Refrigerator Recycling in San Luis Obispo, CA

Refrigerators count as large bulky items in San Luis Obispo's free bulky collections (up to three a year for single-family homes); IWMA HHW sites do not take refrigerators.

See all 2 options

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

2 ways to get rid of a refrigerator in San Luis Obispo

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

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San Luis ObispoNo 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 →
City of San Luis Obispo Bulky Item Collection (San Luis Garbage)Pickup service · San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo residentsFree
How it works
Single-family customers get up to 3 free scheduled bulky item collections a year (one during each Clean Up Week); multi-family complexes get up to 12. Items up to 200 lbs; book at least 5 days ahead through the account holder at (805) 543-0875.
Cost & rules
- Before you go: Book at least 5 days ahead through the account holder.
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

City of San Luis Obispo bulky item collections (San Luis Garbage flyer) (opens in new tab) · San Luis Garbage (Waste Connections)
- City of San Luis Obispo single-family customers are allowed up to 3 free scheduled bulky item collections a year. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bulky items may weigh up to 200 lbs; small bulky examples include microwaves and computers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Large bulky examples include refrigerators, couches, dining tables and scrap metal. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bulky pickups must be called in at least 5 days before the regular pickup day by the account holder at (805) 543-0875. Checked October 26, 2026.
Hazardous Waste: accepted waste streams (SLO County IWMA) (opens in new tab) · San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
- E-waste accepted at the HHW facilities includes TVs and small appliances such as microwaves; stoves, refrigerators and freezers are not accepted. 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