Just as with anything else, air conditioners get old and worn down over time, eventually needing to be replaced. Unfortunately, most do not know what to do with it when it finally wears out since it’s hard to find where to get rid of old air conditioners near you.
If you have an old air conditioner to get rid of, think twice before sticking it on the curb for your trash collector to pick it up as it is illegal to dump an AC unit on the street due to the harmful chemicals the refrigerant contains.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to properly dispose of an old air conditioner with a method that’s safe for you and the environment, as well as easy and hassle-free.
How to Properly Dispose of an Old Air Conditioner
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How to Prepare an AC Unit for Disposal
No matter what kind of air conditioner you have, it does contain some kind of cooling refrigerant. Most types are hydrochlorofluorocarbon 200 (HCFC) refrigerants.
The Environmental Protection Agency warns that CFCs and HCFCs are ozone-depleting substances which release greenhouse gases and contribute to global climate change.
Because these substances are so dangerous, it’s illegal to put your air conditioner out with your trash or to haul it to the landfill for disposal.
Before you can take your air conditioner anywhere to dispose of it, there are a few steps you need to take to make sure it’s safe for disposal:
Step 1: Remove Doors.
Taking the time to remove any doors, covers, or hatches from the AC unit will prevent children and small animals from getting trapped inside, in case they decide to explore inside the unit.
Step 2: Drain the Refrigerant.
Have an appliance professional or expert drain the refrigerant or coolant from your air conditioner before hauling it off for disposal, recycling, or donation. If you’d prefer not to take this extra step, LoadUp will haul away your old AC unit as-is!
Time to get rid of that old AC unit?BOOK A PICKUP ❯
Step 3: Dispose of Hazardous Waste.
Any tanks, tubes, hoses, etc. containing refrigerant or coolant must be taken separately to a hazardous waste collection center to be disposed of safely. You can find your nearest hazardous waste facility by contacting your local government or searching their website.
Step 4: Get Help.
If you plan to self-haul your old air conditioner to be disposed of, recycled, or donated, plan to have someone go with you to help. Especially with heavy AC units, trying to move them on your own is extremely dangerous and could easily cause serious injury.
📝 : To learn more about appliance disposal, check out our appliance disposal guide here.
Step 5: Haul With Caution.
When hauling your air conditioner somewhere for recycling, donation, or disposal, be careful not to damage any tubing or leak any coolant when moving it, since this can be very dangerous to you and the environment.
Air Conditioner Disposal, Donation & Recycling
When it comes to getting your air conditioner or window AC unit picked up, you have options.
Energy companies that pickup your old AC unit
First, call your power company and ask if they have a bounty program available.
Some energy providers will give you a rebate or a credit on your bill for recycling old appliances through them. Ask if they offer pickup in your area and make sure to ask if there are any fees or restrictions involved.
Want fast, easy AC disposal?BOOK ONLINE ❯
Appliance stores that pickup your old AC unit
When you buy a new AC unit to replace the old one, many appliance sellers offer pickup and disposal services for old appliances. Some retailers even offer cash or a discount on a new appliance when you recycle your old air conditioner through them.
Ask the salesperson if they offer any deals like this when you go shopping for a new AC unit.
- Home Depot air conditioning recycling: Home Depot won’t take AC units for recycling.
- Best Buy air conditioning recycling: Best Buy does not take air conditioners for recycling.
- Lowe’s air conditioning recycling: Lowe’s will take your air conditioner for a $30 fee but only if you have a new one delivered.
Organizations that pickup your old AC unit
If your old air conditioner is still in good shape and you’d like to donate it instead, think of any schools, charities, houses of worship, senior centers, community centers, or similar organizations in your area that could use an AC unit.
There are lots of organizations asking for donated appliances for people or groups in need. Research online or check with local charity drives to decide what most appeals to you.
🧊 If you don’t want to go through the trouble of figuring out to donate your AC Unit, consider hiring LoadUp to handle the logistics for you. LoadUp goes above and beyond to work with local charities to make sure that your old items end up in the hands of people who may need them.
Contacting your city to find pickup for your old AC unit
You may need to contact your city’s sanitation or recycling department. They will know of any companies that offer air conditioner recycling and will handle the process for you, from the removal of the refrigerant to the hauling and disposal of the AC unit.
Some cities and municipalities require that you submit a request for an appointment for bulky waste and appliance collection. These appointments can have you waiting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to have your old AC unit picked up.
Other towns may require you to haul your AC unit to the transfer station or landfill. You can contact your local government or a waste contractor to find your local regulations.
Hire professionals for your AC unit pickup
If all this sounds too time-consuming for a little window AC unit or any other air conditioner, there is one more method that is really the easiest option and is still environmentally responsible: hire a professional junk removal company to haul it away for proper disposal.
Best Air Conditioner Disposal Services
If you’ve been looking for the best way to dispose of your old air conditioner or window AC unit, book a pickup with LoadUp today.
LoadUp is a nationwide junk removal company offering fast, easy, and affordable air conditioner haul away and disposal to over 170+ cities nationwide.
With a dedicated customer care team, access to up-to-the-minute notifications and GPS tracking links on your pickup, and rates an average of 20-30% less than those of most other junk removal services, it’s easy to see why more than 47,000 customers choose LoadUp for their junk removal needs.
Another reason why LoadUp is the best choice for air conditioner disposal and junk removal is that LoadUp donates or recycles every item they pick up that can possibly be donated or recycled. Anything that can’t be is disposed of responsibly.
LoadUp makes junk removal and air conditioner unit disposal incredibly fast and easy! Give us a call or visit us online to get an upfront, all-inclusive quote and book your air conditioner removal with LoadUp today.
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