Do you have an old fridge you need recycled right away? Click Here!

Disposing of old refrigerators is a big job. 

Big because the appliances are big, for one, and they have to be properly disposed of, as well, which can be a big chore in itself. And it presents a big opportunity to help the planet and reduce the impact of old refrigerators in the waste stream through refrigerator recycling.

And you may well ask, “Is refrigerator recycling really a thing?”

Well, as it turns out, yep!

Why Recycle an Old Refrigerator?

And that’s another fair question to ask: “Why recycle an old refrigerator?” The key to that question is to understand the importance of recycling a refrigerator instead of landfilling it.

Of course, we all understand that recycling is not only a good thing to do with as many waste items and materials as possible, but that it’s also good for the planet – the environment, the atmosphere, and the groundwater. 

But we also know that some things seem to be difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. 

Take large household appliances like refrigerators or chest freezers, for example. Surely recycling a refrigerator is not a common activity, right? And, when it comes to refrigerator recycling, you obviously can’t just put it in your household recycling bin on the curb.

In fact, most of us would even be hard pressed to get one into a recycling dumpster!

That’s because your average residential side-by-side refrigerator is almost six feet tall and over three feet wide – front to back, as well as side to side. Not to mention that it weighs up to 400 pounds, with an average weight of 250 pounds.

But this also means that, if that old fridge ends up in a local landfill – like the Otay Landfill, for example – the thing will take up an excessively large amount of space for one waste item.

The average household refrigerator takes up just over 50 cubic feet of landfill volume. Multiply that by the more than 10 million estimated units that do end up in landfills every year. Now you’re talking about 500,000,000 million cubic feet of space, or close to 17 square miles of refrigerators standing upright, side by side!

Benefits of Recycling an Old Refrigerator

There are several other benefits of recycling a refrigerator aside from reducing space used in landfills. 

For example, by having your old refrigerator properly recycled, you will ensure that all the oils, refrigerants, and other dangerous compounds will be removed and recovered safely. And, depending on where you live and the age of your unit, you may also be eligible for a rebate program.

In addition, recycling benefits the economy. 

As one source notes,

“On average, most cooling appliances that are at least 10 years old are made up of over 120 pounds of recyclable steel. In addition, there are many other metals and components that can be reused.”

Along with all the steel, refrigerators provide a variety of plastics and other metal. These plastics and metals are removed from the interior of the machine and can usually be fully recycled. Then there’s the glass dividers and shelving that can be crushed and shipped to glass recycling plants.

And finally, the compressor of your unit is safely removed and able to be recycled in other appliances.

How to Properly Dispose of Your Old Refrigerator

It can be tempting to forgo all the recycling efforts and simply haul your fridge somewhere outside of town and dump it. 

Not a really good idea.

Not only is it highly illegal in California, but it is also dangerous and poses a very real threat to the environment. And even if you do find a landfill to dump it in legally, that is still one of the worst ways to dispose of your old refrigerator.

As one site explains,

“Disposing of your unused refrigerator or freezer unit improperly can have many dangerous repercussions on the environment. Old appliances that were built prior to 1995 contain foam insulation made with CFC-11, which is an environmentally destructive gas that contributes to the recent changes our climate is experiencing.

 

If these units are left to rot in landfills, they can also contribute a dangerous amount of carbon dioxide to the earth as the foam insulation begins to degrade. Landfill availability is limited, and these huge appliances can take up a great deal of precious space in an already packed area.”

In addition, most old freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain ozone-depleting chemicals used in refrigerants that are dangerous to the environment. 

For example, most refrigerators manufactured prior to the mid-1990s used Freon as the main refrigerant. In 1994, the use of Freon, or R-12, was banned in new refrigerators and air-conditioning systems due to its damage to the ozone layer. Beginning in 1990, the less harmful replacement, R-134a, has been used in many old systems.

And refrigerant recovery has to be performed by a certified technician. Fortunately, most reputable recycling facilities have that covered.

So, it is pretty much a settled issue that, if you can’t or do not want to sell or donate your old refrigerator, then you will want to have it recycled. 

But that begs the question as to how to recycle an old fridge?

A Guide on How to Recycle Your Old Fridge in Chula Vista

For many homeowners, renters, and others, when it comes to old refrigerator disposal, it’s common to ask, “How do you recycle a fridge?”

The good news is that old fridge recycling in Chula Vista can be easy.

In fact, it can be so easy that we’ve put together a DIY guide for preparing your old appliance for removal and recycling.

When you decide to call for a professional refrigerator removal service to haul your old fridge for you to be recycled, you don’t really have to do much of anything. However, if you like to tinker and get things ready for disposal, there are just a few simple steps you need to follow:

1. Unplug your refrigerator 24 hours before it will be removed
2. Turn off the water valve to the appliance
3. Empty and drain the ice maker if it has one
4. Remove the interior components
5. Arrange for refrigerant removal
6. Clean your old refrigerator
7. Call for a professional junk hauling service

This last step is probably the easiest since, if you live in Chula Vista, you need simply to call Junk King San Diego Downtown.

As your local Junk King location, we can provide efficient, safe, and eco-friendly refrigerator removal service that makes the entire process easy for you. And our experienced refrigerator removal team will quickly and easily haul away your old fridge without damaging any part of your home in the process.

Oh, and we’ll do all the heavy lifting!

The Benefits and Importance of Properly Disposing an Older Refrigerator

So, to recap, there are huge benefits to properly disposing of your old refrigerator through recycling, as well as it being an important decision, as well.

Some of those benefits include:

1. Helping to protect the ozone layer
2. Recovery of scrap metal
3. Saving natural resources
4. Preventing potential environmental issues

In addition to the environmental and other “green” benefits, proper refrigerator disposal means less effort on your part. 

And why is that?

Because the best option for old  refrigerator removal and disposal in Chula Vista is to call a professional appliance removal firm, like Junk King San Diego Downtown. We specialize in appliance removal and refrigerator disposal and recycling, and have for years. 

So, we’re really good at it! And the best part of all is that we make the entire process easy for you.

Recycling: Your Best Refrigerator Disposal Option in Chula Vista

Okay. So, you’ve decided to get rid of your old refrigerator. But how do you go about doing that?

Of course, if it’s still working and in good condition, you can certainly try to sell it. You can make that happen by asking friends and neighbors, or by posting it on an online selling site. Just make sure that it’s clean and that you make a full disclosure about any dings, scratches, or broken parts.

Don’t want to wait around for a buyer and dealing with multiple calls or emails? Then donate that working appliance. It’s highly likely that you could successfully donate it to a local charity, or even give it to a family member or friend that needs a fridge. 

Those are great options. But what if your old fridge doesn’t work any longer?

While the obvious answer might be to dump it, as we’ve pointed out here, that’s actually the worst thing you could try to do. But, since so much of what your refrigerator is made of can be efficiently recycled, getting it removed and taken to a recycling facility is really your best option.

Living in or near Chula Vista also means that getting your old refrigerator transported to a proper facility for recycling is pretty easy. In fact, the easiest way to dispose of your old refrigerator in an eco-friendly manner is to call a local and professional junk removal service. 

And Junk King San Diego Downtown is your best choice for the job!

When You Need Refrigerator Removal in the Downtown San Diego Area

When you call Junk King San Diego Downtown, you can know that you’ll get prompt, courteous, and eco-friendly refrigerator recycling, and junk removal service.

The best part about calling Junk King is that you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself. And that’s a good thing since – unlike your family vehicle – our junk removal trucks are designed for large loads of old appliances like refrigerators, as well as all other types of bulky junk!

Our experienced junk removal team will easily and quickly remove and haul off your old refrigerator, along with any other types of junk you have to get rid of, as well. (Anything except hazardous waste, that is!)

We are proud of the fact that Junk King San Diego Downtown is dedicated to delivering outstanding service to our residential neighbors and businesses who live and work in downtown San Diego and areas like Chula Vista.

Our professional and insured junk removal team will show up at your property and we’ll call 15 to 30 minutes before we arrive. Once we’re there, we’ll give you a free, no-obligation estimate based on how much space your refrigerator and other junk takes up in our truck.

You simply point, and we’ll load your appliance, rubbish, and other junk items and haul them away with no hidden fees!

Just make an appointment by booking online above, or by calling us at 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).

Do you need appliance removal right away? Click Here.

In a city of over 280,000 residents, Chula Vista has quite a few homes, as well. 

Actually, according to one source, there are close to 91,000 households in the city for all those people, making Chula Vista is the 15th largest city in California. 

And, while these households consist of single-family homes, as well as condominiums, townhouses, apartments, and even mobile homes and trailers, most all of them have one thing in common: appliances.

Here’s the thing about household appliances – they have to be replaced periodically. This means they have to be removed from the home and taken somewhere to be disposed of, as well. 

And that’s no easy task. 

What is Appliance Removal and How Much Does It Cost?

The simple answer to the question, “What is appliance removal?” is that it is the act of removing an appliance from a structure and transporting it to a disposal destination. 

Easy enough, you might say, but who can do appliance pick up?

Of course, for many residents and homeowners, their first inclination is to do it themselves. But this can be a bit more difficult than it might seem at first. If the owner of an old appliance that needs to be removed and gotten rid of owns a truck, that’s a good start.

If their home is on the ground floor, that’s also quite helpful. And, if they have some reliable assistance when it comes to moving the appliance from the house or apartment and out to the street and then up into the truck, all the better. 

But this isn’t true for many old appliance owners. 

Which is why Junk King San Diego Downtown specializes in appliance pick up service for Chula Vista and her neighbors.

The fact is, even for those residents who could potentially take care of their own appliance removal needs, they may choose not to in order to avoid the strain of all the heavy lifting and the very real risk of getting hurt in the process.

So, a fair question to ask at this point is how much does it cost for an appliance pick up service?

According to information from HomeAdvisor, 

“Junk removal costs $233 on average with a typical range between $133 and $360. A full truckload runs $400 to $800. The minimum for a single item costs between $60 and $150.”

And for major appliances, their information states that, 

“Having a major appliance hauled away costs an average of $100. But it might range from $60 to $130. If you have a few to get rid of, each additional piece only adds $30 on average.”

Keep in mind that these are national averages and that actual costs depend on what you have to haul away, where you live, and the pricing model of the appliance pick up service you use.

What Types of Appliances Can Be Disposed Of?

Of course, the simple answer to that question is “all of them.”

Strictly speaking, anything can be disposed of. The question is really, “What can be disposed of properly?”  And that often means determining what can be recycled.

For household appliances removal, Chula Vista residents might be put off by the thought of their old units ending up in a landfill. Or, worse, there are still individuals who seem to think it’s okay to dump old washers or dryers in vacant lots or in fields on the outskirts of town. 

However, not only is that method of disposal unsightly and a safety hazard, but it’s also illegal. 

The bottom line is that recycling is the disposal option of choice for household appliances. And the good news is that most appliances are highly recyclable thanks in large part to their being constructed primarily of steel and other metals. 

In fact, steel, aluminum, and most other metals are infinitely recyclable and can be reused to produce material and parts for new products. And the process is incredibly eco-friendly. 

According to one recycling source, 

“One of the benefits of recycling steel is that it reduces the consumption, expenses, energy, and time to mine other valuable resources. For every ton of recycled steel, it saves one and a half tons of iron ore, half a ton of coal, and 40 percent of the water normally used in the production process. By using ferrous scrap rather than virgin materials in the production of iron and steel, CO2 emissions are reduced by an astounding 58 percent.”

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that certain appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units do contain hazardous and even toxic components that must be professionally removed prior to dismantling and recycling.

The good news is that with a reliable and professional appliance removal service like Junk King San Diego Downtown, all you have to do is point and let the experts do all the work.

How to Dispose of Appliances- 7 Tips on Proper Disposal

When it comes to disposing of junk appliances, the real key is knowing how to recycle old appliances properly.

While the simplest approach is to call a junk removal service like Junk King, there are steps you can take to help ensure proper disposal.

1. Sell It: If your appliance is in good condition, it can often be sold. You can try selling it in a garage sale or to a local appliance reseller. Clean it and make sure it has all the parts. If you have the original product manual, that’s a bonus.
2. Donate It: If selling your useable appliance isn’t an option, donating it to a non-profit group, church, or community thrift store in Chula Vista can be a great alternative. As with selling, make sure it’s clean and has all its parts, etc.
3. Gift It: For some appliances, selling them or donating them to an organization can involve more work and effort than might seem worthwhile. However, it’s likely that a friend, neighbor, or family member can use your old appliance and pick it up from you.
4. Scrap It: Local scrap-metal dealers will often accept certain appliances although you may have to transport them and drop them off. The advantage to this option is that many scrappers will accept non-working appliances that they often repair and sell.
5. Avoid Refrigerants: These are dangerous and regulated chemicals found in some household appliances. If you are disposing of an old refrigerator, freezer, dehumidifier, or air conditioner, you need to call a certified technician for refrigerant removal.
6. DIY Recycling: Smart appliances have onboard microprocessors and display panels that contain toxic and hazardous materials. Although they are in small amounts, they require special handling and disposal.
7. Preplanning: If you plan to remove and dispose of your appliance yourself, know how you will remove it from your home, where you can take it, and how you will get it there. You’ll also need to know if there are any regulations for proper disposal.

Of course, some residents have the option of calling the city.

Chula Vista homes with cart service can have bulky items picked up weekly, free of charge. Bulky items include appliances. Items over 60 pounds that cannot be handled with a hand truck will be picked for an additional charge.

Tips for Dealing with Junk Appliances

The bottom line is that junk appliances, like with most junk disposal, do not need to end up in  the Otay Landfill. And, in fact, recycling old appliances is the best and most efficient way of dealing with junk appliances.

If you have the resources – a truck, appliance dolly, straps, and some reliable help – you can certainly take on the task of recycling your old junk appliances yourself. But why would you want to when there are easier options readily available for Chula Vista residents?

Old appliances are heavy, and they come with a variety of sharp, metal edges and other means of inflicting injuries. And that’s not considering the risks of pulled or strained muscles, the very real possibility of smashed fingers and crushed toes. 

Dealing with junk appliances is not one of the easier DIY tasks that homeowners and others can take on, so why bother? 

A far better option is to simply find a reliable and affordable appliance removal company.

Finding Appliance Removal Companies

For those of us living in and near Chula Vista, finding appliance removal companies can be a simple matter of doing a quick online search. 

However, despite the fact that you will find dozens of results featuring dozens of companies that offer junk appliance removal services, how do you know which one to choose? Pricing can be a major factor. Avoid those firms that charge by the weight of your load, for example. This can be more costly for you, especially when it comes to large junk appliances.

Look for firms that charge by volume instead. This is a far more equitable pricing model.

Also, you want to stay away from firms that appear to be less-than-professional. While you might think that they’ll cost you less, you also should keep in mind that you’ll likely be letting these people into your home.

And, lastly, look for a company that is a genuinely green and eco-friendly junk removal service provider. Most firms don’t take the time and effort to sort through the junk they collect, nor do they bother to recycle as much as they could.

For Appliance Removal in Chula Vista, Just Call on Junk King

You will always get prompt, courteous, and eco-friendly appliance removal and disposal service when you call Junk King San Diego Downtown.

The best part is that you don’t have to do the heavy lifting or moving yourself.

At Junk King, we understand that although almost all metals are recyclable, not everything made with metal can go to a recycler. Fortunately, just about any household appliance is a suitable candidate for recycling. 

So, let the pros at Junk King San Diego Downtown take care of the sorting and proper disposal of your junk appliance items. And, when you partner with Junk King San Diego Downtown, you’re helping keep San Diego County green.

It’s the smart – and green – option!

As your local Junk King professionals, we are dedicated to delivering outstanding service to our residential neighbors and businesses who live and work in and around Chula Vista. It was the apparent lack of reliable, environmentally friendly, efficient junk removal services that inspired owner Yoko Stone to set up shop here.

And, as she has pointed out,

“Not everyone has the means to dispose of their junk or unwanted items in a safe way.”

But with Junk King San Diego Downtown you can. And we do all the work!

Our professional and insured junk removal team will show up at your property and we’ll call 15 to 30 minutes before we arrive. Once we’re there, we’ll give you a free, no-obligation estimate based on how much space your old appliances and other junk takes up in our truck.

You simply point, and we’ll load your unwanted items and haul them away quickly and efficiently. And we do it all without any hidden fees!

Just book an appointment online above or give us a call at 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).