How to dispose of a mini fridge

Small, but still a fridge

Dorm fridges, bar fridges, wine coolers and office fridges all use refrigerant, the same as a full-size fridge. That means the same rules apply: no curbside trash, no cutting lines, and recovery by certified people before the unit is recycled.

Prep steps

1. Empty it and throw out any food or drinks.
2. Unplug it and leave the door open for a day to defrost.
3. Wipe it out and dry the inside.
4. Tape the door shut and coil the cord.

Give away a working one

Working mini fridges are in demand at the end of the summer, when students move into dorms and apartments. A clean one with a photo of it running usually goes quickly on a local listing. The person picking it up does the carrying.

Where a broken one can go

• Your town facility, which often charges a fee for refrigerant appliances.
• A pickup, either on its own or with other items.

Why people book a pickup

A mini fridge is light enough to carry, but it is easier to add to a bigger job than to make a special trip to the transfer station for one item. Students moving out, landlords turning over units and offices clearing a break room often have one or two along with furniture and bags.

Posted prices

Every job starts from the same posted price card. A single item is $64. A small job, up to about 1.5 cubic yards, is $119. A medium job, about 3 cubic yards or roughly a room, is $189. A large job, about 5 cubic yards or roughly a garage bay, is $239. An extra-large job, about 10 cubic yards, is $479, and anything past 10 cubic yards is $45 per yard. A mattress or box spring is $64 alone or $20 each on a job. A washer, dryer, stove or dishwasher is $69 alone and free on a job. A fridge, freezer, air conditioner or dehumidifier is $99 alone or $35 on a job. A TV or monitor is a $15 add-on. Construction debris is the job price plus 20%. Estate cleanouts start at $499 and hoarding cleanouts at $599. The full list is on the pricing page.

Price examples

• A mini fridge alone: $99.
• A mini fridge with a futon, desk and bags from a move-out: the job price plus $35.
• Two break room fridges and office chairs: the job price plus $35 for each fridge.

Wine coolers and beverage centers

Built-in under-counter units should be pulled out and unplugged before pickup. If they are hard-wired or plumbed, have a qualified person disconnect them first.

Do not leave it at the curb

Curbside trash will not take it, and a fridge left outside is a hazard for kids and animals. Keep the door taped shut until it is gone.

Office break rooms

Businesses clearing a break room can add mini fridges, a microwave and furniture to one job and be invoiced.

How booking works

Send photos through the quote form or text them to (207) 333-1422. No card is needed to ask. Caden looks at the photos and sends your price. If it works for you, you pay from the link he sends and that confirms the slot. The price we send is the price you pay unless the pile changes. If you add things after the price goes out, the price is updated before work starts, not after.

Related: how to dispose of a refrigerator, how to dispose of a freezer, apartment move-out junk

If you want it handled for you, start with our appliance removal page. Related reading: How to dispose of a water heater.