How to dispose of a window air conditioner or dehumidifier
Window air conditioners and dehumidifiers contain refrigerant, which is why many dumps charge extra for them and some won't take them until the refrigerant has been removed. Your best first call may be your electric utility: EPA suggests checking whether it runs a rebate or turn-in program for old appliances.
Short answer
- Ask your electric utility about an appliance rebate or turn-in program.
- Drop-offs often charge a per-unit fee — $35 to $68 at the sites we've seen.
- Some cities require the refrigerant removed first by a professional.
- Retailers sometimes haul the old one away when they deliver a new one.
Why refrigerant matters
EPA explains that window air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and dehumidifiers historically used refrigerants that destroy the ozone layer if released. Its consumer advice: check with your electric utility for a rebate or turn-in program, check with your local municipality — which may require the refrigerant recovered before it will accept the appliance, in which case a professional such as an appliance repair shop removes it — or ask a retailer, since some take old appliances when delivering a new one.
What drop-offs charge
- Puyallup, Washington: fridges, freezers, AC units and water coolers $68 each.
- Grand Junction, Colorado: refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners $65 each.
- Oneida County, Wisconsin: fridges, freezers and A/C units $35.
- Asheville, North Carolina: A/C units free for residents with other appliances.
- Columbia, Missouri counts window air conditioners as appliances with refrigerant for its curbside appliance pickup.
Our appliance guide covers refrigerators and freezers in detail.
Find a drop-off near you
Enter your city or ZIP for the nearest sites, then check each site's page for appliance and refrigerant fees.