In This Article
Old appliances are one of the most common junk removal requests in the McKinney and Allen area. Whether a refrigerator finally died, you upgraded your washer and dryer, or you are renovating a kitchen and need everything hauled away, getting rid of large appliances is not as simple as dragging them to the curb.
This guide covers your options for appliance removal in McKinney and Allen, what it costs, and how to ensure your old appliances are disposed of responsibly.
How Much Does Appliance Removal Cost in McKinney and Allen?
Single appliance removal in McKinney and Allen typically costs $75 to $175 per unit depending on the type, size, and location in the home. Removing multiple appliances during the same visit brings the per-unit cost down significantly. A full kitchen suite removal including refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave runs $200 to $400 total. Pricing includes all labor, disconnection of non-gas appliances, carrying from wherever the unit sits, truck transport, and responsible disposal or recycling.
Appliance Removal Pricing
| Appliance | Single Removal | Part of Multi-Item Load | |-----------|---------------|------------------------| | Refrigerator | $100 - $175 | $75 - $125 | | Washer | $75 - $150 | $60 - $100 | | Dryer | $75 - $150 | $60 - $100 | | Dishwasher | $75 - $125 | $50 - $90 | | Stove/Range | $75 - $150 | $60 - $100 | | Microwave | $50 - $100 | $30 - $60 | | Water heater | $100 - $175 | $75 - $125 | | Chest freezer | $100 - $175 | $75 - $125 | | Window AC unit | $50 - $100 | $30 - $60 |
Can You Put Old Appliances on the Curb in McKinney?
The City of McKinney does offer bulk trash collection for residents, but there are restrictions on appliances. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners that contain refrigerants cannot simply be placed at the curb because the refrigerant must be professionally recovered before disposal. You must schedule a bulk pickup through the city and follow their specific preparation requirements, which include removing doors from refrigerators and freezers for safety. Bulk collection schedules vary by neighborhood, and you may wait one to two weeks for pickup. Professional junk removal offers same-day service without the restrictions.
What Appliances Require Special Handling?
Not all appliances are created equal when it comes to disposal. Some contain materials that require special handling under federal and state environmental regulations.
Appliances With Refrigerants
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerant chemicals that must be recovered by a certified technician before the unit can be recycled or disposed of. Releasing refrigerants into the atmosphere is illegal and carries significant fines. Professional junk removal companies work with certified recycling facilities that handle refrigerant recovery as part of the process.
Appliances With Mercury
Older chest freezers and some pre-2000 appliances may contain mercury switches. These require special handling at qualified recycling facilities.
Gas Appliances
Gas stoves, dryers, and water heaters must be properly disconnected from gas lines before removal. This requires shutting off the gas supply and capping the line. If your gas appliance is still connected, have a plumber or the gas company disconnect it before the removal crew arrives. Most junk removal services will not disconnect gas appliances due to liability.
What Happens to Old Appliances After Removal?
Responsible junk removal companies do not just dump appliances in a landfill. Old appliances contain valuable materials that have recycling value and environmental significance.
The Recycling Process
1. Refrigerant recovery: Certified technicians extract refrigerants from cooling appliances 2. Hazardous material removal: Mercury switches, oils, and other hazardous components are safely extracted 3. Metal separation: Steel, copper, and aluminum are separated for scrap recycling 4. Plastic processing: Plastic components are sorted and recycled where possible 5. Responsible disposal: Only non-recyclable components go to the landfill
Material Value in Common Appliances
A standard refrigerator contains roughly 120 pounds of recyclable steel, plus copper, aluminum, and plastic. A washer contains about 100 pounds of steel and iron. This metal has real scrap value, which is one reason some removal services offer free pickup for certain appliances.
Should You Sell or Donate Instead of Junking?
If your appliance still works, selling or donating is the better option. Working appliances in good cosmetic condition can sell quickly on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist in the McKinney area. Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Collin County accepts working appliances and offers free pickup for large donations. Appliances that are functional but cosmetically worn are perfect donation candidates because families in need care about performance, not appearance.
Donate If:
- The appliance works properly
- It is less than 15 years old
- No major cosmetic damage
- Charity accepts the specific type
Junk If:
- The appliance does not work and repair costs exceed replacement
- It is more than 20 years old
- There is significant rust, damage, or mold
- The appliance has been recalled
How Do You Prepare Appliances for Removal?
Proper preparation ensures the removal goes smoothly and keeps costs down. Most preparation takes less than 30 minutes per appliance.
Refrigerators and Freezers
- Empty all contents and discard perishable food
- Unplug at least 24 hours before removal to allow defrosting
- Clean up any water from defrosting
- Remove doors if the unit will sit outside before pickup (safety requirement)
Washers
- Disconnect water supply hoses
- Run a spin cycle to drain remaining water
- Unplug the unit
Dryers
- Disconnect from the power outlet
- Disconnect the vent hose from the wall
- If gas dryer, have the gas line professionally disconnected
Dishwashers
- Run a cycle to empty standing water
- Disconnect from water supply under the sink
- Unplug or disconnect hardwired connection at the breaker
Stoves and Ranges
- Remove all contents from the oven and storage drawer
- Disconnect from power
- If gas, have the gas line professionally disconnected before removal day
Can You Remove Appliances Yourself?
You can, but it is physically demanding and logistically complicated. A refrigerator weighs 200 to 400 pounds. Moving it through doorways, around corners, and down steps without damaging your floors or walls requires proper equipment and technique. You also need a truck or trailer to transport it, and you need to take it to a facility that accepts appliances. Many scrap yards require refrigerant recovery documentation before accepting cooling units. For a single light appliance like a microwave or window AC unit, DIY makes sense. For anything full-size, professional removal saves your back and your floors.
Do New Appliance Delivery Services Haul Away the Old Ones?
Most major appliance retailers including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy offer haul-away of old appliances when they deliver new ones. This typically costs $15 to $50 per unit on top of the delivery charge. It is convenient because it happens at the same time as your new appliance installation. The limitation is that they usually only take the specific appliance being replaced and may not take units that are in separate locations from the installation point. If you have multiple appliances to remove or the old unit is in a different room, a dedicated junk removal service is more flexible.
When Is the Best Time to Schedule Appliance Removal?
Appliance removal is available year-round, but timing matters if you are coordinating with a new appliance delivery. Schedule your removal for the same day as delivery, ideally a few hours before the new unit arrives. This ensures the space is clear and ready. If you are doing a kitchen renovation, coordinate with your contractor on the removal timeline so the old appliances come out before demolition begins. Most McKinney junk removal companies offer same-day or next-day service for appliance removal.
Ready to Get Rid of Old Appliances?
Rivers Edge Junk Removal handles appliance removal across McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Plano, and all of Collin County. Single units or entire kitchen suites, we handle it all. Call for a free estimate and we will take care of everything from disconnection to responsible disposal.