How to Dispose of a Fridge or Freezer

Getting rid of an old fridge or freezer isn’t as simple as lugging it out and hoping someone else deals with it. Due to the harmful gases and materials inside, there are strict rules in place about how to dispose of a fridge or how to dispose of a freezer in the UK. Failing to follow them doesn’t just put the environment at risk; it can also result in some pretty hefty fines.

If you’ve got a broken or unwanted fridge or freezer taking up space, here’s exactly what you need to know.

Why Fridges & Freezers Are Classified as Hazardous Waste

Before we get into the core of the article on how to dispose of a fridge or freezer, it’s important to understand why they’re treated differently from other household items.

Most fridges and freezers contain ozone-depleting substances, mainly CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) or HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), inside the refrigerant circuit or insulating foam. These chemicals are tightly regulated under UK and international law because of their environmental impact.

That means your old kitchen appliance is classed as hazardous waste and must be dealt with properly at licensed facilities. Simply chucking it in a skip or leaving it on the curb is not just illegal, but also dangerous.

How to Dispose of a Fridge Legally & Safely

Let’s talk about how to dispose of a fridge without causing harm or hassle. So, luckily, you’ve got a few options and the right one depends on the fridge’s condition, your location and how fast you need it gone.

Option 1 – Book a Council Collection

Most UK councils offer a bulky waste collection service, which typically includes appliances such as fridges. The process is straightforward:

• Book online or over the phone

• Pay a fee (usually between £25–£50)

• Leave the item outside your property on the agreed collection day

This is often the cheapest legal way to go, but there are downsides. You may have to wait a couple of weeks for collection, and you’ll need to move the fridge outside yourself which can be difficult.

Option 2 – Ask the Retailer on Delivery

If you’re buying a new fridge or freezer, many retailers will offer to take away the old one when they deliver the replacement. Some do this for free, others charge a small fee (typically £20–£30), but it’s usually less hassle than dealing with it yourself.

Just make sure you:

• Disconnect the old fridge

• Empty and clean it

• Request the service during checkout

Retailers offering this service include Currys, AO.com and John Lewis. Always check the fine print first to make sure you qualify.

Option 3 – Use a Licensed Waste Disposal Company

If you need it gone quickly or don’t want to deal with the heavy lifting, hiring a licensed waste removal company is your best bet.

Companies like us, ProSkip, are fully authorised to handle fridges, freezers and other harmful appliances. We collect directly from your home (no dragging it to the curb), handle all the paperwork to ensure your appliance is disposed of at an approved facility.

It’s quick, compliant and removes all the guesswork from how to dispose of a fridge the right way.

Can I Put a Fridge or Freezer in a Skip?

Short answer – no.

Fridges and freezers are banned from general skips under UK law due to their hazardous components. Skip hire companies (including us) won’t accept them unless prior arrangements are made, and even then, it’s usually more cost-effective to handle the item separately through a specialist removal.

Trying to sneak a fridge into a skip could lead to extra charges, delays in collection, or even refusal of service. If in doubt, always ask in advance.

How to Dispose of a Freezer – Same Rules Apply

When it comes to how to dispose of a freezer, the rules are exactly the same as for fridges. Even if your freezer is a standalone chest unit or mini model, it still contains refrigerants and insulating foam that require the correct treatment.

That means:

• Don’t fly-tip

• Don’t leave it outside your house without a collection arranged

• Don’t assume it’s fine to dump it at the tip

Many household recycling centres will accept freezers, but you’ll need to transport the appliance yourself and follow their rules to the letter.

What Happens to Old Fridges & Freezers?

Once collected by a licensed company or council, fridges and freezers are taken to specialist recycling facilities. Here’s what typically happens:

• Hazardous materials (like oils and gases) are carefully removed

• Metal, plastic and glass components are sorted and recycled

• Foam insulation is dealt with safely and responsibly

Avoid the Fines, Do It Right

Improperly disposing of a fridge or freezer can lead to fines of up to £5,000, not to mention possible prosecution for fly-tipping. The good news is, you’ve got options,  all of them are better than risking a penalty or harming the environment.

If you want a fast, legal and eco-conscious way to get rid of your fridge or freezer, ProSkips has you covered. Whether it’s a single item or a full kitchen clear-out, we’ll handle the collection, compliance and disposal, all with zero hassle.