Are you ready to say goodbye to your old portable or window air conditioner that no longer works? Before you throw it out, consider the environmental impacts of this gesture.

An air conditioner contains refrigerant gases (greenhouse gases or GHGs) and components that must be handled safely for the environment. Fortunately, several simple, free, and environmentally responsible solutions exist in Quebec to help you dispose of it!

Why avoid throwing your old air conditioner in the trash?

A portable or window air conditioner contains refrigerant gases (GHGs) that can be harmful to the environment when improperly treated. That means throwing your old unit in the garbage is never an option.

When you entrust your air conditioner to GoRecycle, the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC for handling household cooling appliances, you contribute to:

• The recovery of more than 95% of its materials
• The safe elimination of refrigerant gases
• A significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

What are the options for collecting and recycling air conditioners in Quebec?

1.  Sorting centres and ecocentres

Some 400 official GoRecycle drop-off points (ecocentres, recycling centres, and sorting centres) are available across the province to ensure the responsible recycling of your old air conditioner.

👉 Find your nearest GoRecycle drop-off point.

What types of air conditioners are accepted at GoRecycle drop-off points?

Types of units accepted:

•  ✅ Portable air conditioners / portable AC units
•  ✅ Window air conditioners

Non acceptés :

• ❌ Heat pumps
• ❌ Wall-mounted air conditioners

Appliances that are not accepted must be handled by a certified refrigeration technician, in accordance with the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) standards.

2.   Free air conditioner pickup in Montréal and Laval (doorstep pickup)

Do you live in Montréal or Laval? Good news! GoRecycle offers a free pickup service for your old portable or window air conditioner. Our team collects your unit directly from your residence and ensures it is recycled responsibly. It’s simple, eco-friendly, and effortless!

3.   Municipal residential collection

Several cities in Quebec offer bulky cooling appliance collection (including air conditioners). Depending on your municipality, you may:

• Submit an online collection request
• Drop off your appliance on scheduled collection days

👉 Check the GoRecycle directory of participating municipalities to see if this service is available in your area.

4.  Collection events

GoRecycle works closely with several municipal partners to ensure a presence in the field during collection events organized for citizens.

👉 Find an upcoming air conditioner recovery event near you.

5.   Donation centres and charitable organizations

If your old air conditioner still works, many donation centres and charitable organizations in Quebec may accept it. In some cases, free appliance pickup may be offered from your residence.

This is an excellent option to give your unit a second life while supporting a social cause.

To donate your working air conditioner:

• Look up donation centres near you;
• Check whether free air conditioner pickup is offered;
• Confirm any pickup conditions.

6.   Private bulky item collection companies

Some companies offer a paid appliance pickup service.

⚠️ Beware: While they are convenient for fast disposal, these services do not guarantee compliant treatment of air conditioners. Refrigerant gases and some components may not be recycled according to the environmental standards in effect.

To ensure that your old air conditioner is recycled responsibly, choose GoRecycle, the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC.

Conclusion

There are many options in Quebec to dispose of your old portable or window air conditioner in an environmentally responsible manner. A small gesture with big benefits!

👉 Find an air conditioner recycling service near you with GoRecycle