Appliance removal in Calgary depends on one question: does the appliance contain refrigerant? Fridges, freezers, water coolers and air conditioners do, and they carry a City surcharge and special handling. Washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers and most other large appliances do not; they are scrap metal and are often recycled for little or no cost. Below are your options for each, with City fees, local recyclers, typical hauler prices and a prep checklist.
Appliance removal services: what is included
When you book appliance removal services, a typical crew will:
- Carry the appliance out from the kitchen, laundry room, basement or garage
- Use a dolly and straps for heavy units, and protect floors and door frames
- Take cooling appliances to a facility that removes refrigerant properly
- Deliver metal appliances to a scrap recycler instead of the landfill
Most crews do not disconnect gas lines, hard-wired electrical or water supply lines. Arrange that with a qualified trade beforehand (see the checklist below).
Fridges, freezers and other cooling appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, water coolers, dehumidifiers and residential air conditioners use refrigerants that must be recovered by trained technicians, because older refrigerants deplete the ozone layer and newer ones are potent greenhouse gases. That is why they are treated differently from other appliances.
The City of Calgary rules
- Take empty cooling appliances to a City Eco Centre for recycling.
- The City charges a refrigerant removal surcharge of $17 per item (2026), plus weight charges.
- The surcharge applies even if the refrigerant has already been removed.
- Do not put cooling appliances out with your garbage, and do not take them to Community Cleanup events, which do not accept appliances with refrigerant.
Source: City of Calgary, refrigerators, freezers and water coolers disposal page and 2026 residential landfill rates.
Private recyclers listed by the City
The City of Calgary lists private metal recyclers that may buy appliances, accept them free, or charge a fee: Recon Metal, Calgary Metal, Federal Metals, Blackfoot Metals and Westcan Recyclers, plus Ethical Recycling for refrigerators. Policies change, so call ahead to confirm what each accepts and charges.
Who will pick up an old refrigerator for free?
Truly free fridge pickup is rare in Calgary. Your realistic free options are selling or giving away a working fridge, or delivering it yourself to a scrap recycler that accepts it at no charge. If you need it collected, expect a hauler fee. One Calgary price list we reviewed in October 2026 shows $90 for a fridge, or $110 when the refrigerant fee applies.
Washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers
These appliances are mostly steel and are recycled as scrap metal. Your options:
- City landfill: scrap metal is accepted at $113 per tonne (2026). Most single appliances weigh well under a tonne.
- Private scrap recycler: many accept washers, dryers and stoves free, or pay a small amount for metal.
- Junk removal: typically priced at the hauler’s minimum or single-item rate (about $75–$110 on published Calgary price lists), or added to a larger load.
- Retailer haul-away: if you are buying a new appliance, ask whether the retailer takes the old one away on delivery.
Appliance removal cost in Calgary
| Appliance | DIY: City fees (2026) | Typical hauler price |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge / freezer | $17 refrigerant surcharge + weight | About $90–$110 (published Calgary example) |
| Air conditioner / water cooler | $17 refrigerant surcharge + weight | Usually the minimum or item price |
| Washer / dryer | Scrap metal $113/tonne, or free at some recyclers | About $75–$110 (minimum charge range) |
| Stove / range | Scrap metal $113/tonne, or free at some recyclers | About $75–$110 (minimum charge range) |
| Several appliances | As above, per item | Often a quarter load: about $149–$199 |
City fees: City of Calgary 2026 residential rates. Hauler prices: published Calgary hauler price pages, October 2026. Market ranges only; your hauler confirms your price.
Many hauler price lists show refrigerant fees separately, which explains why fridges cost more than washers of a similar size. For the bigger picture, see the full Calgary junk removal cost guide.
Appliance prep checklist
- Disconnect safely. Have a licensed gas fitter disconnect and cap gas stoves and dryers. Unplug electric appliances; have an electrician disconnect anything hard-wired.
- Shut off water. Turn off supply valves for washers, dishwashers and fridges with ice makers, and drain hoses into a bucket.
- Empty and defrost. Remove all food from fridges and freezers and defrost them a day early so they do not leak during the carry.
- Tape doors shut or remove them for safety.
- Clear the path to the exit and mention stairs, tight turns or a narrow doorway when you request a quote.
- Keep the cord and hoses with the appliance.
How to dispose of old appliances responsibly
Appliances are among the most recyclable things in your home. Steel, copper and aluminium are recovered and refrigerant is captured. Whether you drive an appliance to an Eco Centre, sell it to a scrap recycler or book a hauler, avoid leaving it in an alley or vacant lot. Abandoned fridges are a safety hazard to children, and illegal dumping is enforced in Calgary.
Appliance removal near me
Requests are accepted across Calgary and in Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks and Chestermere. If you are also clearing the rest of a basement or kitchen, combining jobs into one load usually saves money. See basement cleanouts, renovation junk removal and electronics recycling for smaller electronics such as microwaves and TVs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I dispose of an old fridge in Calgary?
Take the empty fridge to a City Eco Centre, where a $17 refrigerant removal surcharge applies plus weight charges (2026 rates), even if the refrigerant has already been removed. Some private metal recyclers also accept fridges. Or book a hauler who includes the refrigerant fee in the price.
Who will pick up an old refrigerator for free?
Free fridge pickup is uncommon in Calgary. A scrap metal recycler may accept or even buy some appliances, and a working fridge may be accepted by a charity or sold. Otherwise expect to pay a hauler or the City’s refrigerant surcharge.
How do I dispose of old appliances?
Non-cooling appliances such as washers, dryers and stoves are scrap metal. Calgary landfills take scrap metal at $113/tonne (2026), several private scrap recyclers accept them, and junk haulers recycle them as part of a load.
How much does appliance removal cost?
Published Calgary examples we reviewed: fridge about $90 base or $110 with the refrigerant fee. Washers, dryers and stoves usually fall under the hauler’s minimum or single-item price, about $75–$110.
Do I need to disconnect the appliance first?
Yes, in most cases. Crews normally do not disconnect gas lines, hard-wired electrical or water supply lines. Have a qualified trade disconnect gas stoves and dryers before pickup.