In This Guide
Old appliances are some of the most common and most difficult items to get rid of. A dead refrigerator in your garage, a washer that finally gave out, or a stove you replaced during a kitchen remodel all share the same problem: they are too heavy to move alone, too large for regular trash pickup, and too awkward to fit in most vehicles. In Lake County, getting rid of old appliances does not have to be a headache if you know your options. This guide covers the cost of appliance removal in Lake County, your disposal options, and what happens to old appliances after they are hauled away.
How Much Does Appliance Removal Cost in Lake County?
Professional appliance removal in Lake County typically costs between $75 and $250 per appliance, depending on the type, size, location in the home, and how many appliances you need removed. Most junk removal companies offer better per-item pricing when you have multiple appliances to remove at once.Typical Appliance Removal Costs
| Appliance | Estimated Cost | |-----------|---------------| | Refrigerator or freezer | $100 - $200 | | Washer or dryer | $75 - $150 | | Dishwasher | $75 - $125 | | Oven or range | $100 - $175 | | Water heater | $100 - $175 | | Window AC unit | $50 - $100 | | Microwave | $50 - $75 | | Multiple appliances (3+) | Discounted bundle pricing | These prices include labor, loading, hauling, and proper disposal or recycling. You do not need to disconnect, move, or prepare the appliances beforehand. The crew handles everything from disconnection to removal.What Affects Appliance Removal Pricing
Location within the home is the biggest variable beyond the appliance itself. A washer in a ground-floor laundry room is straightforward. A washer in a second-floor bathroom or a freezer in a tight basement with narrow stairs takes significantly more time and effort. Accessibility, stairs, tight hallways, and distance from the truck all factor into the price.Appliance Disposal Options in Lake County
You have several options for getting rid of old appliances in Lake County, each with different costs and convenience levels.Professional Junk Removal
The fastest and most convenient option. A crew arrives at your scheduled time, disconnects the appliance if needed, carries it out regardless of stairs or tight spaces, loads it on the truck, and hauls it away. Most jobs take 15 to 30 minutes per appliance. This is the best option for heavy items, difficult access situations, or when you simply do not want to deal with it yourself.Retailer Haul-Away
Many appliance retailers offer haul-away service when you purchase a new appliance. Home Depot, Lowes, and local appliance stores in the Mentor and Willoughby area typically charge $25 to $50 for haul-away with a new purchase. The catch is that they only take the appliance being replaced, it must be disconnected and accessible, and they will not navigate difficult stairs or tight spaces. If you are buying a replacement anyway, this can be the cheapest option.Scrap Metal Recyclers
Scrap yards in the Lake County area accept most metal appliances at no charge and sometimes pay you a small amount based on weight. You need to transport the appliance yourself, which requires a truck or trailer and at least one helper for heavy items. This is the cheapest option if you have the means to transport it.Municipal Bulk Pickup
Some Lake County municipalities offer periodic bulk item pickup days. Check with your city or township for scheduled dates. This is usually free or low cost but you may wait weeks for the next pickup date and you need to get the appliance to the curb yourself.Lake County Solid Waste District
The Lake County transfer station accepts appliances for a fee. You need to transport the appliance there yourself during operating hours. Fees vary by appliance type and size.What Happens to Old Appliances After Removal?
Responsible appliance disposal involves more than just throwing them in a landfill. Here is what happens to appliances after professional removal.Recycling
Most major appliances are 60 to 90 percent recyclable by weight. Steel, copper, aluminum, and other metals are recovered and sent to scrap processors. A single refrigerator contains roughly 120 pounds of recyclable steel. The plastics, glass, and rubber components are separated and processed where recycling markets exist.Refrigerant Recovery
Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain refrigerant chemicals that must be properly recovered before the unit can be scrapped. Federal law requires certified technicians to capture these chemicals to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. Reputable removal companies ensure this step is handled properly.Donation
Appliances that still work are sometimes donated to organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Painesville or other local charities. If your appliance is functional but you are simply upgrading, donation keeps it out of the waste stream and helps someone in need.Common Appliance Removal Situations in Lake County
Here are the most common scenarios where Lake County homeowners need appliance removal help.Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodels generate multiple appliances at once: old refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and sometimes a microwave. Removing all of them in a single appointment is the most cost-effective approach since crews are already on site.Laundry Room Upgrade
Washers and dryers are heavy and often located in basements or second floors. A washer full of residual water can weigh over 200 pounds. Professional removal is particularly worthwhile for these due to the weight and stair navigation.Basement or Garage Cleanout
Old freezers, extra refrigerators, and dehumidifiers accumulate in basements and garages. These are often the last items standing after a cleanout because of their weight. Combining appliance removal with a general cleanout saves on trip charges.Estate or Rental Property Cleanout
Estate cleanouts and rental turnovers frequently involve removing outdated appliances. When the property needs to be emptied completely, appliance removal is part of a larger cleanout scope.Tips for Preparing for Appliance Removal
While professional crews handle the heavy lifting, a few simple preparations make the job go faster and may reduce your cost.- Clear a path from the appliance to the nearest exit. Move any furniture, rugs, or obstacles out of the way.
- Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet. This is not required but saves a few minutes.
- Empty the contents of refrigerators and freezers. Crews will remove the appliance but leftover food needs to go separately.
- Note any water connections for washers, dishwashers, and ice makers. Let the crew know so they can shut off water before disconnecting.
- Measure doorways if you are concerned about fit. If the appliance was delivered through a doorway, it can usually leave through the same one.
Why Not Just Leave It at the Curb?
Leaving appliances at the curb without scheduling pickup creates several problems. Most Lake County municipalities do not allow curbside appliance dumping and may issue fines. Refrigerators and freezers left with doors intact are a suffocation hazard for children. Appliances left outdoors leak oils and refrigerants into the ground. And an appliance sitting at your curb makes your property look neglected, which affects property values for the entire street.Frequently Asked Questions
Do you disconnect appliances before removing them? Yes. The crew will disconnect appliances from electrical outlets and water lines as part of the removal process. For gas appliances, we recommend having the gas line capped by a licensed plumber before our arrival for safety reasons. Can you remove a refrigerator from a basement with narrow stairs? Yes. Our crews regularly navigate tight basements, narrow stairways, and awkward angles. We use furniture dollies, straps, and protective padding to move heavy appliances through difficult spaces without damaging your walls or floors. What if my appliance still works? Working appliances are donated whenever possible. If your appliance is functional, let us know when scheduling and we will prioritize finding it a new home through local donation partners rather than sending it to recycling. How quickly can you pick up an appliance? Most appliance removals in Lake County can be scheduled within one to three business days. Same-day or next-day service is sometimes available depending on schedule availability. Is there anything inside an appliance that I need to remove first? Empty all food from refrigerators and freezers. Remove any personal items from washer and dryer drums. Everything else, including shelving, drawers, and internal components, can stay in place.Need Help With This?
Evergreen Removal handles all junk removal and cleanouts in Lake County. Let us do the heavy lifting while you relax.