Refrigerator Recycling in San José, CA
San José Junk Pickup collects refrigerators at no cost if emptied and doors are taped; working ones may be donated to ReStore San Jose.
See all 3 optionsChecked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check
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.
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 (15)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- ReStore Donation Criteria (opens in new tab) · Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley
- ReStore accepts refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves and other appliances as donations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Appliances must be in perfect working condition, undamaged and clean. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Acceptance is at ReStore staff discretion after in-person review. Checked October 26, 2026.
- San José residents: Have junk to get rid of? (opens in new tab) · City of San José
- Residents can schedule a no-cost curbside Junk Pickup through San José 311. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Junk Pickup is available at no cost for single-family homes and multi-family complexes, owners and renters. Checked October 26, 2026.
- All items must come from your residence. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Requests may include up to 12 items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Items and Instructions for Junk Pickup (opens in new tab) · City of San José
- San José Junk Pickup accepts this item with set-out instructions: Empty it, remove glass shelves, and unlock and tape the doors; no commercial appliances. 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.
How we check our information