That old refrigerator in the garage. The washer that finally gave up. The dryer that's been replaced but never removed. Old appliances have a way of lingering long after they've stopped being useful. Getting rid of them isn't as simple as dragging them to the curb—but it doesn't have to be complicated either. Here's everything you need to know about appliance removal and disposal in the Temecula area.
Why Appliances Require Special Disposal
You can't just throw appliances in the regular trash for several important reasons:
Environmental Regulations
Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs) that damage the ozone layer. Federal law requires these substances to be properly recovered before disposal.
Hazardous Materials
Many appliances contain materials that shouldn't enter landfills:
- Mercury in some thermostats and switches
- PCBs in older capacitors
- Lead in CRT screens and solder
- Refrigerants in cooling systems
- Oils and lubricants
Size and Weight
A standard refrigerator weighs 200-400 pounds. Washers and dryers run 150-200 pounds each. These aren't items you can easily move on your own, and they won't fit in standard trash collection.
Recyclable Value
Appliances contain significant amounts of recyclable metal, plastic, and other materials. Proper recycling recovers these resources rather than burying them.
Common Appliances We Remove
Wranglin' Wranglers handles all major household appliances:
Kitchen Appliances
- Refrigerators - All sizes, side-by-side, top/bottom freezer
- Freezers - Chest and upright styles
- Stoves and ovens - Gas and electric
- Dishwashers - Built-in and portable
- Microwaves - Countertop and over-range
- Trash compactors - Built-in units
Laundry Appliances
- Washing machines - Top and front load
- Dryers - Gas and electric
- Washer/dryer combos - Stacked and all-in-one units
Climate Control
- Air conditioners - Window units and portable
- Dehumidifiers - All sizes
- Water heaters - Tank and tankless (properly drained)
Other Large Appliances
- Hot water dispensers
- Ice makers
- Wine coolers and beverage refrigerators
- Commercial kitchen equipment
DIY Appliance Disposal: Your Options
If you want to handle appliance disposal yourself, here are your choices:
Retailer Take-Back
Many appliance retailers offer haul-away when you purchase a new unit:
- Best Buy - Often offers haul-away for a fee
- Home Depot - Haul-away available with delivery
- Lowe's - Similar haul-away programs
- Local appliance dealers - Policies vary
Pros: Convenient when buying new Cons: Only works with new purchases, may have fees, limited to what they'll accept
Utility Company Programs
Some utility companies, including Southern California Edison, offer rebates for recycling old refrigerators and freezers:
- Free pickup in many cases
- Cash rebates ($25-50 typically)
- Proper refrigerant recovery
- Works for working and non-working units
Pros: Free, often includes rebate Cons: Limited to specific appliances, usually just refrigerators/freezers
Scrap Metal Recyclers
Metal recyclers may accept appliances for their scrap value:
- Call ahead to confirm they accept appliances
- Some require refrigerant to be removed first
- You'll need to transport the appliance yourself
Pros: May get paid for the metal Cons: You do all the work, may be rejected
Municipal Programs
Riverside County and local cities occasionally offer bulky item pickup or collection events:
- Check your city's website for current programs
- May have limitations on number of items
- Often scheduled infrequently
Pros: Free or low cost Cons: Limited availability, may require waiting
The Curb (Not Recommended)
Leaving appliances at the curb and hoping they disappear is not a good strategy:
- Violates most local ordinances
- Creates neighborhood eyesores
- Illegal if refrigerant isn't properly removed
- May result in fines
Why Professional Appliance Removal Makes Sense
Given the challenges of DIY disposal, here's why many Temecula homeowners choose professional appliance removal:
Heavy Lifting Handled
A two-person crew with proper equipment can safely remove what would take you all day (or a trip to the emergency room).
Same-Day Service
No waiting for municipal pickup schedules or utility company appointments. We can often pick up within 24-48 hours.
Complete Service
We handle:
- Disconnection (you should have gas disconnected by a professional first)
- Removal from wherever it sits
- Loading and transport
- Proper disposal
- Cleanup of the area
All Appliances Welcome
Unlike utility programs that only take refrigerators, we remove everything—stoves, washers, dryers, water heaters, and more.
Proper Disposal Guaranteed
We ensure appliances go to certified recyclers who properly recover refrigerants and recycle materials.
Multiple Items, One Trip
Getting rid of several appliances? One junk removal visit can clear them all. We also handle furniture, hot tubs, and complete property cleanouts.
Preparing for Appliance Removal
Before your removal appointment, take these steps:
Disconnect Utilities
- Refrigerators/Freezers: Unplug and defrost if possible. Remove all food.
- Washers: Turn off water supply, disconnect hoses, drain residual water
- Dryers: Unplug electric or have gas professionally disconnected
- Stoves: Unplug electric or have gas professionally disconnected
- Dishwashers: Turn off water, disconnect as much as you can
- Water heaters: Have a plumber disconnect, drain the tank
Important: Always have gas appliances disconnected by a licensed professional before removal.
Clear the Path
Make sure there's a clear route from the appliance to where our truck will park:
- Move furniture and obstacles
- Open doors wide
- Ensure adequate lighting
- Note any stairs or tight corners
Empty Contents
Remove all items from inside refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dishwashers.
Have Replacement Ready (If Applicable)
If you're replacing an appliance, it's often easiest to have the new one installed before we remove the old one.
The Appliance Removal Process
Here's what to expect when Wranglin' Wranglers arrives:
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Arrival and Assessment Our team confirms the scope of work and any access challenges.
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Protection Setup We protect your floors and walls with moving blankets and other materials as needed.
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Safe Removal Using proper equipment and techniques, we carefully remove appliances without damaging your home.
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Loading Appliances are loaded into our truck for transport.
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Cleanup We sweep or vacuum the area and remove any debris.
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Responsible Disposal Appliances are taken to certified recyclers where refrigerants are recovered and materials are recycled.
Appliance Removal Costs
Several factors affect appliance removal pricing:
Number of Items Multiple appliances in one trip are more cost-effective than separate pickups.
Size and Weight A mini-fridge costs less to remove than a commercial refrigerator.
Accessibility Ground floor, easy access = lower cost. Basement, tight stairs, long carry = higher cost.
Working Condition Generally doesn't affect our pricing, but some recyclers pay slightly more for working units.
Location Distance from our service area may affect pricing for remote locations.
We provide free, no-obligation quotes so you know exactly what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to empty the refrigerator?
Yes, please remove all food and items before pickup. You don't need to fully defrost it, though that helps.
Can you remove a built-in microwave?
We can remove microwaves, but you'll need an electrician to disconnect hardwired units first. Over-the-range units may need drywall repair after removal.
What about gas appliances?
Have gas lines disconnected by a licensed professional before our arrival. We cannot disconnect gas connections.
Do you take commercial appliances?
Yes, we handle commercial kitchen equipment, industrial washers, and other commercial appliances as part of our commercial cleanup services.
What happens to the refrigerant?
Appliances are taken to certified recyclers who recover refrigerants according to EPA regulations before recycling the unit.
Ready to Get Rid of Old Appliances?
Stop working around that dead refrigerator or broken washer. Wranglin' Wranglers makes appliance removal in Temecula, Murrieta, and surrounding areas fast, easy, and responsible.
Call (951) 404-8422 or get your free quote today!
