Refrigerator Recycling in Cupertino, CA

Cupertino residents can set out a refrigerator as one of up to 3 bulky items on two free Recology on-call collections a year (408.725.4020).

See all 2 options

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

2 ways to get rid of a refrigerator in Cupertino

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

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · CupertinoNo 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 →
Cupertino Curbside Bulky Item Pickup (Recology South Bay)Pickup service · CupertinoCupertino residentsFree
How it works
Two on-call collections a year at no additional cost for single-family and apartment residents; up to 3 bulky items per collection such as refrigerators, computer monitors or furniture. Extra collections cost a fee. Schedule with Recology at 408.725.4020 before setting items out.
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 (10)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

Curbside Bulky Item Pickup | Cupertino, CA (opens in new tab) · City of Cupertino
- Residents are eligible for two on-call collections per year at no additional cost. Checked October 26, 2026.
Residential Waste | Cupertino, CA (opens in new tab) · City of Cupertino
- Two free bulky pickups a year apply to single-family homes and apartment residents. Checked October 26, 2026.
Bulky Items - Recology South Bay: Cupertino (opens in new tab) · Recology South Bay
- Bulky items are limited to 3 per collection, e.g. refrigerators, computer monitors or furniture. 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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