CURBCYCLE PICKUP · We’ll pick it up and recycle it for you.Book a pickup →
Book a pickup

Refrigerator Recycling in San Mateo, CA

Recology San Mateo County picks up one household refrigerator per free bulky collection (two a year).

See all 2 options

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

2 ways to get rid of a refrigerator in San Mateo

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

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San MateoNo 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. San Mateo Bulky Item Collection (Recology San Mateo County)Pickup service · San MateoSan Mateo residentsFree
    How it works

    Two curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year at no additional charge on your regular collection day (Feb 1–Dec 31): 12 bags plus 1 large appliance, 1 bulky item and 1 e-waste item.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

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

California rules

More California rules (5)
Where this information comes from (10)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • Bulky Items - Recology San Mateo County (opens in new tab) · Recology San Mateo County
    • Residential customers receive two curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year at no additional charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • 1 large appliance (washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator) per pickup. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Special Recycling Programs | San Mateo, CA (opens in new tab) · City of San Mateo
    • The City of San Mateo says Recology San Mateo County is its hauler and residents get 2 on-call cleanups a year. 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.

How we check our information