Refrigerator removal in Lowell
Why a fridge is not an ordinary bulky item
A refrigerator contains refrigerant that has to be removed before the metal is recycled, which is why the city treats white goods differently from furniture. The city code lists white goods among the removals priced separately from City bags. The city's curbside page sends bulky requests to Waste Management, and the city's Q&A gives 1-800-972-4545; ask them for the white-goods price, as the city pages do not publish it.
The door matters: a refrigerator left at the curb with its door attached is a safety hazard, so tape or remove doors before moving. We handle that on pickup.
Reuse and utility programs
If the unit works, there may be a better outcome than scrap. The Westford town guide lists a National Grid appliance recycling program (1-877-889-4761, masssave.com/recycle) that accepts working second fridges, freezers and dehumidifiers and offers a $30 to $75 rebate to National Grid electric customers; requirements can change, so check first. Household Goods in Acton takes working refrigerators 10 years old or newer (no mini fridges), and the Salvation Army takes appliances no older than seven years that work.
Non-working units go to a hauler. Max Levine & Co. in Lowell does not take refrigerators or freezers, according to the Westford guide.
Our price and what is included
Large appliances, meaning a refrigerator, chest freezer or double oven, are $149 with refrigerant recovery included. A standard appliance (washer, dryer, stove, dishwasher) is $119, and a mini fridge or window AC is $79. Because the minimum is $159, a lone fridge costs $159; adding a washer ($119) brings the pair to $268. Kitchens in older Lowell multi-families often have a fridge on an upper floor with a narrow stair, and we move it with straps and dollies, wrapping the corners so the rails and walls are not scraped. Tell us if the unit is in an upstairs kitchen or a basement; the price stays the same, but we plan the crew around the stairs. Leave the power cord coiled on top and take the shelves out if they are loose.
Clearing a refrigerator, in order
- Decide: reuse or scrap
A working unit under about ten years old may qualify for the National Grid or Household Goods programs.
- Empty and defrost
Remove food. Unplug a day ahead so ice melts; put towels at the base.
- Tape the doors shut
Use painter's tape or strap the doors. Take shelves out if loose.
- Clear the path
Measure the stairwell and doors; check the rail height.
- Book the removal
We confirm the price by item before arriving, with refrigerant recovery included.
Local resources in Lowell
Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.
- Thrift
Salvation Army Appleton Street Store
Accepts: Furniture, appliances, clothing and household goods; call before loading
Pickup line 800-728-7825; appliances must be near a power outlet so they can be tested. In Lowell itself.
150 Appleton St, Lowell, MA 01852 - Scrap metal
Max Levine & Co. Scrap Metals
Weekday hours 7:15 am to 4:15 pm. The Westford town guide says they do not take refrigerators, freezers or dehumidifiers. In Lowell itself.
270 Tanner St, Lowell, MA 01852
Quick answers
Does JunkRun remove the refrigerant?
+
Yes, refrigerant recovery is included in the large appliance price of $149.
Can I put a fridge out with the trash cart?
+
No. Schedule it as a bulky item with Waste Management (800-972-4545) or book a pickup with us.
Sources
Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Lowell before you go.
- City of Lowell Code, Chapter 270: Waste and Recycling (eCode360): “the removal of certain items as determined by the Commissioner, including but not limited to white goods, CRTs and bulky items” · accessed October 31, 2026
- City of Lowell: Curbside Collection: “big or bulky items must be scheduled for pick up with Waste Management” · accessed October 31, 2026
- City of Lowell: Most Common Questions Answered: “Unusable bulky items? Schedule a pick-up with WM by calling: 1-800-972-4545” · accessed October 31, 2026
- Town of Westford: How to Recycle Most Everything (National Grid): “The program accepts working, clean, and empty second fridges, freezers, and dehumidifiers (as of May 2026).” · accessed October 31, 2026
- Town of Westford: How to Recycle Most Everything (rebate): “The Appliance Recycling Program offers National Grid Electric customers a rebate ($30-75).” · accessed October 31, 2026
- Town of Westford: How to Recycle Most Everything (Household Goods): “Accepts: Electric dryers, washers and refrigerators (no mini- fridges) 10 years old or newer.” · accessed October 31, 2026
- Town of Westford: How to Recycle Most Everything (Salvation Army): “Appliances must be no older than seven years, in working condition” · accessed October 31, 2026
- Town of Westford: How to Recycle Most Everything (Max Levine): “does not take cans, aerosol cans, gas tanks, dehumidifiers, freezers, refrigerators” · accessed October 31, 2026
Related
- Junk removal in Lowell
- Lowell dump and transfer station
- Lowell leaf pickup, fall 2026
- Mattress removal in Lowell
- Move-out junk removal in Lowell
- Couch removal in Lowell
- Bulky item pickup in Lowell
- Junk removal in Dracut
- Junk removal in Chelmsford
- Junk removal in Tewksbury
- Christmas tree pickup in Lowell
- Junk removal prices
- Dump and transfer station hours, all towns