Guides · 2026-10-09
How to get rid of a refrigerator in the High Desert
Cheapest first: give it away, donate it, use your city's free program, drop it off, and pay a hauler only if the rest fail. This page covers the High Desert (Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley and nearby).
Will someone take a refrigerator for free?
Good even when broken. Scrap metal collectors want refrigerators for the metal and compressor, and appliance recyclers pick them up. A working fridge goes free to a household within a day. Post it with the doors photographed open.
Step by step
- Post it free first. Scrappers and appliance recyclers take refrigerators, working or not, because of the metal. Post with the doors open and say whether it runs.
- Check your utility's program. If you have Southern California Edison, ask about its appliance recycling pickup for working refrigerators and freezers.
- Drop it at Recycle Alley. The Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility at 17000 Abbey Lane, Victorville, takes appliances free from Victor Valley residents, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Or schedule a bulky pickup. Victorville and Apple Valley residents can book a free scheduled pickup through Burrtec; ask whether refrigerators are accepted on your route.
- Do not take it to the landfill with refrigerant in it. The county landfill accepts only Freon-free refrigerators. Removal must be done by a certified technician.
- Pay a hauler if it must go today. Haulers charge roughly $75 to $150 for a refrigerator because of the refrigerant handling.
Worth knowing
- California law prohibits putting a refrigerator or freezer with refrigerant in a landfill. The refrigerant has to be recovered by a certified technician first. The San Bernardino County landfill in Victorville accepts refrigerators only once the Freon is out.
- Recycle Alley at the Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility accepts appliances free from Victor Valley residents and businesses.
- Southern California Edison has run an appliance recycling program with free pickup for working refrigerators and freezers. Terms change; check sce.com before relying on it.
- Empty it, defrost it and tape or remove the doors if it will sit outside. Collectors will ask whether it still cools.
Local programs (checked 2026-10-09)
As the city and county pages described them. Programs and hours change; call before you set anything out or drive anywhere.
Victorville: free bulky-item pickup
Households with curbside barrel service get two free bulky pickups a year, up to five items each, collected on the regular trash day. Schedule with Burrtec at (760) 245-8607 before setting anything out. Apartments on dumpster service pay a fee (quoted at $61 for up to three items in 2024). Free drop-off for Victorville residents at the Recycling Drop-off Center, 15164 Anacapa Rd, Mon to Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to noon; bring photo ID and a utility bill for furniture.
Apple Valley: free bulky-item pickup
The Town's guide lists up to five large items at a time, twice a year, at no charge through AVCO Disposal (a Burrtec company), (760) 245-8607. Extra pickups for a fee. The guide is a few years old; confirm the limits when you call.
Hesperia: Advance Disposal pickup and cleanup days
Advance Disposal picks up large items curbside for Hesperia residents; call (760) 244-9773 to schedule. The city also holds Neighborhood Beautification Day drop-offs at Advance Disposal's lot, 17105 Mesa St, for large items only. Check cityofhesperia.us for the next date.
Recycle Alley: free appliances, TVs, computers and scrap metal
At the Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility, 17000 Abbey Ln, Victorville, Mon to Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to Victor Valley residents and businesses for TVs, computers, cardboard, appliances and scrap metal.
San Bernardino County landfill, Victorville
18600 Stoddard Wells Rd, Mon to Sat 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents may self-haul for a fee. Refrigerators only without Freon. Rates change; call (909) 386-8701.
Donation pickup
Habitat for Humanity ReStore and the Salvation Army pick up usable furniture and working appliances in many areas; use each one's online locator to find the nearest store and its rules. Items must be clean, working and complete. Starting with tax year 2026, non-itemizers can claim a deduction for charitable donations.
Or post it on Fjerne
One post with a photo and your ZIP code. Nearby collectors offer to take it for free or quote a removal price, and you choose. During the pilot a person forwards your post to collectors in range, usually the same day. Your street address stays private until you pick someone.