Do I need to defrost the freezer before pickup?

Ideally yes — unplug it 24–48 hours before pickup and let any ice melt. This prevents water from leaking during transport. If defrosting isn't possible, note it in your request and the crew will come prepared.

How heavy is a chest freezer? Do I need to move it first?

Chest freezers range from 60 lbs (compact) to over 200 lbs (large 20+ cu ft models). The hauler handles all the heavy lifting. You don't need to move it — just clear a path.

Will you pick up a freezer that stopped working?

Absolutely. Non-working freezers are fine. Local haulers take them regardless of condition — not cooling, not running, or physically damaged.

What happens to the refrigerant in my old freezer?

EPA-certified technicians recover the refrigerant before scrapping. This is required by law — refrigerants like R-134a and R-600a are potent greenhouse gases and cannot be vented.

100% Free Service

Free Freezer Pickup & Removal

Q: Is freezer pickup really free?

Yes. Freezers contain refrigerant that must be properly recovered, plus significant steel and copper scrap value. That scrap value covers the hauler's pickup costs.

Need to get rid of an old chest freezer or upright freezer? We offer completely free freezer pickup and removal nationwide. All brands, all sizes — we haul it away and recycle it responsibly.

Request Free Pickup Also Picking Up a Fridge?

Old chest freezer ready for free pickup and recycling

Freezer Types We Pick Up

Chest Freezers

All sizes from 5 cu ft compact to 25+ cu ft large chest freezers. Brands include GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Midea.

Upright Freezers

Freestanding upright freezers, manual and frost-free, from all major brands. Garage and basement-style units welcome.

Compact & Drawer Freezers

Small apartment-size freezers, drawer-style units, and undercounter freezer drawers.

Commercial Freezers

Reach-in commercial freezers, display cases, and walk-in freezer components from restaurants and food service.

Freezer Recycling: Why It Matters

Like refrigerators, freezers contain refrigerant that must be professionally recovered before scrapping. Many older chest freezers still contain R-12 (Freon), which has an ozone depletion potential and cannot legally be released into the atmosphere. Newer units use R-134a or R-600a (isobutane).

A large chest freezer also contains significant recyclable material: up to 150 lbs of steel in the outer shell and lid, plus compressor copper. This makes chest freezers one of the more valuable appliances at scrap yards — enough to justify free pickup in most cases.

The foam insulation in freezer walls may also contain residual blowing agents from manufacturing. Certified recyclers handle this material appropriately to prevent environmental release.

How to Prepare Your Freezer for Pickup

Remove all food — empty completely before pickup day.
Defrost 24–48 hours ahead — unplug and let ice melt to prevent water leakage during transport.
Position it for easy access — place the freezer curbside, in the garage, or outside your home so the crew can load it quickly.
Note if it's in a basement in your request so we know about any access challenges.

Freezer Pickup — Frequently Asked Questions

Is freezer pickup really free?

Yes. Steel, copper, and recoverable refrigerant value offsets our pickup costs. No charge to you.

Do I need to defrost before pickup?

Ideally, yes — unplug 24–48 hours before pickup. This prevents leaking during transport. If not possible, let us know and we'll prepare accordingly.

How heavy is a chest freezer?

60–200+ lbs depending on size. Our crew handles all the lifting — you don't need to move it.

Will you take a freezer that stopped working?

Absolutely. Non-working, broken, or damaged freezers are fine — not cooling, not running, dented, rusted.

What happens to the refrigerant?

EPA-certified technicians properly recover refrigerant before scrapping. Venting refrigerant is illegal and environmentally harmful — we handle it correctly.

Request Your Free Freezer Pickup

Chest freezers, upright freezers, all sizes. A local hauler will call or text you within 24 hours of your request. Haulers offset costs by refurbishing and reselling working appliances — that's how your pickup stays free. The rest is recycled, keeping it out of the landfill. Unplug and disconnect the freezer beforehand and clear a path from the garage or wherever it's stored.

Request Free Pickup