Getting rid of an old refrigerator or freezer is a real pain. Landfills won’t take them without the hazardous materials drained and haul away services charge money. Often the best option is to try and sell your old refrigerator if it still works. Then you can achieve two goals: get paid and find someone to pick it up from you. In this article, I’ll share where to sell a used refrigerator, how much money they go for in scrap, and some common questions. I will also share my experience with the places who buys old refrigerators near me.
Map of Who Buys Old Refrigerators Near Me
For “Who Buys Old Refrigerators Near Me” or “Where to Sell My Used Refrigerator Near Me”, see the map below…
Key Considerations for Selling Refrigerators: Condition and Features
One of the primary considerations when selling a refrigerator is the condition of the appliance, particularly its refrigerator section and freezer space. Buyers are typically interested in used fridges that still work properly and provide sufficient freezer and refrigerator space.
The convenience of having a French door refrigerator with a spacious interior, ice maker, and water dispenser is a significant selling point, making it an attractive option for those in search of home appliances.
Places That Buy Old Refrigerators
If you’re looking to part ways with your old or used refrigerator, you’ll be pleased to know that there are numerous places that gladly make appliance purchases, including French door refrigerators. These quality appliances are sought after by many buyers, and you can often find great deals when selling your old appliances.
Believe it or not, there are a few different options for selling your used refrigerator. Back in the day your options were basically a yard sale, classified ad, or word of mouth. Things have drastically changed with the internet and the huge uptick in people’s desire to recycle.
Fair warning Some options below will require you to transport the unit, while a few others could get it picked up from you. It’s also possible to even find a buyer even if your fridge or old freezer doesn’t work. Let’s dive in and discuss the alternative you can consider when selling an old fridge or freezer.
Appliance Salvage Yard Who Buys Old Refrigerators
An appliance salvage yard is also known as a scrap metal yard. They are one of the best places to drop any kind of junk appliance off when they no longer work. In my experience with the place that buys old refrigerators near me, this is one of the easiest and best choices. They will pay for your fridge or freezer even if it doesn’t work, the trade-off is that you will need to transport it there yourself.
These businesses buy scrap metal and recycle it into new products. They pay based on the weight and type of metal you have. The rate of pay is based on the metals commodity market which fluctuates daily.
If you really wanted the most money out of a recycled refrigerator, then you could separate out the metals yourself. The type of metal in your unit will vary depending on its model and age. Some will contain recyclable metals like copper, steel, and aluminum. For most folks though the time and effort required to do that is not worth it. Plus you have to deal with the internal chemicals.
If you are wondering what your old refrigerator is worth in scrap you can call your local scrap metal yard. Many places post generic pricing on their website. The business who buys scrap metal and old appliances near me, pays a flat $40 for an old refrigerator. It doesn’t matter the weight, the brand, etc. One flat rate for any kind of fridge or freezer working or not.
Trade-In Programs at Appliance Retailers: Simplify Upgrades and Save
Retailers that sell new appliances often have programs or partnerships that allow customers to trade in their old appliances when purchasing new ones. This is a convenient way to upgrade to a new appliance while getting rid of your old one. Additionally, many of these retailers may offer some sort of rebate or discount on the new appliances when you trade in your old refrigerator, making it a financially appealing option.
Online Classified Ad Sites and Market Places
In my opinion, the best option to get the most money is to try and sell it on your own first. The downside here is that you need to do a little work, deal with the public, possibly negotiate with a buyer on price, and let someone in your home for pickup.
There are a few different options that come to mind when it comes to selling an old refrigerator online.
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- Craigslist – Great for local and regional, the tradeoff is you may deal with spam and scams.
- Ebay – Not always practical since a fridge is large and you are likely not going to ship it.
- OfferUp – Good website to buy and sell locally
- NextDoor App – Good app to find people in your local community
- Facebook Marketplace – Can expand past local and reach a larger audience of buyers
To have the most success when selling an old refrigerator, do the following:
- Write a detailed and accurate description. Include the age, brand, and model.
- Take really good pictures from multiple angles.
- Include the unit measurements in the description.
- Set a fair price and the terms such as “You must be able to pick it up”.
- Think full disclosure such as any damage or defects you are aware of. Be honest about the condition.
Photo by David Sanders/TEP.
Who Takes Used Refrigerators Near Me?
Some local municipalities will offer a large appliance recycling day. If you can haul your old fridge down to the collection point you can recycle an old refrigerator for free. Since you can’t put a fridge or freezer on the curb, here are some other options to consider.
Donate to Charity
Donating to charity serves three purposes:
- Potential for a tax write-off if you ask for a receipt.
- Someone who can’t afford a refrigerator will be given one.
- Some organizations may come and haul it away for free.
Here are my two cents on it though when it comes to donating an old fridge or freezer. No one wants your garbage. If your appliance does not work or the door is falling off, then the charity will not accept it. They are looking to reuse the appliance by giving it to someone in need, When you donate a used frige to a charity the condition should be “gently used”.
Not all charities, but some will actually come and do the haul-away service when you donate. When you look around for an organization, you should ask if they will do a pickup.
Pay for Junk Removal
For those who are desperate to junk a fridge, you may need to consider paying someone for a haul away services. These are junk companies that come and pick up your stuff. The good news is that they will send people to come and take it out of your house for you. The downside of course is that they charge you for the amount of sq/ft your appliance takes up in their truck. Expect to pay around $50 for a medium-sized fridge or freezer.
Suppose you are wondering what they will do with it. Some companies will sell your old fridge for scrap metal while others will donate it.
How Much Money Can I Get For a Used Refrigerator?
The amount you sell it for will depend on the buyer you are dealing with. For example, if you have a newer fridge of a popular brand, it’s in working condition, and you are using Facebook Marketplace, you may be able to get a few hundred bucks. You need to be realistic about setting a price though. Don’t expect to get back what you paid for it new.
If you are dealing with a scrap metal facility, $50 would be on the high end of offers. That would be for a really heavy unit, likely with something that contains copper, steel, and aluminum.
Will Someone Haul Away an Old Refrigerator?
As discussed above it depends on the buyer. Appliance salvages and recycling centers are not going to pick up your used fridge or freezer. For those options, you will need to transport the unit to them.
When it comes to selling it yourself, then you can negotiate the pick-up as part of the sale. When you post the unit for sale, it is good to say “pick up only”. In my experience with selling a used refrigerator, you are likely going to need to help the buyer load it in the truck. If you aren’t strong enough to help, make sure there is a plan in place.
If you donate it to a charity that is another good way to potentially get a free haul-away service. The same applies though, you may need to help lift or load the unit onto a truck.
Who Buys Old Refrigerators Near Me – Wrap Up
There are two prime options for selling a used refrigerator or freezer. Sell it privately yourself or sell it for scrap metal. Other than that you are looking at options like donating, dropping off at a recycling facility, or calling a junk haul-away service. In general, if your refrigerator still works you should try and sell it on your own first. You may be able to make some money and get the unit picked up. These are the things I learned from the place that buys old refrigerators near me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Who Buys Old Refrigerators?
Where can I sell my used side-by-side refrigerator?
There are several options for selling your used side-by-side refrigerator. You can try online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or dedicated appliance resale websites. Additionally, some local appliance stores and scrap yards might be interested in buying it.
Are there apps or platforms specifically for selling old appliances, including two-door refrigerators?
Yes, there are other apps and websites dedicated to buying and selling used appliances. Some popular choices include Letgo, OfferUp, and VarageSale. You can list your two-door refrigerator and connect with potential buyers in your area using these platforms.
What should I consider when selling a used refrigerator, especially if it’s a two-door model?
When selling a used refrigerator, it’s important to clean and disinfect it thoroughly. Be transparent about any issues or defects it may have. Provide clear photos and accurate descriptions in your listings. Additionally, make sure to disconnect and defrost the appliance before the sale.
How can I determine the value of my old refrigerator before selling it?
To assess the value of your old refrigerator, consider factors like its age, brand, condition, and any special features it might have. You can research similar models online or consult with local appliance experts to get an estimate of their worth.
Can I get cash for my old refrigerator, or are there other ways to dispose of it responsibly?
You can often sell your old refrigerator for cash if it’s in decent working condition. However, if it’s no longer functional or you prefer to recycle it responsibly, you can contact local appliance recycling centers or inquire with your local utility company about recycling or rebate programs for old appliances.
What are the benefits of selling old refrigerators to scrap yards or recycling centers?
Selling your old refrigerator to a scrap yard or recycling center can be an eco-friendly choice. They can safely dispose of refrigerants and other hazardous materials while recycling the metal components, reducing environmental impact.
Are there any restrictions or regulations I should be aware of when selling old refrigerators?
Yes, there may be regulations related to the disposal and sale of refrigerators, especially due to environmental concerns. Make sure to follow local and national laws and guidelines, particularly regarding the handling of refrigerants and the safe disposal of old appliances.
