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How to Get Rid of OLD APPLIANCES in New Bedford, MA
Quick Answer
You have 5 options: National Grid’s free fridge pickup with a $75 rebate, city curbside pickup by appointment, retailer haul-away (free with new purchase), professional junk removal ($79–$150), or scrap metal pickup (sometimes free). The right choice depends on the appliance type. Fridges with Freon require certified disposal — you cannot leave them on their side or dump them.
💰 National Grid Pays You $75 to Take Your Fridge
Most New Bedford residents have no idea this exists. National Grid’s Eco+ Appliance Recycling Program picks up your old refrigerator or freezer for free — and mails you a $75 rebate check within 4–6 weeks. If you’re also recycling a dehumidifier at the same time, add another $30. Valid through December 31, 2026. Call (877) 378-2748 to schedule.
WHAT ARE Your 5 Options OF Appliance DISPOSAL in New Bedford
1
National Grid Eco+ Rebate Program
FREE + $75 Back
The single best option for anyone with an old refrigerator, freezer, or dehumidifier. National Grid picks it up for free and sends you a rebate check. This program runs through the end of 2026 and is massively underused by New Bedford residents.
Accepts: Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers only. Does not cover washers, dryers, stoves, or other appliances. For those, use one of the options below.
2
City Curbside White Goods Pickup
Fee Applies
The City of New Bedford classifies major appliances as “White Goods” and collects them by appointment through Capitol Waste Services. This covers washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and appliances that the National Grid program won’t take.
(855) 533-3400
(Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or schedule online at capitolws.com
must be kept upright
at all times — this is a city regulation
Best for: Washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, water heaters, and other non-Freon appliances. For fridges and freezers, use the National Grid program first — it’s free and pays you back.
3
Retailer Haul-Away — Free With New Purchase
Free – $50
Replacing an appliance? Most major retailers in the New Bedford area offer old appliance haul-away when they deliver your new one. Always ask before they leave the store — you can save $75–$150 by getting it included in the delivery.
Important: Gas appliances (stoves, dryers) must be disconnected by a licensed plumber or certified technician before anyone — retailer or junk removal — can safely remove them.
4
Professional Junk Removal
$79–$150/item
The fastest and most convenient option — especially for multiple appliances, tight basement locations, or any job where you don’t want to coordinate multiple programs. A crew comes to you, handles everything, and hauls it away responsibly.
Best for: Multiple appliances at once, items in basements or difficult locations, or any job where same-day removal matters. Also the only option that handles the heavy lifting entirely — you just point.
5
Scrap Metal Pickup — Sometimes Free
Free or Paid
Appliances are largely made of steel, copper, and aluminum — all recyclable as scrap. Some local scrap haulers will pick up non-Freon appliances for free because they recover value from the metal. Worth a call before paying for removal.
Reality check: Scrap metal values fluctuate. In slower markets, haulers may not come for free. Confirm before counting on it — have a backup option ready.
⚠️ Freon Appliances — Critical Rules
Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain refrigerants (Freon/HFCs) that are regulated under federal EPA law. You cannot leave them on their side, puncture the compressor, or dispose of them through standard waste channels. The City of New Bedford requires these to stay upright at the curb. Any professional service must perform certified refrigerant recovery before processing — this is why there’s typically a $25 surcharge. The National Grid Eco+ program handles all of this for you at no cost.
Cost Comparison by Appliance Type
Not all appliances are equal. Here’s what to expect per item across your options.
| Appliance | Best Option | City Program | Junk Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator / Freezer | National Grid — FREE + $75 | Fee, by appt | $104–$150 (incl. Freon fee) |
| Dehumidifier | National Grid — FREE + $30 | Fee, by appt | $79–$110 |
| Washer / Dryer | Retailer haul-away (free) | Fee, by appt | $79–$130 |
| Stove / Oven | Retailer haul-away (free) | Fee, by appt | $79–$120 |
| Dishwasher | Retailer or scrap (free) | Fee, by appt | $79–$110 |
| Air Conditioner | City program | Fee, by appt | $79–$120 (incl. Freon fee) |
| Water Heater | Junk removal or plumber | Fee, by appt | $100–$150 |
Note for New Bedford Landlords
- The city allows up to 3 white goods per appointment. If you’re turning over a full kitchen, that’s potentially a single trip for everything — but you need to schedule it, not just drag it to the curb.
- Gas appliance disconnection is your responsibility. Before any removal crew arrives, a licensed plumber or certified technician must disconnect gas lines on stoves and dryers. Build this into your turnover process.
- National Grid’s rebate is per electric account. If the tenant was the account holder, you may need to set up service at the address to qualify — or simply use the city program or junk removal instead.
Clearing out multiple appliances from a rental unit? New Bedford Junk Co. handles full appliance removal in one trip — including items in basements and tight spaces. We handle certified refrigerant disposal on Freon appliances. See our appliance removal service
