Refrigerator Recycling in Athens, OH

In Athens, refrigerators need the Freon removed and tagged by a licensed HVAC technician before Rumpke takes them.

See all 2 options

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

2 ways to get rid of a refrigerator in Athens

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

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · AthensNo 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 →
Athens curbside bulk items (Rumpke)City service · AthensAthens residentsConditions applyCost not listed
How it works
Bulk items collected on the regular collection day under the City of Athens contract with Rumpke. Wrap upholstered furniture, mattresses and box springs in plastic; Freon appliances must be emptied and tagged by a licensed HVAC technician.
Cost & rules
- Freon removed and tagged by a licensed HVAC technician first.
Official page (opens in new tab)

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

Ohio rules

Ohio EPA: refrigerators, air conditioners and humidifiers contain harmful refrigerants that should be removed before the appliance is recycled at a scrap yard. Source: Ohio EPA: Dispose of Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
If the scrap yard is not certified to remove refrigerants, Ohio EPA says to have a certified refrigerator service company remove the refrigerant and tag the appliance first. Source: Ohio EPA: Dispose of Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)

More Ohio rules (10)

Ohio EPA: refrigerant should be removed from refrigerators, air conditioners and humidifiers before recycling. Source: Ohio EPA: Dispose of Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
ORC 3734.65: mercury-containing thermostats may not be sold or installed in Ohio, except in a visually impaired person's home or for manufacturing process control. Source: Ohio Revised Code 3734.65: Sale or installation of mercury-containing thermostat (opens in new tab)
Ohio EPA: household lamps are not regulated as hazardous waste, but homeowners are encouraged to recycle them; Home Depot and Lowe's take compact fluorescent bulbs free at all stores. Source: Ohio EPA: Dispose of Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Ohio EPA: household hazardous waste disposal is usually controlled by the local or county solid waste management district; contact your district for facilities that accept it. Source: Ohio EPA: Dispose of Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Ohio EPA oversees 52 solid waste management districts responsible for making sure Ohioans can reduce, reuse and recycle. Source: Ohio EPA DMWM: Solid Waste Management Planning (opens in new tab)
Every Ohio county must belong to a solid waste management district, alone or jointly with other counties. Source: Ohio EPA DMWM: FAQs (opens in new tab)
Ohio EPA: your local solid waste management district is your first source of disposal and recycling information. Source: Ohio EPA DMWM: FAQs (opens in new tab)
Ohio's 88 counties are organized into 52 solid waste management districts and authorities. Source: Ohio EPA DMWM Guidance/Fact Sheet 1005: Solid Waste Management Districts (PDF, June 2017) (opens in new tab)
Ohio EPA: district collection events (HHW, electronics, tires, appliances) are usually for district residents only, may charge fees or require appointments, and are for household materials only. Source: Ohio EPA: Special Collection Events by Solid Waste Management District (PDF, updated December 2021) (opens in new tab)
Ohio's state disposal and environmental protection fee is $4.75 per ton of solid waste. Source: Ohio EPA DMWM: FAQs (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (14)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

Athens, OH Waste & Recycling Program Information (city contract guidelines) (opens in new tab) · Rumpke Waste & Recycling (City of Athens contractor)
- Residents may place bulk items out on their regular collection day; wrap fabric and upholstered furniture, mattresses and box springs in plastic. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Freon appliances (refrigerators, A/C units, dehumidifiers) must have Freon removed by a licensed HVAC technician and be tagged. Checked October 26, 2026.
Ohio EPA: Dispose of Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Ohio EPA: refrigerators, air conditioners and humidifiers contain harmful refrigerants that should be removed before the appliance is recycled at a scrap yard. Checked October 26, 2026.
- If the scrap yard is not certified to remove refrigerants, Ohio EPA says to have a certified refrigerator service company remove the refrigerant and tag the appliance first. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Ohio EPA: refrigerant should be removed from refrigerators, air conditioners and humidifiers before recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Ohio EPA: household lamps are not regulated as hazardous waste, but homeowners are encouraged to recycle them; Home Depot and Lowe's take compact fluorescent bulbs free at all stores. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Ohio EPA: household hazardous waste disposal is usually controlled by the local or county solid waste management district; contact your district for facilities that accept it. Checked October 26, 2026.
Ohio Revised Code 3734.65: Sale or installation of mercury-containing thermostat (opens in new tab) · Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Laws)
- ORC 3734.65: mercury-containing thermostats may not be sold or installed in Ohio, except in a visually impaired person's home or for manufacturing process control. Checked October 26, 2026.
Ohio EPA DMWM: Solid Waste Management Planning (opens in new tab) · Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Ohio EPA oversees 52 solid waste management districts responsible for making sure Ohioans can reduce, reuse and recycle. Checked October 26, 2026.
Ohio EPA DMWM: FAQs (opens in new tab) · Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Every Ohio county must belong to a solid waste management district, alone or jointly with other counties. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Ohio EPA: your local solid waste management district is your first source of disposal and recycling information. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Ohio's state disposal and environmental protection fee is $4.75 per ton of solid waste. Checked October 26, 2026.
Ohio EPA DMWM Guidance/Fact Sheet 1005: Solid Waste Management Districts (PDF, June 2017) (opens in new tab) · Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Ohio's 88 counties are organized into 52 solid waste management districts and authorities. Checked October 26, 2026.
Ohio EPA: Special Collection Events by Solid Waste Management District (PDF, updated December 2021) (opens in new tab) · Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Ohio EPA: district collection events (HHW, electronics, tires, appliances) are usually for district residents only, may charge fees or require appointments, and are for household materials only. 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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