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Refrigerator removal in Swampscott, MA

An old white refrigerator standing in the driveway beside the side door of a cedar-shingled Swampscott house with autumn leaves

The free drop-off route

The town's metal list names refrigerators and freezers, plus AC units, dehumidifiers, stoves, washers, dryers and water heaters, among the items it accepts at the DPW Yard on Paradise Road, free to residents. The remaining dates are November 28 and, by the last-Saturday rule, December 26. The town's FAQ calls the season March through December, and the list says there are no events in January and February.

You need a truck or trailer and two people with a hand truck, because the page lists no loading help. The town says nothing about doors, so ask at 781-596-8850 whether they need to come off.

Bulk pickup and the National Grid program

A refrigerator may qualify for Republic bulk pickup at $20, $40 to $60 or $80, paid by card at 781-289-0500. The town has not said which tier it falls in, or whether freon appliances are taken at the curb at all. Ask that on the call.

For older working models, National Grid has an appliance recycling service that aims to help residents get rid of outdated models that are not energy-efficient. The town links to ngrid.com/recycling-ma; the incentive and eligibility rules were not readable when we checked, so read them there.

Do not leave a fridge at the curb without a booking; the town pages describe collection only by appointment.

Basements, kitchens and the older-house problem

In a Swampscott house built before World War II, the refrigerator is often in an enclosed kitchen with a narrow doorway, or a second one sits in a basement behind steep stairs. Measure the door and the turn before anyone lifts it.

JUNKRUN removes the refrigerator from the kitchen or basement and takes it out ourselves: a refrigerator or chest freezer is $149, a washer, dryer, stove or dishwasher $119, and a mini fridge, window AC or dehumidifier $79. Freon recovery is included in each. The price is flat, with no travel fee, and a $159 minimum, so pair a washer with a fridge in one visit. Checked November 2026.

Before the refrigerator leaves

  • Empty it, unplug it and let it defrost a day; a towel on the floor catches the water.
  • Check the date: last Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to noon, DPW Yard (call 781-596-8850).
  • Ask the DPW Yard whether the door must come off, and keep the shelves and drawers inside.
  • Measure the doorway and any turn on the way out.
  • Bring a truck, a hand truck and a second person for the drop-off.
  • Or book Republic at 781-289-0500, or text JUNKRUN for a flat price.

Local resources in Swampscott

Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.

Quick answers

Where can I dispose of an old refrigerator in Swampscott?

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At the free DPW Yard metal drop-off on the last Saturday of the month, or by booking Republic bulk pickup at 781-289-0500.

Does the Swampscott drop-off take freezers and air conditioners?

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Yes. Freezers, AC units and dehumidifiers are on the town's accepted list.

Is there a fee for the metal drop-off?

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No. It is free to Swampscott residents.

Does JUNKRUN handle the freon?

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Freon recovery is included in the appliance price.

Sources

Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Swampscott before you go.

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