Item: Washers, dryers, stoves, water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, AC units Jurisdiction: Columbus city limits Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Columbus residents have two main options for appliance disposal, with a critical distinction based on whether the appliance contains refrigerant.
Non-refrigerant appliances (washers, dryers, stoves, water heaters) are accepted through city bulk collection — schedule through 311 at (614) 645-3111 or 311.columbus.gov. Service is free for Columbus residents with city trash service. Appliances must be placed curbside (or at the alley) on your scheduled collection day.
Refrigerant-containing appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers, window AC units) are NOT accepted through city bulk collection. These require a private hauler experienced in EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery.
Two Convenience Centers also accept bulk items for self-haul: Alum Creek (2100 Alum Creek Dr) and Georgesville (1550 Georgesville Rd). Open Tuesday–Saturday 10 AM–6 PM. Free for Columbus residents.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Free bulk pickup | City collection via 311 — schedule required |
| Accepted for pickup | Washers, dryers, stoves, water heaters (non-refrigerant) |
| NOT accepted for pickup | Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, AC units, heat pumps, water coolers |
| Also NOT accepted | Furnaces, pianos, spas, hot tubs, pool tables |
| Schedule via | (614) 645-3111 or 311.columbus.gov |
| Cost for city pickup | Free |
| Convenience Centers | Alum Creek (2100 Alum Creek Dr) & Georgesville (1550 Georgesville Rd) |
| Convenience Center hours | Tue–Sat 10 AM–6 PM |
| Refrigerant appliances | Private hauler required — do not place curbside |
| Business waste | Not accepted through city program |
Decision Table — Which Route for Your Appliance?
| Appliance type | Best route | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washer, dryer | City bulk pickup or Convenience Center | Free | Schedule via 311 |
| Stove/oven (gas or electric) | City bulk pickup or Convenience Center | Free | Disconnect gas line yourself or hire a pro |
| Water heater | City bulk pickup or Convenience Center | Free | Drain before hauling |
| Refrigerator | Private hauler | Varies | NOT accepted by city — contains refrigerant |
| Freezer (chest or upright) | Private hauler | Varies | NOT accepted by city |
| Dehumidifier | Private hauler | Varies | Contains refrigerant — see notes below |
| Window AC unit | Private hauler | Varies | Contains refrigerant |
| Heat pump / water cooler | Private hauler | Varies | Contains refrigerant |
| Furnace | Private hauler | Varies | Not accepted by city bulk collection |
| Microwave (countertop) | Regular trash or bulk pickup | Free | Small appliance — regular trash is fine |
| Microwave (built-in/over-range) | City bulk pickup | Free | Treat as large appliance |
City Bulk Pickup — Free, Schedule Required
Columbus offers free curbside bulk collection for non-refrigerant appliances and other large household items. You must schedule through 311 before placing anything curbside.
How to Schedule
- Call: (614) 645-3111
- Online: 311.columbus.gov
- When calling: Describe the appliance(s) you need collected so the operator can confirm acceptance
Accepted Items
- Washers and dryers
- Stoves, ovens, ranges
- Water heaters
- Furniture, mattresses
- Carpet (rolled and tied)
- Other non-refrigerant bulky items
Not Accepted
- Refrigerators, freezers, and any appliance containing refrigerant
- Dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers, window AC units
- Furnaces
- Pianos, spas, hot tubs, pool tables
- Construction debris
- Hazardous materials
Placement Rules
Curbside: Place items in front of your home, away from mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility boxes, and other obstructions.
Alley: Place items at the edge of your property at the alley line.
Important: Do not place items curbside before you have a scheduled collection date. Items placed out without a schedule will not be collected and may result in a violation.
Convenience Center Drop-Off (Self-Haul)
If you have a truck or SUV and prefer to handle disposal yourself, Columbus operates two Convenience Centers where residents can drop off bulk items for free.
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Alum Creek | 2100 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus | Tue–Sat 10 AM–6 PM |
| Georgesville | 1550 Georgesville Rd, Columbus | Tue–Sat 10 AM–6 PM |
Rules:
- Free for Columbus residents
- Self-haul / self-unload required — staff do not assist
- Non-refrigerant appliances accepted
- Check with the facility before hauling refrigerant appliances — generally not accepted
Refrigerant Appliances — Private Hauler Required
This is the most important rule in Columbus appliance disposal: refrigerant-containing appliances are not accepted through the city's bulk collection program.
Which appliances contain refrigerant?
- Refrigerators (any size)
- Freezers (chest and upright)
- Dehumidifiers
- Window and portable air conditioners
- Heat pumps
- Water coolers
Why not?
These appliances contain refrigerants that must be properly recovered by EPA-certified technicians before disposal. City collection crews are not equipped to handle refrigerant recovery.
What you must do
- Do not place them curbside for city collection — they will not be picked up
- Call a licensed private hauler who handles EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery
- Get written quotes from multiple haulers — fees vary by appliance type, size, and your location
Important warnings:
- Do not attempt to remove refrigerant yourself — this requires EPA certification and specialized equipment
- Do not cut refrigerant lines on appliances — this releases refrigerants into the atmosphere, which is illegal under EPA regulations
- Do not leave refrigerant appliances at the curb hoping they will be taken — they will attract scavengers and create a safety hazard
Retailer Haul-Away
When buying a new refrigerator, freezer, or AC unit, ask the retailer about haul-away services. Many offer this when you purchase a replacement. This is not confirmed on official Columbus pages, so verify with the specific retailer before assuming it is included.
How to Prepare Appliances for Disposal
For city bulk pickup (non-refrigerant appliances)
- Call 311 at (614) 645-3111 or visit 311.columbus.gov to schedule
- Confirm your appliance is accepted — describe the item when scheduling
- Do not place items curbside until your scheduled collection day
- Leave appliances assembled — do not disassemble
- Tape exposed glass — if your appliance has glass components (oven doors, microwave windows)
- Roll carpet into bundles — max 4 ft long and 2 ft diameter, tied with rope
- Place at curb or alley line — away from obstructions
For Convenience Center drop-off
- Confirm the center is open (Tue–Sat 10 AM–6 PM)
- Secure the appliance in your vehicle for transport
- Self-unload at the facility
- Check with the center about refrigerant appliance acceptance if you are planning to bring one
For private haulers (refrigerant appliances)
- Obtain written quotes from multiple haulers
- Schedule pickup and confirm they handle refrigerant recovery
- Do not disconnect refrigerant lines or remove components yourself
- Coordinate with your landlord if renting
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
Apartment residents wanting bulk pickup:
- Confirm with your landlord whether your property receives city bulk collection service
- Some apartment complexes contract private haulers and may not be eligible for city pickup
- Convenience Centers are available to all Columbus residents for self-haul regardless of apartment status
Renter with a refrigerant appliance:
- Private hauler required — coordinate with your landlord, as they may have a preferred vendor
- Do not place curbside for city collection
- Check if your lease addresses appliance replacement or disposal responsibilities
Renter without a vehicle:
- City bulk pickup (schedule through 311) is your best option for non-refrigerant appliances — collection is curbside
- For refrigerant appliances, coordinate with your landlord or a private hauler that offers pickup
Business and Commercial Appliance Disposal
City programs serve household waste only.
- Commercial entities must use licensed haulers
- Office refrigerators, commercial kitchen equipment, and other business appliances are not eligible for city bulk pickup
- The Ohio EPA solid waste program may have resources for businesses
- Get written quotes from licensed commercial waste haulers
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Putting a refrigerator or freezer curbside for city pickup
Refrigerant appliances are not accepted. They will be left behind, and you still have a fridge at the curb with no collection date.
2. Setting appliances out without scheduling first
City collection only happens when scheduled through 311. Items placed at the curb without a scheduled date will not be collected.
3. Trying to remove refrigerant yourself
This requires EPA certification. It is illegal to vent refrigerants into the atmosphere. Leave it to the professionals.
4. Assuming "if they take appliances, they take all appliances"
Non-refrigerant appliances (washers, dryers, stoves, water heaters) are accepted. Refrigerant appliances (fridges, freezers, ACs) are not. Know which category yours falls into.
5. Calling a private hauler without getting a written quote
Rates vary significantly. Get at least two written quotes before choosing a hauler.
6. Leaving a refrigerant appliance on the curb hoping scavengers will take it
Scavengers may cut refrigerant lines or improperly dispose of the appliance, creating environmental and safety hazards.
7. Not checking what the Convenience Center accepts
While Convenience Centers accept non-refrigerant appliances, confirm they accept your specific item before hauling it across town.
Official Verification Checklist
Before disposing of any appliance:
- Schedule pickup through 311 — call (614) 645-3111 or visit 311.columbus.gov
- Confirm your appliance is accepted — non-refrigerant = yes. Refrigerant = private hauler
- Ask about scheduling window — how far in advance to book your pickup date
- Confirm preparation requirements — ask if any special prep is needed for your specific appliance
- Note your scheduled date — place items curbside or at alley on that day only — not before
- If refrigerant appliance: find private hauler — search for licensed hauler, get written quote, schedule pickup
- Check Convenience Center hours if self-hauling: Tue–Sat 10 AM–6 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Columbus pick up my old refrigerator? No — refrigerated appliances are not accepted through city bulk collection. They contain refrigerants and require a private hauler.
Can Columbus pick up my washer/dryer? Yes — non-refrigerant appliances are accepted. Schedule through 311 at (614) 645-3111 or 311.columbus.gov. Free.
Where can I drop off appliances myself? Two Convenience Centers: Alum Creek (2100 Alum Creek Dr) and Georgesville (1550 Georgesville Rd). Tue–Sat 10 AM–6 PM. Free.
Do I need an appointment for bulk pickup? Yes — you must schedule through 311 before placing items curbside. Do not put items out without scheduling.
How should I prepare appliances for pickup? Leave assembled. Tape exposed glass. Roll carpet into bundles (max 4 ft long, 2 ft diameter) tied with rope. Place curbside on scheduled day.
Sources
- Columbus Bulk Collection — City of Columbus bulk collection policies and accepted items
- SWACO HHW (refrigerant note) — SWACO HHW facility (does not accept large appliances)
- Columbus 311 — (614) 645-3111 — Primary contact for bulk pickup scheduling and appliance acceptance questions
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. City collection rules, fees, and accepted items change. Call 311 at (614) 645-3111 to verify current information before hauling any appliance to the curb or a drop-off location.