Old fridges, washing machines, ovens and air conditioners cannot go in the bin room, and most of them should not go to a general dump either. Some contain refrigerant gas, some contain electronics, and all of them are heavy and awkward to move. Here is how to dispose of old appliances in Dubai properly, what your options are, and how to prepare each one so collection day goes smoothly.
Why appliances need proper disposal
Fridges, freezers and air conditioners contain refrigerant gases that must be drained and captured by a licensed handler before the unit is scrapped. Crush one without doing that and the gas escapes. Washing machines, dryers, ovens and dishwashers are simpler, but they still contain motors, wiring and circuit boards that belong in metal and e-waste recycling rather than landfill.
The good news is that appliances are among the most recyclable things in any home. Once handled correctly, most of the steel, copper and aluminium goes back into use.
Your options
Sell it, if it works
A working fridge or washing machine that is only a few years old will often find a buyer, particularly from people furnishing a new flat. Include the brand, model, age and exact dimensions in the listing, and say whether you can help carry it down. Expect some haggling and a few no-shows.
Trade it in or ask the retailer
Some electronics and appliance retailers take the old unit away when they deliver a new one, and some run trade-in offers. Ask before you buy, because it has to be on the order for the delivery team to take it.
Donate it
Working appliances in clean condition can sometimes be donated, but most charities need you to deliver them, and they will not accept anything faulty. Call ahead and be honest about the condition.
To skip the drop-off, appliance donation with free pickup is available in Dubai for working fridges, washers and ACs.
Book a removal crew
For anything broken, heavy, upstairs, or on a deadline, a crew is the practical answer. We carry it out, load it and route it to the right recycler. A fridge, washing machine and a few boxes typically cost AED 340 to 500 to clear in Dubai, all-inclusive. Refrigerant appliances cost a little more than a sofa of the same size because of the extra handling.
How to prepare each appliance
Fridges and freezers
Empty it and switch it off at least 24 hours before collection so it can defrost fully. Leave the doors open, mop up the water, and remove loose shelves and drawers. A fridge that is still defrosting leaks in the lift and the truck.
Washing machines and dishwashers
Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hoses and drain as much water as you can. Many washing machines have a small filter hatch at the front for this. If you still have the transit bolts, they protect the drum when it is moved.
Ovens and cookers
Electric ovens just need unplugging. Gas cookers are different: have the gas supply disconnected and capped by your building’s gas provider or a qualified technician before collection. This is a safety job for a gas specialist, not for a removal crew.
Air conditioners
Split units need a technician to recover the gas and take down the indoor and outdoor units safely. Once they are dismounted, we can collect them. Window units can simply be unplugged and lifted out.
Water heaters
Switch off the power and water, then drain the tank completely before removal. A full tank is very heavy and a draining one makes a mess.
Small appliances and electronics
Microwaves, kettles, vacuum cleaners, irons, TVs and computers are e-waste. They go to licensed e-waste processors, not general waste. Anything that stored data, such as laptops or smart TVs linked to your accounts, should be reset or wiped before it leaves your home.
Moving out or renovating?
Appliances usually go as part of something bigger: a move-out, a kitchen renovation or an office closure. Clearing them together with the rest is cheaper than a separate collection. See our end of tenancy checklist, our guide to renovation debris, and where appliances go after collection.
Where we collect
We collect appliances same-day across Dubai, from towers in Dubai Marina to villas in Arabian Ranches, daily in Sharjah including Al Nahda and Al Khan, and on scheduled days in Abu Dhabi and Ajman.
Frequently asked questions
How do I dispose of an old fridge in Dubai?
Sell or donate it if it still works. If not, book a licensed removal service, which will route it to a handler who drains the refrigerant before the metal is recycled. Defrost it for at least 24 hours before collection.
How much does appliance removal cost in Dubai?
A fridge, washing machine and a few boxes typically cost AED 340 to 500 to clear, including labour, transport and disposal. Refrigerant appliances cost slightly more than furniture of the same size.
Can you remove a gas cooker?
Yes, once the gas supply has been disconnected and capped by your building gas provider or a qualified technician. Disconnecting gas is a job for a gas specialist, so arrange it before collection day.
Do you take down split air conditioners?
A technician needs to recover the gas and dismount split units first. Once they are down, we collect and recycle them.
Are old appliances recycled?
Yes. Refrigerant is captured, and the steel, copper, aluminium, motors and electronics are sent to metal and e-waste recyclers.
Send a photo on WhatsApp for a fixed price, or see everything we remove.
