Getting rid of an old refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer is more complicated than most people expect. They're too heavy to move alone, too big for regular trash pickup, and some — like refrigerators and AC units — contain refrigerants that require licensed disposal under federal law.
This guide covers every realistic option for Northern Virginia homeowners in 2026 — with real rules, actual costs, and the specifics that most guides skip.
⚠️ The Freon Problem — Read This First
🔴 Important: Refrigerants Require Licensed Handling
Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerants (commonly called Freon). Under EPA Section 608, these refrigerants must be recovered by a certified technician before the appliance is scrapped or disposed of. Improper disposal can result in fines of $5,000 or more. This is why you can't just drag a fridge to the curb and call a scrap metal yard — most won't accept it without proof of refrigerant recovery.
At DMV Go Junk, refrigerator and AC unit removal includes a $50–$70 surcharge that covers certified refrigerant recovery. We handle the paperwork — you don't need to worry about it. Most legitimate junk removal companies do the same; be cautious of very cheap quotes that don't mention refrigerant handling.
Appliances We Cover in This Guide
Refrigerator / Freezer
Contains Freon — requires certified recovery. Heavy, awkward to move through doorways.
Washing Machine
Heavy but no refrigerant. Most options accept these. Drain before removal.
Dryer
No refrigerant. Gas dryers need line disconnected first — we recommend a plumber for that step.
Oven / Stove / Range
Gas or electric. Gas must be disconnected before removal — we do not disconnect gas lines.
Dishwasher
No refrigerant. Must be disconnected from water supply first. We handle the haul-away.
Window AC / Dehumidifier
Contains refrigerant. Treated same as refrigerators — certified recovery required.
Water Heater
No refrigerant but very heavy. Must be drained and disconnected before removal.
Microwave / Small Appliances
No special handling. Can be added to any junk removal load at minimal extra cost.
Chest Freezer Removal — Leesburg, VA
Old Hotpoint chest freezer from a Leesburg garage — refrigerant properly recovered, loaded and hauled away same day.
Hotpoint chest freezer — refrigerant recovered, strapped and ready for certified disposal.
Option 1: Retailer Haul-Away (When Buying New)
If you're replacing an appliance, most major retailers will haul away the old one when they deliver the new one. This is often the most convenient option — you're already scheduling a delivery appointment, and the haul-away is bundled in.
What the major retailers offer in Northern Virginia:
🏬 Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy — Haul-Away
Home Depot & Lowes: Offer haul-away of old appliances when they deliver a new one. Usually $25–$30 added to the delivery fee. They typically carry the old unit out from where the new one is installed — but policies vary by delivery crew.
Best Buy: Offers haul-away for $29.99 per appliance. Geek Squad or delivery team handles it. Same limitation — they take it from the installation location.
Important caveat: Retailer haul-away only works when you're buying a replacement. If you just want the old appliance gone without buying new, this isn't an option.
Option 2: Utility Rebate Programs
Dominion Energy and some Northern Virginia utility providers offer rebates of $25–$75 for recycling old refrigerators and freezers through approved programs. Check your utility provider's website for current availability — these programs change frequently but are worth a quick search before scheduling removal.
⚡ Dominion Energy Rebate Program
Best for: Working refrigerators or freezers you want recycled responsibly — and a small rebate in return.
Not ideal for: Washers, dryers, ovens, or urgently needed removal.
A real Northern Virginia job — fridge, chair, and household items all loaded and gone same day.
Option 3: Fairfax County Bulk Pickup
Fairfax County accepts large appliances through its bulk item collection program — at no additional charge to residents. But there are real rules that many homeowners don't know about.
🚛 Fairfax County Bulk Item Collection
Best for: Single-family homes and townhouses with one or two appliances and no time pressure.
Not ideal for: Apartments/condos, multiple appliances, urgent removal, or appliances in basements.
The actual rules you need to know:
- Schedule online at the Fairfax County website — pickup is not automatic
- Items must be at the curb by 7:00am on your assigned pickup day
- Refrigerator doors must be removed or secured before curbside placement — this is a safety requirement
- Limit of 4 bulk items per collection request
- Single-family and townhouse customers only — apartment and condo residents must use other options
- Loudoun County and Arlington County have similar programs with their own scheduling rules
Option 4: Same-Day Junk Removal
When you need an appliance gone on a specific day, from a basement or second floor, from an apartment, or alongside other items — a junk removal company is the most reliable option.
🚚 Professional Appliance Removal
Best for: Any appliance, any location, any timeline. Works for apartments, condos, basements, second floors, tight hallways.
Not ideal for: Those who have 2–3 weeks to wait and want free options.
What appliance removal costs at DMV Go Junk:
- Small appliance (microwave, dishwasher): $99
- Large appliance (washer, dryer, oven): $99–$125
- Refrigerator / freezer: $125–$150 (includes Freon recovery surcharge)
- Window AC unit: $99–$125 (includes Freon recovery)
- Washer + dryer set together: $149–$199
- Multiple appliances: priced by load volume, better per-item value
We carry everything out — from basements, through tight doorways, down narrow hallways. You don't touch it. We also handle certified refrigerant recovery for Freon appliances, so you're fully compliant without doing anything.
Owner on every job — we carry it out, load it up, and haul it away. Any appliance, any location.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Option | Cost | Speed | Freon OK? | Apartment OK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retailer Haul-Away | $15–$30 | Delivery day | Yes | Yes |
| County Bulk Pickup | Free | 1–3 weeks | Yes | No |
| Junk Removal Company | $99–$199 | Same day | Yes | Yes |
🏆 Bottom Line
Buying a replacement? Use retailer haul-away — it's cheapest and most convenient. No rush and a single appliance? Try the county bulk pickup program. In an apartment, on a deadline, or have multiple appliances? Call a junk removal company. For same-day service across Northern Virginia — including certified Freon handling — text us a photo and we'll give you a price within minutes.
Need an Appliance Gone Today?
Same-day removal across Northern Virginia. Certified Freon handling included. Text us a photo — we'll give you a price within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most single appliance removals run $99–$149. Freon-containing appliances like refrigerators carry a $50–$70 surcharge for certified refrigerant recovery. Washer/dryer sets together typically run $149–$199. Text us photos for an exact quote.
Yes — Fairfax County bulk pickup accepts refrigerators by appointment. Wait times are 1–3 weeks. Refrigerator doors must be removed or secured before curbside placement. The service is free but requires advance scheduling.
Yes — most major appliance retailers offer haul-away when they deliver a new one. Home Depot, Best Buy, and Lowes all offer this. Some charge $15–$30. They typically only haul from the installation location and only when you're purchasing a replacement.
Only on your scheduled bulk pickup day. In Fairfax County you must schedule a bulky item collection in advance and place items at the curb by 7am on the assigned day. Leaving appliances at the curb outside of scheduled days can result in a code violation.
The fastest option is a same-day junk removal company. DMV Go Junk handles refrigerator removal across Herndon, Fairfax, Reston, Ashburn, and all of Northern Virginia. We include proper refrigerant handling — text us a photo and we can often schedule same day.