Freon vs. Non-Freon Appliance Rules in Harford County
The county sorts appliances into two groups at the Harford Waste Disposal Center (3241 Scarboro Road, Street):
| Appliance | Fee at the county Center |
|---|---|
| Washers, dryers, stoves, ovens, dishwashers and other scrap metal appliances without refrigerant | No charge |
| Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and other Freon-containing units | $10 each |
The fee exists because refrigerant has to be recovered before a unit is scrapped. Never cut, puncture or vent the lines yourself; federal rules require refrigerant to be recovered by a certified process, and the Center handles that for the $10. If you bring appliances in the same trip as household trash or bulky waste, expect the regular vehicle flat fee ($8 car/SUV, $11 pickup or trailer) to apply to the rest of the load.
The usual rules apply: residents only, Maryland license with a Harford County address, open Monday–Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., arrive before 2:45 p.m., cash or credit only. See the full Scarboro Landfill fee and rules guide.
How to Donate Working Appliances in Aberdeen, Bel Air & Edgewood
If the appliance still works, donating can be free and you may not have to move it far. The Aberdeen ReStore (Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, 1013 Beards Hill Road, Aberdeen, phone 443-567-7698) says it accepts:
- Stoves, ovens, ranges, cooktops and microwaves
- Refrigerators, freezers, and electric or gas washers and dryers
- Small appliances
- Dishwashers only if they are under 10 years old
Items must be in working order and clean. Free residential pickup is available and is curbside or garage only; staff will not go inside your home. Book through the Donation Pickup Truck button on the ReStore website, and the scheduler should contact you within 24 to 48 hours. You can also drop items off Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Confirm your address is in their pickup area when you book, whether you are in Bel Air, Edgewood or elsewhere in the county.
If You Live in a Town With Bulk Service
- Aberdeen: refrigerators, washers, dryers and stoves count as large items, with 1–2 per pickup. Each household gets one free pickup per fiscal year; schedule at (410) 297-4259 and wait for confirmation before setting items out.
- Havre de Grace: Friday metal-item collection by reservation only, 410-939-5009 (8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Thursday). Ask whether your appliance qualifies.
- Bel Air: bulk waste by appointment, (410) 638-4545, 24 hours ahead. Appliances with Freon may have extra requirements, so ask when you call.
Our municipal bulk trash comparison has the details for each town.
Basement & Garage Refrigerator Removal: Avoiding Floor Damage and Back Injuries
Many full-size refrigerators weigh well over 200 pounds, and the hard part is rarely the dump fee; it is getting the unit out of a basement or garage without hurting a person or a floor.
- Empty and defrost it for at least a day, with towels down for meltwater, so you are not moving food or ice.
- Secure or remove the doors. Old refrigerators left with latching doors are a child-entrapment hazard.
- Measure the path, including door frames, turns and stair width, before you start moving it.
- Use an appliance dolly with straps and protect floors with plywood or cardboard runners. Stairs need at least two strong people, and the heavy end goes down first.
- Know when to stop. A steep basement stair is where most injuries happen. Our crews bring dollies, straps and floor protection and handle the carry.
If the appliance is part of a bigger clear-out, see our basement and attic cleanout cost guide. For a firm price on appliance removal, check our Harford County junk removal pricing tiers or call 443-655-5106.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to dispose of a refrigerator in Harford County?
The Harford Waste Disposal Center charges $10 per appliance that contains Freon, including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Washers, dryers, stoves and other scrap metal appliances without Freon are accepted at no charge.
Does Harford County take old washers and dryers for free?
Yes. The Harford Waste Disposal Center accepts scrap metal and appliances without Freon at no charge for Harford County residents. Bring a valid Maryland driver's license with a current Harford County address.
Will Habitat for Humanity pick up a working appliance for free?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna's Aberdeen ReStore offers free residential pickup, curbside or from the garage only, for accepted items in working order. Dishwashers must be under 10 years old. Book online and expect contact within 24 to 48 hours.
Does Wee Haul Junk remove refrigerators and washers?
Yes. Harford Junk Removal – Wee Haul Junk hauls refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and stoves from any room, including basements and garages. Call 443-655-5106 for a free estimate.