How to Dispose of a Refrigerator in Cape Girardeau, MO

Why refrigerators are different

A refrigerator or freezer isn't just heavy - it contains refrigerant (freon) that federal rules require to be recovered by a certified technician before the unit can be scrapped or landfilled. That's why you can't simply set most fridges at the curb like a couch. Here are your real options in Cape Girardeau.

Option 1: City Transfer Station white-goods disposal (DIY)

The City of Cape Girardeau Transfer Station at 2055 Corporate Circle accepts appliances ("white goods"). The published white-goods fee is $25.00 each as of 7/1/25. The station is open weekdays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Remember that all loads must be secured/tarped or you'll pay an additional $25 unsecured-load fee. If you have a truck and a helper, this is a straightforward route - the facility handles refrigerant processing.

Option 2: Wednesday Special Pickup (DIY, low cost)

City trash customers can put out appliances on a scheduled Wednesday Special Pickup. Call (573) 339-6351 by 3 p.m. the Tuesday before to schedule. Appliances are collected by a separate truck from household trash, so keep the fridge apart from other items. Each residential customer gets one free Special Pickup per calendar year.

Option 3: Retailer haul-away with delivery

Buying a new refrigerator? Most appliance retailers - including Home Depot and Lowe's - will haul away your old unit when they deliver the new one, often for a modest fee and usually only for a comparable appliance. Confirm the haul-away option and any charge when you order. This is convenient because it happens during your delivery window.

Is your fridge worth selling or donating?

If the refrigerator still runs and is reasonably clean, consider passing it on instead of scrapping it. A working unit can go to the Habitat Cape Area ReStore (501 S. Kingshighway, (573) 651-9080) or the Salvation Army Family Store (416 Morgan Oak Ln, (573) 335-7548) - call first to confirm they can accept an appliance and arrange drop-off. Working garage or dorm fridges also sell quickly on local marketplace listings. Donating or selling avoids the disposal fee entirely and keeps a usable appliance in service.

Utility rebates for old fridges

Some electric utilities periodically run appliance-recycling or rebate programs that will pick up and recycle an old, working second refrigerator or freezer, sometimes with a small cash incentive to reduce energy waste. It's worth a quick call to your electric provider before you pay to dispose of an older, energy-hungry unit.

How to prep a refrigerator

• Empty it completely and remove all food.
• Unplug it at least 24 hours ahead and let it defrost; mop up melt water.
• Remove or secure glass shelves and drawers so they don't shift or break.
• Tape the doors shut for transport - or better, remove the doors entirely if it will sit before pickup, which is a safety must-do to prevent child entrapment.

Option 4: We haul it (the easy way)

If the fridge is in a basement, up a flight of stairs, or you simply don't want to wrestle it onto a truck, we handle everything. Our crew disconnects, dollies it out, and hauls it away with certified freon handling built into the process - all inside one upfront, volume-based price. Perfect for garage-fridge removals, kitchen upgrades, and estate cleanouts. Call (573) 266-2040.