Refrigerator Recycling in Arcata, CA

Refrigerators go out with one of the two free Recology bulky pickups a year for Arcata residents (no single item over 200 lb).

See all 2 options

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

2 ways to get rid of a refrigerator in Arcata

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · ArcataNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $140.00
How it works
Book online, set out your refrigerator and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.
Book a pickup →
Recology Arcata curbside bulky item pickupPickup service · ArcataArcata residentsFree
How it works
Arcata residential customers inside city limits may schedule two curbside bulky item pickups a year at no cost on their service day (up to 2 cubic yards or 500 lb, no single item over 200 lb). Accepted: appliances including refrigerators, washers and dryers, furniture, carpets, mattresses, up to nine tires.
Cost & rules
- Inside Arcata city limits only; schedule for your service day and set out the evening before.
Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

Refrigerant must be removed by a certified technician; ask whether the operator handles that and what it costs.
Empty and clean it, and ask whether doors must be removed or taped shut.
Check for utility appliance-recycling rebates before paying for disposal.

More about refrigerators and freezers

California rules

Refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs and replacements) in refrigeration and air-conditioning units are materials that require special handling. Source: DTSC: Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) Program (opens in new tab)
DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)

More California rules (5)

It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (12)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

Recology Arcata: Bulky Items (opens in new tab) · Recology Arcata
- Accepted bulky items include appliances, furniture, carpets, mattresses, refrigerators, ranges, washers and dryers and water heaters. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bulky item collection is not available outside Arcata city limits. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Residential customers may schedule two curbside pickups a year at no cost; more for a fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Each pickup is limited to 2 cubic yards or 500 lb total, no single item over 200 lb. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Items must be at the curb the evening before the scheduled collection. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) Program (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs and replacements) in refrigeration and air-conditioning units are materials that require special handling. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

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