Refrigerator Recycling in Charleston, SC
The city picks up refrigerators with other appliances at the curb on trash day once all doors are removed. Working refrigerators under 10 years old can go to the Habitat ReStore.
See all 4 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.
South Carolina rules
- South Carolina law defines white goods to include refrigerators and freezers, along with ranges, water heaters, dishwashers, trash compactors and air conditioners. Source: S.C. Code of Laws Title 44 Chapter 96: South Carolina Solid Waste Policy and Management Act (waste tires, lead-acid batteries, white goods) (opens in new tab)
- Anyone disposing of white goods is encouraged to reclaim freon before recycling or disposal. Source: S.C. Code of Laws Title 44 Chapter 96: South Carolina Solid Waste Policy and Management Act (waste tires, lead-acid batteries, white goods) (opens in new tab)
More South Carolina rules (4)
- SCDES: large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers must be recycled; most counties take them at drop-off centers, in curbside programs or at events. Source: SCDES: What Can I Recycle? (hard-to-manage items) (opens in new tab)
- Some county programs accept household hazardous waste, either through regular collection or single-day events; check RecycleHereSC. Source: SCDES: What Can I Recycle? (hard-to-manage items) (opens in new tab)
- Do not pour household hazardous products down the drain, on the ground or into a storm sewer. Source: SCDES: What Can I Recycle? (hard-to-manage items) (opens in new tab)
- SCDES asks residents to use only the drop-off locations of their own county of residence. Source: SCDES: Where to Recycle (county recycling locations) (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (21)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- Charleston County: New Convenience Center Rules (effective November 1, 2024) (opens in new tab) · Charleston County Environmental Management
- Proof of Charleston County residency is required at the convenience centers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Commercial customers may use only the single-stream recycling part of a convenience center. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Charleston County Environmental Management: Recycling, Convenience Centers & Drop Sites (opens in new tab) · Charleston County Environmental Management
- Staffed convenience centers accept the listed items from residents only; commercial businesses may drop off household recyclables only. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The scrap metal zone takes household appliances such as refrigerators, metal pots and pans, grills, water tanks and small metal items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Signal Point does not accept yard waste, household garbage, C&D debris, scrap metal, appliances or propane tanks. Checked October 26, 2026.
- City of Charleston: Trash & Yard Waste Collection (opens in new tab) · City of Charleston
- Old appliances and large metal items go separately at the curb; drain water heaters and remove or secure refrigerator and freezer doors. Checked October 26, 2026.
- City of Charleston: Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab) · City of Charleston
- The city collects bulk items, including white goods, for residents on the regular trash day; white goods are not picked up unless doors or drawers are removed. Checked October 26, 2026.
- No white goods are picked up unless all doors or drawers are removed. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Charleston Habitat for Humanity: ReStore (opens in new tab) · Charleston Habitat for Humanity
- Charleston Habitat ReStore: 731 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403; phone 843-579-0777. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Donations must be in good, sellable condition; no broken, stained or damaged items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Charleston Habitat ReStore: Donation Do / Don't List (PDF) (opens in new tab) · Charleston Habitat for Humanity
- Large appliances including ranges, washers, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers are accepted if in working condition; appliances over 10 years old are not. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Palmetto Goodwill: Donation Criteria & FAQs (opens in new tab) · Palmetto Goodwill
- Palmetto Goodwill lists furniture among items it accepts. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Palmetto Goodwill cannot accept mattresses or box springs, large appliances (refrigerators, washers/dryers), or hazardous materials such as paint thinner. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Palmetto Goodwill store: Bees Ferry (opens in new tab) · Palmetto Goodwill
- Palmetto Goodwill store at 3516 Shelby Ray Court, ZIP 29414. Checked October 26, 2026.
- S.C. Code of Laws Title 44 Chapter 96: South Carolina Solid Waste Policy and Management Act (waste tires, lead-acid batteries, white goods) (opens in new tab) · South Carolina General Assembly
- South Carolina law defines white goods to include refrigerators and freezers, along with ranges, water heaters, dishwashers, trash compactors and air conditioners. Checked October 26, 2026.
- White goods may not knowingly be mixed with municipal solid waste bound for a landfill, and MSW landfills may not knowingly accept them. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Anyone disposing of white goods is encouraged to reclaim freon before recycling or disposal. Checked October 26, 2026.
- SCDES: What Can I Recycle? (hard-to-manage items) (opens in new tab) · South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
- SCDES: large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers must be recycled; most counties take them at drop-off centers, in curbside programs or at events. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Some county programs accept household hazardous waste, either through regular collection or single-day events; check RecycleHereSC. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Do not pour household hazardous products down the drain, on the ground or into a storm sewer. Checked October 26, 2026.
- SCDES: Where to Recycle (county recycling locations) (opens in new tab) · South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
- SCDES asks residents to use only the drop-off locations of their own county of residence. Checked October 26, 2026.
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