Short answer. Yes, but the best route depends on whether it works, whether the gas has been recovered and what your council offers. Start with your council.
Scrap metal places are one of four ways to move on an old fridge. This guide compares them so you do not pay for the wrong one. It lists no prices, because we found no reliable source. For what a yard asks for, see will scrap yards take fridges. Disclosure: ScrapTrade runs an online scrap marketplace and benefits when scrap changes hands.
The four routes
- Your council. Some councils take fridges at a resource recovery centre for a fee because they must be degassed, while others do not collect them as hard rubbish. Councils differ on whether they recycle white goods at all, so check.
- A recycler or removal service. They usually charge, and the important question is who does the degassing.
- The retailer. Many white goods retailers will take your old appliance when they deliver a new one, so ask when you buy.
- A scrap yard. It will take a fridge if the gas has been recovered, or if it degasses itself. Ask first.
How to choose
- If it works, sell it. A used fridge is a retail sale.
- If you are replacing it, ask the retailer.
- If not, ask your council what it takes and what it charges.
- Use a yard or recycler when you need it gone fast or have several units.
Things to avoid
- Leaving a fridge on the street without a scheduled collection, which can bring a fine.
- Unlicensed operators who offer to degas it cheaply. Ask who does the work and what licence they hold.
- Cutting pipes or letting the gas escape.
What it is worth
Very little as scrap, since a fridge is mostly steel, and recovery costs are real. The detail is in what a scrap fridge is worth.
What we could not verify
- Your council's fees and collection rules.
- What recyclers charge near you.
- Whether your retailer offers removal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a fridge out for hard rubbish?
Some councils do not collect them because they need degassing. Check yours.
Who removes the gas?
A licensed technician. A council or recycler service often arranges it.
Will a retailer take my old fridge?
Many do when delivering a new one. Ask when you buy.
Sources
- Council waste guides and Australian Refrigeration Council local council fact sheet, as summarised in search results.
- Appliance retailer disposal pages, as summarised in search results.
General information only. Rules and fees differ by council.