Refrigerator Recycling in Redwood City, CA
One household refrigerator per free Recology bulky collection in Redwood City (two a year); Shoreway Transfer Station charges $33–$60 per refrigerator.
See all 3 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.
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 (16)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- Public Recycling Center and Transfer Station - South Bayside Industries (opens in new tab) · South Bayside Industries (RethinkWaste)
- The Transfer Station accepts household and business solid waste, appliances and auto and truck tires. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Refrigerant units are accepted only with certification of Freon removal. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Shoreway Environmental Center Transfer Station Rates (effective January 1, 2026) (opens in new tab) · South Bayside Industries (RethinkWaste) · effective January 1, 2026
- Solid waste is $72.00 per cubic yard, minimum $72.50. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Minimum solid waste charge $72.50. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Refrigerator $33.00 with proof of freon evacuation, $60.00 without. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Residential mattress $0.00, up to 5 per visit; commercial and non-resident mattress or box spring $20.00 each. Checked October 26, 2026.
- RethinkWaste Single-Family Household Service Guide (opens in new tab) · RethinkWaste (South Bayside Waste Management Authority)
- The RethinkWaste/Recology service guide is for residents of Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo and West Bay Sanitary District. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Solid Waste | City of Redwood City (opens in new tab) · City of Redwood City
- The city tells residents with a bedframe, couch or large appliance to schedule a free bulky item collection. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bulky Item Collection - Recology San Mateo County (opens in new tab) · Recology San Mateo County
- Recology San Mateo County bulky collections take: 1 large appliance (washing machine, clothes dryer, household refrigerator). 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.
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