New refrigerator arriving Friday? Washer finally gave out? In California you can’t just roll an old appliance to the curb — most of them are banned from the landfill, and some contain refrigerants that legally require special handling. Here’s a plain-English guide to getting rid of old appliances the right way, and how Send It Hauling makes it a same-day job across San Joaquin County.
What California Law Says About Appliance Disposal
Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain refrigerants that must be recovered by certified technicians before the unit is scrapped — releasing them is illegal. TVs, monitors, and most electronics are covered by California’s e-waste rules and can’t go in the trash. Even simple appliances like washers and dryers are treated as scrap metal that should be recycled, not landfilled. Bottom line: nearly every major appliance needs a proper disposal channel.
Your Disposal Options
- Retailer haul-away — some stores take your old unit when delivering the new one, usually for a fee and only at delivery time
- Utility programs — check your utility for occasional old-refrigerator recycling offers
- Certified e-waste recyclers — good for TVs and electronics, but you haul them yourself
- Donation — working appliances in good shape can find a second home locally
- Junk removal service — one call covers pickup from anywhere in your home, proper refrigerant handling, recycling, and disposal fees
Why DIY Appliance Dumping Backfires
A refrigerator can weigh 250 pounds or more — hard on your back, your doorframes, and your truck. Transfer stations charge appliance fees and often have separate lines for refrigerant units. And leaving an appliance at the curb or an empty lot counts as illegal dumping, which carries steep fines in San Joaquin County. The math usually favors one professional pickup.
How Our Appliance Removal Works
- Text a photo of the appliance to (209) 665-5584 or use our online quote form for a free estimate.
- We come to you — same-day and next-day pickups across Manteca, Tracy, Stockton, Modesto, Lathrop, and Ripon.
- We handle the heavy lifting from any room — garage, kitchen, upstairs laundry — and route each unit to the right recycler.
Book an Appliance Pickup Today
Whether it’s one dead dishwasher or a full kitchen remodel’s worth of appliances, Send It Hauling takes care of removal, recycling, and disposal in one visit. Call or text (209) 665-5584 — family-owned, licensed and insured, and 5-star rated by more than 100 of your Central Valley neighbors.