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Refrigerator Recycling in Chicago, IL

City garbage customers must arrange a bulk pick-up through their ward sanitation superintendent (via 311) and remove the doors first. Working refrigerators up to 10 years old can be donated to the two Habitat ReStores, and Sims Metal on N. Artesian takes refrigerated appliances once the Freon is removed.

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Check before you go

Not yet confirmed: we couldn’t check this detail against a current source.

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

5 ways to get rid of a refrigerator in Chicago

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

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  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · ChicagoNo 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 →

  2. ReStore Chicago NorthDrop-off · 6040 N Pulaski Rd, ChicagoConditions applyA detail isn’t confirmedCost not listed
    Where

    6040 N Pulaski Rd
    Chicago, IL 60646

    Hours

    Donation drop-off Wednesday–Sunday, 11 am–5:30 pm (store open until 6 pm).

    Cost & rules

    Refrigerators and freezers

    Accepted with conditionsCost unknown

    Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

    • Subject to staff review; items must be clean and in good condition.
    • Working, with all parts, and up to 10 years old.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  3. ReStore Chicago SouthDrop-off · 6057 S Western Ave, ChicagoConditions applyA detail isn’t confirmedCost not listed
    Where

    6057 S Western Ave
    Chicago, IL 60636

    Hours

    Donation drop-off Wednesday–Sunday, 11 am–5:30 pm (store open until 6 pm).

    Cost & rules

    Refrigerators and freezers

    Accepted with conditionsCost unknown

    Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

    • Subject to staff review; items must be clean and in good condition.
    • Working, with all parts, and up to 10 years old.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  4. Sims Metal – Chicago (Smith Park)Drop-off · 350 N. Artesian, ChicagoConditions applyCost not listed
    Where

    350 N. Artesian
    Chicago, IL 60612

    Hours

    Monday–Friday 6:30 am–4:30 pm; Saturday 6:30 am–1:30 pm; closed Sunday.

    Cost & rules

    Refrigerators and freezers

    Accepted with conditionsCost unknown

    Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

    • Freon must be removed before the yard can accept a refrigerated appliance.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  5. Streets and Sanitation bulk pick-up (by arrangement with the ward superintendent)City service · ChicagoChicago residentsConditions applyCost not listed
    How it works

    City garbage customers must arrange a bulk pick-up with their Streets and Sanitation ward superintendent before putting out any large item or extra load of trash. Residents can call 311 or contact their district sanitation office.

    Cost & rules
    • Arrange a bulk pick-up with your ward superintendent (call 311) before setting it out.
    • Before you go: Remove the doors or lids first.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

Places that don’t take refrigerators and freezers (1)

Before you go

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

Illinois rules

More Illinois rules (4)
Where this information comes from (15)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (opens in new tab) · City of Chicago Department of Environment
    • All Chicagoans may drop off their individual household chemicals and electronics; businesses and large groups must use a private disposal company. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Household appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, washers and dryers are not accepted at the HCCRF. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Sanitation Code Violation (opens in new tab) · City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation
    • Arrange with your Streets and Sanitation ward superintendent for a bulk pick-up before putting out any large item; remove doors or lids from discarded refrigerators and freezers. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Residential garbage service covers single-family homes and apartment buildings of four units or less; others must arrange private collection. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Grid Garbage Collection (opens in new tab) · City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation
    • Residents can call 311 or contact their local district sanitation offices. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • ReStore Chicago donation guidelines (rev. 10.2024) (opens in new tab) · Habitat for Humanity Chicago
    • Acceptance is subject to staff review; items must be clean and in good condition. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Appliances must be in working condition with all knobs and parts. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • ReStore Chicago accepts refrigerators up to 10 years old. Checked October 25, 2026 (automated check) · not yet confirmed.
  • Sims Metal – Chicago, Illinois (Smith Park) (opens in new tab) · Sims Metal
    • Freon must be removed from refrigerated appliances before Sims can accept them. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • 415 ILCS 5: Environmental Protection Act, Sections 20 to 22.63 (Title V, Land Pollution) (opens in new tab) · Illinois General Assembly
    • Landfills may not accept white goods unless the white good components (such as CFC refrigerant, mercury switches and PCB devices) have been removed and the landfill has an approved operating plan. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • No one may offer white goods for collection for landfilling, or collect them for that purpose, unless the white good components have been removed. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • White goods include discarded refrigerators, ranges, water heaters, freezers, air conditioners, humidifiers and similar large appliances; components include CFC refrigerant gas. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Illinois EPA: Household Waste Disposal (opens in new tab) · Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
    • Illinois EPA says appliances such as refrigerators and freezers that still have their components (mercury switches, CFC refrigerant, PCBs) have been banned from landfills since July 1, 1994. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Illinois EPA suggests having an appliance hauled to a scrap yard where the metal can be reclaimed instead of landfilling it. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Illinois EPA: Household Hazardous Wastes (opens in new tab) · Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
    • Illinois EPA says state and federal law allow household hazardous waste to go out with residential garbage, but taking it to an HHW collection is more protective. 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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