Appliance Disposal & Recycling in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

Need to get rid of an old refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, or other large appliance in Allen County? Your disposal options depend mainly on whether the appliance contains refrigerant.

Quick Answer

Allen County residents can recycle or dispose of many unwanted appliances through local appliance recyclers, scrap metal facilities, or pickup services.

Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and other appliances containing refrigerant require special handling. The refrigerant must be properly recovered rather than releasing it during disposal.

Start with the Allen County Department of Environmental Management appliance recycling information to find current local options.

Appliances That Can Often Be Recycled

Common recyclable appliances include:

  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Washers and dryers
  • Stoves and ovens
  • Dishwashers
  • Water heaters
  • Air conditioners
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Microwaves

Many of these contain valuable steel and other metals that can be recycled.

Refrigerators, Freezers & Air Conditioners

Appliances containing refrigerant require extra care. Refrigerators and air conditioners may contain refrigerants that must be reclaimed before the appliance is recycled or disposed of.

Allen County recommends using a specialized recycler that can properly handle these appliances.

See the county’s appliance recycling and disposal resources for current options.

Fort Wayne Bulk Pickup

If you live within the City of Fort Wayne, some non-refrigerant appliances, including washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers, may qualify for scheduled bulk trash pickup.

Bulk pickup must be arranged in advance.

Visit Fort Wayne Solid Waste or call 311 for information and scheduling.

Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other refrigerant-containing appliances are not handled the same way and should be taken to an appropriate appliance recycler.

Before You Go

Before taking an appliance to a recycler or disposal facility:

  • Call ahead to confirm the appliance is accepted.
  • Ask whether there is a disposal or recycling fee.
  • Tell the facility if the appliance contains refrigerant.
  • Ask whether pickup service is available if you cannot transport the appliance.
  • Do not remove or release refrigerant yourself.

Local Tip

If the appliance still works, consider donating or selling it instead of disposing of it. Allen County maintains information on local reuse and donation options through its Find a Drop-off Location resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a refrigerator out with regular trash?

Not as ordinary household trash. Refrigerators and similar appliances contain refrigerant that requires proper recovery and disposal. Check with your trash provider or an appliance recycler first.

Does Fort Wayne pick up old appliances?

Certain non-refrigerant appliances may be eligible for scheduled bulk pickup. Contact Fort Wayne 311 or check the city’s Solid Waste information before putting an appliance at the curb.

Can I recycle a washer or dryer?

Yes. Washers and dryers contain substantial amounts of recyclable metal and can often be taken to scrap metal or appliance recycling facilities.

What if my appliance still works?

Consider donating, selling or giving it away. Reuse keeps usable appliances out of the waste stream and may save someone else the cost of buying a new appliance.

Official Resources

Summary

Allen County residents have several options for getting rid of unwanted appliances. Washers, dryers, stoves and other metal appliances can often be recycled, while refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners require special handling because they contain refrigerant. Fort Wayne residents may also have bulk pickup available for certain non-refrigerant appliances.