it goes: 4 quick steps
Defrost and dry it
Switch it off 24 hours before collection and put towels down. A freezer full of ice is heavy and leaks in the van.
Empty it completely
Shelves and drawers can stay in, food cannot.
Tape the doors shut
Stops doors swinging open on the stairs or in transit.
Keep it upright
Laying a fridge flat can damage the compressor, which matters if it is going for reuse.
Fridge disposal costs compared
| Option | Cost | Who lifts it |
|---|---|---|
| Retailer takeback | Free in store, collection may be charged | Retailer |
| Local tip | Free (residents) | You |
| Free listing or reuse charity | Free | Collector |
| Council collection | Within a £30–£65 bulky booking, where offered | You, to the kerb |
| Van Thats Quick | From £150 all in (£95 + £55 WEEE fee; American £199) | We do |
| Size | Collection | Recycling fee | All in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-counter fridge or freezer Mini-fridges, wine coolers and under-counter units | £95 | £55 | £150 |
| Upright fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer The standard tall kitchen unit | £95 | £55 | £150 |
| American-style double-door fridge-freezer Side-by-side and double-door units | £95 | £104 | £199 |
| Commercial fridge Drinks, display and catering fridges | £95 | £142 | £237 |
The price you see is the price you pay: we are not VAT registered, so nothing is added on top, and carrying it out (upstairs flats included) is inside the figure. A second appliance on the same visit adds its own recycling fee, not another call-out.
Fridge Freezer Disposal FAQs
How can I dispose of a fridge freezer for free?
Take it to your local household recycling centre (free for residents), ask the retailer to take it back when you buy a new one, give it away if it still works, or book your council if it still collects fridges.
Who will pick up an old fridge for free in the UK?
Retailers often collect your old fridge when they deliver a new one, sometimes free. People on Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace will collect working fridges for free. Some councils include a fridge in their bulky collection, but that is usually charged.
Do shops have to take my old fridge?
When you buy a new fridge, the retailer must offer a way to take back your old one like-for-like under the WEEE Regulations. Collection from your home may carry a charge, so check when you order.
Can I put a fridge in a skip?
No. Fridges and freezers contain refrigerant gases and must go to a licensed treatment facility, so skip companies will not accept them.
How much does it cost to have a fridge freezer removed?
Our same-day fridge removal is from £150 all in. Priced by size, all in: an under-counter or upright fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer is £150, an American-style double-door £199 and a commercial fridge £237. That is our £95 minimum load plus the recycling fee for that size, with no VAT on top, collected same day where we can and carried out of any room. It goes to a licensed recycling site.
Old Fridge Gone Today
We carry it out, keep it upright and take it to a licensed WEEE site. Fridge removal from £150 all in, recycling fee included, often same day. Send a photo on WhatsApp for a fixed price.