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You can't put a refrigerator at the curb in most KC-metro cities, and the ones that allow it require advance scheduling. The refrigerant in older appliances is regulated under EPA Section 608. Here are the six legal ways to handle it.
1. Retailer haul-away when buying new
If you're buying a new appliance, most KC-area retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Costco) will haul the old one for $25–$75. This is almost always the cheapest option if you're already replacing.
2. Utility rebate programs (Evergy)
Evergy periodically runs old-refrigerator rebate programs — they'll come pick up your working old fridge for free and pay you $40–$50. Check evergy.com for current eligibility. The catch: it has to be operational and meet size requirements.
3. Scrap metal dealers
If you can transport the appliance yourself, several KC scrap yards will accept it for free or pay $5–$15 for the metal. They handle the refrigerant. You handle the transport.
4. Curbside bulky-item pickup
Most KC-metro cities run periodic bulky-item pickups — free, but on a quarterly or call-ahead schedule. Independence, Kansas City, and Lee's Summit all run them. Check your city's solid-waste department for the next date.
5. Local transfer station
Jackson County and Johnson County transfer stations both accept appliances for $25–$50 each. You haul, they handle disposal and refrigerant.
6. Junk removal service
A junk-removal service will disconnect (where safe), carry it out, load it, and route it for $79–$149 for a single appliance — bundled multi-appliance jobs come in at a discount. Worth it if you don't have a truck, can't lift it, or have multiple appliances.
About refrigerants
Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerant that must be recovered by an EPA-certified facility (EPA Section 608). We follow this — it's not optional. If a junk hauler tells you they'll "just drop it at the landfill," they're breaking federal law and you don't want to be associated with it.