Last updated April 2026
Legal and eco-friendly appliance disposal across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade — refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more.
Quick Answer
Most major appliances in South Florida require special handling before disposal. Refrigerators and AC units need EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery. All appliances should go to certified metal recyclers rather than landfills. Umuve handles same-day appliance removal starting at $89. Utility rebates of $25-$75 are available for certain units through FPL.
The fastest option — starting at $89 – $299.
Umuve removes all major household appliances — refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, water heaters, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners. We handle EPA-required refrigerant recovery for units that contain Freon or HFCs. All appliances go to certified metal recycling facilities where 95% of materials are recovered. Same-day service available throughout South Florida.
Also see: Appliance Removal service page — Available in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Pembroke Pines
Free for South Florida residents — but requires advance scheduling.
Palm Beach County SWA accepts large appliances curbside with advance scheduling. Refrigerators and AC units require a tag certifying Freon removal by a certified technician, or they will be rejected. Non-refrigerant appliances (washers, dryers, stoves) are accepted without special prep. Call (561) 697-2700 to schedule.
Broward County municipal pickup handles appliances city by city. Washing machines and dryers are typically accepted without special prep. Refrigerators require the Freon evacuation certification. Most cities allow 2-4 large appliances per bulk pickup. Call your city's solid waste department.
Miami-Dade Solid Waste accepts appliances through scheduled bulk pickup. Refrigerators and freezers require doors to be removed per federal child safety law before curbside placement. The county also operates appliance drop-off at transfer stations on weekdays.
Working appliances less than 10 years old in good condition can often be donated. Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept working washers, dryers, refrigerators, and stoves. The Salvation Army picks up working appliances with advance scheduling in many South Florida areas. FPL's appliance recycling program offers $25-$75 rebates for qualifying units — visit fpl.com/save/residential/appliance-recycling.html. Contact FPL at (800) 226-3545 for eligible models and scheduling.
Scrap metal yards pay $5-$25 per appliance depending on metal content and market prices. A washer or dryer is mostly steel and fetches the best prices. Refrigerators and AC units must have refrigerant removed first — HVAC techs charge $50-$150 for this service. Without a truck, you are paying $20-$40/hour for a rental. Transfer station fees in South Florida run $30-$80 per load. For single appliances, DIY rarely saves money over professional removal.
Compare all options side by side.
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Your Effort | Eco Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umuve Professional Pickup | $89 – $299 | Same day | Zero | 95% recycled |
| County Curbside | Free | 5–14 days | Move to curb | Partial |
| FPL Appliance Recycling (refrigerators) | Free + $25–$75 rebate | 1–2 weeks | Minimal | Good |
| Scrap Metal Yard (with truck) | Free–$20 income | Same day | High | Good |
Major appliances are among the most recyclable items in the waste stream. A standard washing machine contains 100-120 lbs of steel, 5-10 lbs of copper wiring and motors, and 10-20 lbs of plastics. At certified recycling facilities, these materials are shredded and magnetically separated into steel, aluminum, and copper streams — all of which are sold directly to manufacturers for new production. Refrigerant recovery from climate-controlled appliances prevents potent greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. Every appliance properly recycled avoids the mining and smelting required to produce equivalent virgin metals.
Refrigerant-containing appliances are rejected by municipal collectors unless certified Freon removal is documented. This results in the item sitting at the curb, potential code violations, and you still having to deal with it.
Many big-box retailers charge $25-$50 for old appliance removal during delivery. This is often cheaper than separate junk removal, but the retailer may send it to landfill. Umuve guarantees certified recycling.
Listing a broken appliance as "free for parts" often results in it being picked up but then abandoned somewhere else. If the item is not functional, go directly to a recycling solution.
Washers weigh 150-200 lbs; refrigerators 180-350 lbs. Without an appliance dolly and proper technique, floor damage and back injuries are the most common outcomes.
Most South Florida cities include large appliance pickup in their bulk waste program with advance scheduling. Refrigerators and AC units require documented refrigerant removal first. Call your city's solid waste department or check their website.
Yes, most retailers offer haul-away for $25-$50 when delivering new appliances. Ask at purchase. They typically take the same type of item they delivered. This is convenient but confirm the appliance goes to a recycler, not a landfill.
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerants that require EPA-certified recovery. Electronics (built into smart appliances) should go to certified e-waste recyclers. All other appliances can go to standard metal recyclers.
We disconnect standard connections — water supply lines, dryer vents, 120V power cords. Gas disconnection and hardwired 240V appliances should be handled by a licensed technician before our arrival. We can coordinate in most cases.
FPL's appliance recycling program offers the best value — free pickup and $25-$75 cash back for qualifying refrigerators and freezers. For other appliances, Umuve's certified recycling is the most convenient at $89+ for same-day service.
FPL pays $25-$75 rebates for qualifying refrigerators. Scrap metal yards pay $5-$25 per appliance if you transport it. Working appliances in good condition can sell for $50-$300 on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. In most cases, the FPL rebate is the easiest cash option.
Umuve serves all of South Florida with same-day pickup starting at $89. Licensed, insured, and 92% recycled or donated. No hidden fees.
SMS: (844) 435-6005 • Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade