Refrigerator Recycling in Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake bulk pickup takes appliances; remove refrigerator and freezer doors. The SPSA transfer station needs a refrigerant-removed sticker.
See all 6 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.
Virginia rules
- DEQ: white goods (stoves, washers, water heaters, refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers) may contain refrigerants, oil, PCBs or mercury that must be removed before recycling or disposal. Source: Virginia DEQ: Special Waste (HHW, e-waste, white goods) (opens in new tab)
- Refrigerants should not be vented to the air or drained to the ground or sewer. Source: Virginia DEQ: Special Waste (HHW, e-waste, white goods) (opens in new tab)
More Virginia rules (6)
- Virginia law defines household hazardous waste as household waste that would otherwise be hazardous, including certain batteries, solvent-based paint and paint thinners, used motor oil, and fluorescent bulbs. Source: Code of Virginia 10.1-1400: Definitions (Virginia Waste Management Act) (opens in new tab)
- DEQ: many Virginia communities offer annual HHW collection events or permanent collection locations; check your county or city website. Source: Virginia DEQ: Recycling Guidance by Material (household hazardous waste) (opens in new tab)
- DEQ: if your community has no HHW program, or you cannot wait for the next event, you may put HHW in your regular trash, after drying or absorbing liquids. Source: Virginia DEQ: Recycling Guidance by Material (household hazardous waste) (opens in new tab)
- DEQ: many localities offer convenience centers or special collection days for HHW; check with your local Public Works office. Private vendors may offer free or fee-based services. Source: Virginia DEQ: Special Waste (HHW, e-waste, white goods) (opens in new tab)
- DEQ: your local government website or recycling coordinator is the best source for recycling and special collection events; for electronics or tires, contact your locality's Recycling Program Manager. Source: Virginia DEQ: Statewide Recycling Programs (opens in new tab)
- Every county, city, town or regional authority must run recycling programs meeting a minimum recycling rate of 15% or 25%, depending on density and unemployment. Source: Virginia DEQ: Virginia Recycling Mandates (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (22)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- Acceptable Materials (opens in new tab) · Southeastern Public Service Authority
- SPSA accepts bulk waste delivered by residents of member communities with proof of residency; the first twelve visits each calendar year are free. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Appliances with a certification sticker showing they are free of CFCs are accepted at all transfer stations except Oceana; the Regional Landfill accepts appliances without stickers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Residential Waste Disposal Guidelines (opens in new tab) · Southeastern Public Service Authority
- Residents need proof of residency within the SPSA service area, such as a driver's license or utility bill. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Waste delivered in vehicles that do not meet the residential conditions is charged the disposal fee, minimum $20.00. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Norfolk Transfer Station takes no residential waste Monday-Friday; Saturday 8-noon for commercial and Norfolk residents; Saturday and Sunday noon-4 for Norfolk residents only. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Transfer Stations - Unacceptable Wastes (PDF) (opens in new tab) · Southeastern Public Service Authority
- Transfer stations do not accept appliances containing Freon gas or any tires. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste (opens in new tab) · Southeastern Public Service Authority
- A valid driver's license or proof of residence from the SPSA service area is required; commercial HHW is not accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Safe Battery Disposal (opens in new tab) · Southeastern Public Service Authority
- A valid driver's license or proof of residence from an SPSA service area is required at SPSA collection sites; battery limit is 75 pounds per day. Checked October 26, 2026.
- What Can I Donate? (opens in new tab) · Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
- Goodwill accepts furniture in good condition, small appliances and small electronics. Checked October 26, 2026.
- What Can't I Donate? (opens in new tab) · Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
- Goodwill does not accept large appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers), mattresses and box springs, or paint. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bulk Trash Collection (opens in new tab) · City of Chesapeake Public Works
- Bulk household items include appliances, furniture, mattresses/box springs and patio furniture; remove doors from refrigerators and freezers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bulk household waste is limited to one 4 x 4 x 10 foot pile per residence per week and 12 collections per calendar year. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Request bulk pickup by calling 757-382-2489 by 5 p.m. the work day before, or online by 11:59 p.m. the day before your collection day. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bulk trash collection is only available to residents served by the City of Chesapeake Waste Management Division. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Virginia DEQ: Special Waste (HHW, e-waste, white goods) (opens in new tab) · Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- DEQ: white goods (stoves, washers, water heaters, refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers) may contain refrigerants, oil, PCBs or mercury that must be removed before recycling or disposal. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Refrigerants should not be vented to the air or drained to the ground or sewer. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DEQ: many localities offer convenience centers or special collection days for HHW; check with your local Public Works office. Private vendors may offer free or fee-based services. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Code of Virginia 10.1-1400: Definitions (Virginia Waste Management Act) (opens in new tab) · Code of Virginia (Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System)
- Virginia law defines household hazardous waste as household waste that would otherwise be hazardous, including certain batteries, solvent-based paint and paint thinners, used motor oil, and fluorescent bulbs. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Virginia DEQ: Recycling Guidance by Material (household hazardous waste) (opens in new tab) · Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- DEQ: many Virginia communities offer annual HHW collection events or permanent collection locations; check your county or city website. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DEQ: if your community has no HHW program, or you cannot wait for the next event, you may put HHW in your regular trash, after drying or absorbing liquids. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Virginia DEQ: Statewide Recycling Programs (opens in new tab) · Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- DEQ: your local government website or recycling coordinator is the best source for recycling and special collection events; for electronics or tires, contact your locality's Recycling Program Manager. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Virginia DEQ: Virginia Recycling Mandates (opens in new tab) · Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- Every county, city, town or regional authority must run recycling programs meeting a minimum recycling rate of 15% or 25%, depending on density and unemployment. 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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