Fridge pickup or drop-off point: Which to choose

Articles | By GoRecycle | October 23, 2026

Not sure whether you should leave your old cooling appliance at a drop-off point or wait for someone to collect it from your doorstep? The best choice depends mainly on your ability to haul the appliance, your access to a vehicle, how quickly you want to get rid of it, and the services available in your area. Doorstep pickup is only available in some municipalities, whereas the network of drop-off points provides you with solutions across Quebec.

Keep in mind, GoRecycle is the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC to ensure the responsible recovery and recycling of fridges, freezers, dehumidifiers, wine coolers, air conditioners and water dispensers.

💡Did you know that one fridge generates one ton of greenhouse gases if the appliance is not responsibly recycled? That’s the equivalent of a Montréal-Barcelona return flight.

And that’s why it’s important to use GoRecycle solutions to get rid of it responsibly and to never put it out with the garbage.

Below is a chart showing the two free GoRecycle solutions to help you choose the one that best suits your situation, and taking into account the services provided in your area.

At a Glance: Which solution is best suited to helping you get rid of your old cooling appliance?

Criterias	Drop-off point	Doorstep pickup
Free	✓	✓
Availability	Everywhere in Quebec	In select municipalities
Travel required	✓	Place the appliance outside
Ideal for heavy appliances	✓	✓
Flexibility	Based on hours of operation	Based on availability
Responsible recycling	✓	✓

What’s the difference between a drop-off point and free doorstep pickup of your appliance?

Drop-off points are a cost-free and convenient option that let you take your appliance to a participating ecocentre at a time that suits you, subject to the facility’s operating hours. Your appliance is then processed by GoRecycle in order to be properly recycled.

Home pickup of old cooling appliances (doorstep pickup) is handled by GoRecycle. If the pickup service is available at your address, a truck will come to pick up your appliance based on the appointment time you schedule online.

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GoRecycle does NOT handle the collection of stoves, ovens, washers, dryers, heat pumps, commercial appliances or dishwashers.

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It only handles cooling appliances: fridges, freezers, wine coolers, dehumidifiers, wall or window air conditioners, and water coolers.

When should you choose a drop-off point?

Drop-off points are more practical when:

you have schedule constraints and a need for flexibility
you have a suitable vehicle at your disposal
you are able to haul your appliance yourself
a drop-off point is located near you
doorstep pickup is not offered in your area

👉Find a drop-off point near you

When should you choose doorstep pickup?

Doorstep pick up is more appropriate when:

you don’t have a suitable vehicle to haul your appliance
you have no way to get your old cooling appliance to the drop-off point
the service is offered in your area

👉Make an appointment for doorstep pickup

Does the recycling process vary based on the method chosen?

No. Whichever solution you choose, your appliance goes through exactly the same recycling process. The refrigerant gases are reclaimed and processed, and more than 95% of the materials are recycled.

How much does it cost?

The two services are free. The GoRecycle drop-off point and doorstep pickup services are offered free of charge in Quebec. Doorstep pickup is only offered in some municipalities at this time.

How do you choose the best solution?

Below is a decision tree to help you choose the best solution:

How do you locate the solution near you?

👉Find the solution best suited to your needs using the locator tool to find services near you.

About GoRecycle

GoRecycle is the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC that ensures the responsible recycling of cooling appliances in Quebec. We recycle refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, wine coolers, dehumidifiers and water coolers through nearly 400 drop-off points in Quebec, and over 100 banner pickup partners with the purchase of a new fridge. GoRecycle is a non-profit organization (NPO).