Appliance Removal in Chicago, IL
Old Appliance Sitting in Your Kitchen? We Handle That.
You replaced the refrigerator. The new one is in the kitchen. The old one is still in the same spot because nobody told you that getting rid of a refrigerator in Chicago is more involved than dragging it to the alley.
Old appliances sit for weeks, sometimes months, because the disposal path is unclear. Some contain refrigerant that requires EPA-certified handling. Some qualify for free city pickup. Some can be donated. Some require a licensed hauler.
606 Junk carries the right equipment for basement appliances in bungalows, handles refrigerant recovery on every applicable unit, and routes everything to the right facility.
Call (773) 412-4902The One Thing Most Chicago Homeowners Don't Know
Several common household appliances contain refrigerants regulated under the federal Clean Air Act. It is illegal to vent these refrigerants into the atmosphere during disposal.
No Curbside Pickup
You cannot legally put a refrigerator, window AC unit, or dehumidifier at the curb. Chicago DSS does not accept refrigerant appliances through standard 311 bulk pickup.
Illegal Dumping Liability
Haulers who take these units for the same price as a dresser are either dumping illegally or skipping refrigerant recovery, both of which create liability for you.
EPA-Compliant Recovery Required
A legitimate crew will charge an added fee of $20 to $50 for refrigerant recovery on each applicable unit, and will disclose it before starting.
606 Junk uses EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery on every refrigerator, freezer, window AC unit, and dehumidifier we remove. The fee is disclosed at booking, not on pickup day.
Appliance Removal by Type
Every appliance has different disposal requirements. Here is what you need to know for each one.
Refrigerators & Freezers
All contain regulated refrigerant requiring EPA-certified recovery. ComEd and Peoples Gas offer free pickup for qualifying working units. For non-working or older units, 606 Junk handles same-day pickup.
Washers & Dryers
No refrigerant — they recycle cleanly as scrap metal. The challenge is physical: most Chicago homes keep them in the basement. We carry stair-climbing dollies and appliance straps on every job.
Window AC Units & Dehumidifiers
Same refrigerant regulations as refrigerators. Cannot go to the curb as regular bulk trash. Small size makes homeowners underestimate how regulated they are. Proper recovery required.
Stoves & Ranges
No refrigerant, straightforward scrap metal disposal. Gas stoves must be disconnected from the gas line by a licensed plumber before pickup. Electric stoves just need to be unplugged.
Dishwashers
No refrigerant, straightforward scrap metal disposal. Water supply and drain lines need to be disconnected before removal — a plumber handles this quickly, or DIY if you are comfortable.
Water Heaters
Heavy (100–150 lbs empty), awkward in tight spaces. Gas units need the gas line capped by a plumber. Drain the tank before pickup day via the drain valve. Recycles as scrap metal.
Microwaves & Small Appliances
Over-the-range microwaves require disconnection from electrical. Countertop units just unplug. Small appliances are best combined with a larger pickup or donated if working.
Free & Low-Cost Alternatives for Working Appliances
Before paying for removal, check whether the appliance qualifies for one of these options.
ComEd Appliance Recycling
Free pickup for qualifying working refrigerators and freezers, sometimes with a rebate.
Peoples Gas Program
Similar program for Peoples Gas customers. Check their website for current offers.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Accepts working appliances in good condition with free scheduled pickup.
Salvation Army Chicago
Accepts working washers, dryers, and refrigerators with free pickup.
Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist
Working appliances often get picked up within a day or two. List it free, someone else hauls it away.
If none of these apply (non-working, damaged, or no time to coordinate), 606 Junk handles same-day pickup with proper disposal routing.
Chicago Building Logistics
This is where local knowledge matters most for appliance removal.
Bungalow Basements
The classic Chicago bungalow basement staircase is steep, narrow, and often turns at least once. Getting a washer or water heater up those stairs requires a stair-climbing dolly, proper strapping, and a crew that has done it before. We carry the right equipment on every basement job.
Courtyard Buildings
Two-flats and six-flats in Logan Square, Ravenswood, and Andersonville often have courtyard layouts where building access is through a narrow gate. Alert us before arrival so we assess access and bring appropriate equipment.
Alley Access
Most Chicago residential appliance pickups are alley-loaded, which is efficient when accessible. For alleys with width constraints or parked vehicles blocking access, let us know when you book so we can plan street-side loading.
Upper Floor AC Units
A second or third-floor window unit needs to come through the window or down an interior staircase. Either requires care to avoid window frame damage and safety risks from units above ground level.
How It Works
Book with Details
Call 773-412-4902 or schedule online. Tell us what appliances, where they are, and whether any contain refrigerant.
On-Site Quote
We assess the appliances and give you a single upfront price. Refrigerant recovery fees are disclosed here, not on pickup day.
Disconnection Note
Gas appliances must be disconnected by a licensed plumber before we arrive. Electric appliances just need to be unplugged.
We Carry & Load
From the basement, from the second floor, through the courtyard gate. You do not lift anything.
Responsible Disposal
Recyclable appliances go to scrap metal. Refrigerant appliances go to EPA-compliant disposal. Working units routed to donation partners.
What Our Customers Say
"I used 606 Junk for some simple junk removal. It was reasonably priced considering the only other option was renting a U-Haul and moving my large items to a public dumpster. It was worth the cost and saved time and effort. Really appreciate these guys and the scheduling process."
"I can't say enough good things about 606 Junk Removal. They are reasonably priced and were able to schedule a pickup the same week I called for a quote. Their workers were professional and fast. They even went to our second floor to pick up a rug we couldn't carry. I highly recommend their services and was happy to support a local company."
"30 years of junk, gone in 3 hours! Dom came out on a Sunday to estimate a basement clear out on our 3 flat. Dom gave me a very reasonable estimate for what ended up being two completely full trailer loads of junk, which included a massive cast iron tub, an old Volvo car door, several steel cabinets and piles of other random stuff. Highly recommend 606 Junk removal."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago pick up old refrigerators for free?
No. Chicago DSS does not accept refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, or dehumidifiers through standard 311 bulk pickup because of refrigerant regulations. For a free option on a working refrigerator, check ComEd and Peoples Gas appliance recycling programs. For non-working units, paid removal is the most reliable path.
How much does appliance removal cost in Chicago?
Standard appliances without refrigerant (washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers) fall into standard volume-based pricing. Refrigerant appliances carry an added fee of $20 to $50 for EPA-compliant recovery. 606 Junk provides upfront pricing before any work begins.
Can I put my old refrigerator in the alley?
No. Refrigerators contain regulated refrigerant and cannot be placed for standard bulk pickup or left for scrap metal collectors who are not EPA certified. Improper disposal can result in fines under both federal and city codes.
Do I need to drain my washing machine before removal?
It helps but is not required. Disconnect the water supply hoses and let any remaining water drain before the crew arrives. A machine with standing water in the drum is heavier and messier to move.
Can you pick up multiple appliances in one visit?
Yes. Multiple appliances in one pickup is common and typically more cost-efficient than scheduling separately. Book everything together and the crew handles it all in one visit.
What neighborhoods do you serve for appliance removal?
All Chicago neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs. Call us with your location if you do not see it listed above.
Chicago Neighborhoods We Serve
606 Junk handles appliance removal across all Chicago neighborhoods. Not listed? Call us — if it is within reasonable distance, we serve it.
Book Your Appliance Removal
Same-day and next-day service available across Chicago. EPA-compliant refrigerant handling. Interior pickup from any floor in any Chicago building.