Item: Large appliances — refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, freezers, ranges Jurisdiction: Raleigh / Wake County, North Carolina Official sources: City of Raleigh · Wake County Solid Waste Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Raleigh offers two routes for appliance disposal depending on the size: Special Load curbside collection ($70 per load) for large appliances, and free e-waste collection (Tuesdays only, up to 4 per week) for small appliances with a cord.
| Appliance Type | Route | Cost | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large (fridge, washer, dryer, stove, freezer, range) | Special Load curbside pickup | $70/load (4 cu yd ≈ 2 fridges or 4 washers) | Call 919-996-3245 |
| Small appliance with cord (microwave, toaster, vacuum) | Free e-waste collection | $0, max 4/week | Tuesdays only |
| Non-appliance bulky items (furniture) | Bulky Load curbside pickup | $35/load | Schedule by phone |
Important: Always schedule pickup before placing items at the curb. Items placed at the curb without a scheduled collection are subject to fines ($150–$500).
Call 919-996-3245 to schedule — confirm your address is eligible, your appliance type is accepted, and whether refrigerant removal certification is required for refrigerators and freezers (this is not confirmed on official sources — you must ask).
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary route for large appliances | Special Load curbside collection — $70 per load (4 cu yd) |
| Primary route for small appliances | Free e-waste collection, Tuesdays only, max 4 per week |
| Schedule | Call 919-996-3245 |
| Fee billing | Charged on your next City of Raleigh utility bill |
| Cancellation/refund | Available if canceled before noon on the business day before scheduled collection |
| Appliance types accepted | Refrigerators, mini-refrigerators, ranges, freezers, washers, dryers |
| Small appliances with cord | TVs, computers, monitors, microwaves, toasters, vacuum cleaners — free e-waste |
| Not accepted | Business/commercial waste, items placed at curb without scheduling |
| Refrigerant rules | Not confirmed on official pages — ask 919-996-3245 when scheduling |
| Wake County drop-off alternative | Multi-Material Recycling Facilities for self-haul |
Special Load vs. Bulky Load — Which Is Right for Your Appliance?
Raleigh runs two curbside collection programs for large items. Choosing the wrong one means your items may not be collected.
Special Load Collection ($70/load) — For Large Appliances
This is the correct program for large household appliances — commonly called white goods.
Items accepted:
- Refrigerators and mini-refrigerators
- Freezers
- Ranges and stoves
- Washers and dryers
- Other large appliances
Each load: 4 cubic yards — approximately 2 refrigerators or 4 washers. No prorating for partial loads. One fee covers the full 4 cu yd regardless of how much space you use.
Effective fee: $70 per load (as of July 1, 2026).
Bulky Load Collection ($35/load) — For Non-Appliance Items
This program is for furniture and other large non-appliance items. Do not use this for appliances — they will not be collected.
Items accepted:
- Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables)
- Mattresses and box springs
- Other large household items (non-appliance)
Effective fee: $35 per load (as of April 1, 2026).
Free E-Waste Collection — For Small Appliances
Small appliances with a cord (toasters, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, blenders) are classified as e-waste, not as large appliances.
Accepted: TVs, computers, monitors, small appliances with a cord When: Tuesdays only — on your regular collection day on a Tuesday Limit: Up to 4 items per week Cost: Free — no charge
If you have a mix of large and small items, you may need two separate collections: a Special Load for the large appliance and an e-waste pickup for the small items.
Fees, Billing, and Cancellation
Fee Schedule
| Program | Fee | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Load (large appliances) | $70/load (4 cu yd) | July 1, 2026 | No prorating for partial loads |
| Bulky Load (non-appliances) | $35/load | April 1, 2026 | Non-appliance items only |
| E-waste (small appliances) | $0 | Current | Tuesdays only, max 4/week |
How You Are Billed
The fee is charged to your next City of Raleigh utility bill. You do not pay at the time of scheduling or at pickup. The charge appears on your monthly water/sewer/trash bill.
Cancellation and Refund
If you need to cancel a scheduled pickup:
- Call 919-996-3245
- Cancel before noon on the business day before your scheduled collection
- Refunds are available for cancellations within this policy window
Administrative Fines
Do not place items at the curb before scheduling. Raleigh City Code Part 7 authorizes fines for items placed curbside without a scheduled collection:
- Early/late container placement: $150 per violation
- Other solid waste violations: $250–$500 per violation
Always schedule your pickup first, then place items at the curb on the scheduled day.
How to Schedule and Prepare Appliances for Pickup
Step-by-Step Scheduling
- Call 919-996-3245 to schedule your Special Load collection
- Tell the dispatcher what appliances you are disposing of — refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.
- Ask about refrigerant removal requirements — this is not confirmed on official pages and may affect whether your fridge/freezer is accepted
- Confirm your address is eligible for city curbside collection
- Confirm the scheduled collection date — ask how far in advance to book
- Do NOT place items at the curb until your scheduled collection day
Day-of Preparation
- Place items at the curb on your scheduled collection day — not before, not after
- Keep items at least 5 feet clear of mailboxes, light poles, parked cars, and other obstructions
- Place on the main street in front of your residence — not in alleyways or side streets
- Do not place items inside containers you want to keep — the collection team removes everything curbside
- Remove appliance doors for safety, especially on refrigerators and freezers (if possible — confirm with the city)
Items to Set Aside
If you have multiple appliances in one load, group them together at the curb. The collection team takes everything in one pass. The $70 fee covers up to 4 cu yd — roughly 2 refrigerators or 4 washers.
Refrigerators and Freezers — Refrigerant Rules
This is the biggest unknown in Raleigh's appliance disposal program.
What is known:
- Refrigerators and freezers are listed as accepted items under the Special Load program
- These appliances contain refrigerant (typically R-134a or similar) that must be handled properly under EPA regulations
What is NOT known:
- The official Raleigh pages do not state whether EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant removal before pickup
- The city does not specify whether the collection team handles refrigerant removal or if the resident must arrange for certified removal beforehand
You MUST ask when you call 919-996-3245:
- Do you require certified refrigerant removal before pickup for refrigerators and freezers?
- If required, who can perform the removal — do you offer it, or do I need a licensed technician?
- What happens if the appliance has a refrigerant leak or is damaged?
Why it matters: Improper refrigerant release is an EPA violation with potential fines. Do not assume the city handles refrigerant removal — confirm before your scheduled date.
Who Is Eligible?
Curbside Collection (Special Load and E-Waste)
Special Load and e-waste collections are available to residents who receive curbside garbage collection from the City of Raleigh. This typically means:
- Single-family homes within Raleigh city limits
- Duplexes and small multi-unit properties with individual city garbage service
- Properties with a City of Raleigh utility account
Apartments and Multi-Unit Properties
Eligibility is uncertain for apartments. The city states the service is for residents who receive curbside garbage collection services. If your apartment complex uses a shared dumpster rather than individual city carts, you may not qualify.
What to do:
- Call 919-996-3245 and ask: Does my address qualify for Special Load curbside collection?
- If not, use the Wake County Multi-Material Recycling Facilities as a self-haul alternative (see below)
Businesses and Commercial Properties
Special Load and e-waste collections are not available to businesses, commercial entities, or organizations. Businesses must use private waste haulers for appliance disposal.
Wake County Residents Outside Raleigh
If you live in Wake County but outside Raleigh city limits, you are not eligible for Raleigh's Special Load program. Use Wake County's Multi-Material Recycling Facilities instead.
Apartment, Renter, and Business Edge Cases
Apartment Residents
If your apartment does not qualify for city curbside collection, you have two routes:
1. Wake County Multi-Material Recycling Facilities (self-haul drop-off)
| Facility | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| North Wake | 9029 Deponie Dr, Raleigh | Monday–Saturday, 8am–4pm |
| South Wake | 6130 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex | Monday–Saturday, 8am–4pm |
| East Wake | 5051 Wendell Blvd, Wendell | Monday–Saturday, 8am–4pm |
These facilities accept appliances for recycling. Wake County residency is required. Call ahead to confirm your specific appliance type is accepted and whether fees apply.
2. Coordinate with your property manager
- Your apartment complex may have a contract with a private waste hauler that handles appliance disposal
- Ask your landlord or property manager about their process
- Do not assume the complex has this service — confirm before leaving appliances near a dumpster
Renters (Single-Family Homes)
If you rent a single-family home that receives city curbside garbage service, you are eligible for Special Load collection. The service follows the property, not the ownership. Schedule with 919-996-3245.
Residents Without a Vehicle
If you cannot haul appliances to a Wake County facility:
- Schedule city curbside Special Load — this is the best option if your address is eligible
- Ask a neighbor or friend for help with transport
- Check with the retailer where you purchased the replacement — some offer haul-away
Retailer Haul-Away Programs
If you are buying a new appliance from a retailer, many offer haul-away of your old unit at the time of delivery. This is often the easiest route — the delivery team takes the old appliance away when they bring the new one.
Important:
- Haul-away policies vary by retailer and may change without notice
- Some retailers include haul-away free with delivery; others charge a fee
- Not all retailers accept all appliance types — a company that hauls away refrigerators may not accept washers
- Ask the specific retailer about their haul-away policy when placing your order
No specific retailer programs are confirmed in official Raleigh sources. Verify directly with the store.
What to Avoid
- Do not place appliances at the curb before scheduling. This is a fineable offense ($150–$500 per violation).
- Do not schedule a Bulky Load ($35) for appliances. Bulky Load is for non-appliance items like furniture. Large appliances require Special Load ($70).
- Do not leave appliances in an alleyway. Place them on the main street in front of your residence.
- Do not leave appliance doors attached to refrigerators/freezers without checking with the city first — some municipalities require door removal for child safety; confirm what Raleigh requires.
- Do not assume apartment qualifies. Call first. Many multi-unit properties are not eligible for Special Load.
- Do not add appliances to your regular trash cart. They will not be collected and may result in fines.
Official Verification Checklist
Use this when calling 919-996-3245 to schedule. Tick each item as you confirm it.
- Confirm your address receives city curbside collection — ensure eligibility
- Confirm Special Load accepts your specific appliance type — refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, etc.
- Ask about refrigerant removal requirements — fridges and freezers; confirm if certified removal is needed
- Confirm the $70 fee — verify current rate and billing method (utility bill)
- Ask how far in advance to schedule — lead time for available dates
- Confirm placement rules — main street vs. alley; 5ft clearance from obstructions
- Confirm cancellation policy — before noon the business day before for refunds
- Confirm free e-waste eligibility — for small appliances (Tuesdays, max 4/week)
- Ask about oversized appliances — if your appliance is unusually large or heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a refrigerator in my regular trash? No. Large appliances will not be collected with regular household trash. They require a scheduled Special Load collection ($70).
What is the difference between Special Load and Bulky Load? Special Load ($70) is for large appliances — refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, freezers. Bulky Load ($35) is for non-appliance items like furniture and mattresses. Do not schedule Bulky Load for appliances.
How many appliances can I dispose of in one Special Load? Each Special Load covers up to 4 cubic yards — approximately 2 refrigerators or 4 washers. The fee is the same regardless of whether you fill the full 4 cu yd or not.
Does Raleigh remove appliance doors? The official pages do not specify door removal requirements. Ask 919-996-3245 when scheduling.
Can I take appliances to a Wake County facility instead? Yes. The North Wake (9029 Deponie Dr), South Wake (6130 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex), and East Wake (5051 Wendell Blvd, Wendell) Multi-Material Recycling Facilities accept appliances. Call ahead to confirm fees and hours.
What about microwaves and toasters? Small appliances with cords qualify for free e-waste collection on Tuesdays (max 4 per week). Do not schedule a paid Special Load for a microwave or toaster.
I live in an apartment — can I use Special Load? Call 919-996-3245 to confirm. The service is for residents who receive curbside garbage collection — apartments with shared dumpsters may not qualify. If not, use Wake County facilities.
Does the city pick up appliances from businesses? No. Special Load is for household waste only. Businesses must use private waste haulers.
Sources
- Raleigh Bulky, Special & E-Waste Collection — Official city page for Special Load, Bulky Load, and e-waste collection programs, including accepted items and scheduling.
- Raleigh Solid Waste Fees — Official fee schedule for Special Load ($70), Bulky Load ($35), and administrative fines.
- Raleigh — Large Household Item Disposal Options — Official city announcement explaining disposal routes for large items including appliances.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. The refrigerant removal certification requirement is not confirmed on official Raleigh pages and must be verified when scheduling. Fees, policies, and hours change. Always call 919-996-3245 to verify current information before hauling appliances for disposal.