Refrigerator Recycling in Santa Cruz, CA

Refrigerators are $23.15 per unit at the City Resource Recovery Facility, 605 Dimeo Lane.

See all 2 options

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

2 ways to get rid of a refrigerator in Santa Cruz

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

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · Santa CruzNo 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 →
City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility & Recycling Center (Dimeo Lane)City service · Santa CruzSanta Cruz residents$23.15
How it works
City-run landfill, recycling center and Saturday HHW drop-off at 605 Dimeo Lane (3 miles north of the city limits off Highway 1), open Monday–Saturday 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for City of Santa Cruz residents and businesses with proof of residency; North Coast county residents pay a 28% surcharge.
Cost & rules
Fees
Refrigeration unit (refrigerator) $23.15
Official page (opens in new tab)

Fees
Refrigeration unit (refrigerator)	$23.15

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.

More about refrigerators and freezers

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 (13)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

City of Santa Cruz: Resource Recovery Facility (Landfill) (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery
- The RRF is for material generated within Santa Cruz city limits and is open to city residents and businesses with proper ID. Checked October 26, 2026.
- North Coast County residents pay stated rates plus a 28% surcharge. Checked October 26, 2026.
City of Santa Cruz: Recycling Center (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery
- Accepted for a fee: refrigerators/freezers, water heaters, washers, dryers, stoves and microwaves, and tires. Checked October 26, 2026.
City of Santa Cruz: Resource Recovery Facility Fee Schedule (as of April 1, 2026) (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery · effective April 1, 2026
- Major appliances (e.g., washers, dryers, water heaters, microwaves) are $11.58 per unit; refrigeration units (e.g., refrigerators) $23.15 per unit. Checked October 26, 2026.
County of Santa Cruz: Household Hazardous Waste Program (opens in new tab) · County of Santa Cruz Public Works
- HHW drop-off is free for residents of unincorporated Santa Cruz County and the cities of Scotts Valley, Capitola and Santa Cruz, with proof of residency. Checked October 26, 2026.
City of Santa Cruz: Bulky Item Pickup (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery
- Each single-family utility account holder is eligible for 4 extra-service pickups at no charge, usable for a bag of trash, a bulky item or an appliance; call 420-5220. 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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