How do I recycle a refrigerator in Quebec? Comprehensive Guide

Want to know how to recycle a refrigerator in Quebec or how you can get rid of a refrigerator for free at the end of its life? Since 2021, refrigerator recycling is carried out by GoRecycle, the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC to ensure the responsible recovery and recycling of residential cooling appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, wine fridges, and water coolers.

This guide explains where to recycle your old cooling appliance responsibly, how to get rid of it for free and which solution to choose, depending on your situation.

At a Glance: How do I recycle an old refrigerator in Quebec?

If you only want to know the best way to recycle your fridge, below are the three options offered by GoRecycle:

Whichever option you choose, your appliance will be recycled responsibly.

Why does a refrigerator need to be recycled?

Unlike other major appliances such as stoves or dishwashers, a refrigerator contains refrigerant gases that must be reclaimed through a specialized process so as not to harm the environment.

Specifically, recycling your refrigerator with GoRecycle:

• prevents the release of an average of one ton of GHGs (greenhouse gases);
• enables recovery of metals and other recyclable materials;
• enables a reduction in waste dumping;
• helps contribute to Quebec’s circular economy

Solution 1: Have your old fridge picked up for free on your doorstep

GoRecycle offers a free doorstep pickup refrigerator collection service in several participating municipalities throughout Quebec.

This solution means that you don’t have to figure out how to haul your appliance to a drop-off point.

How does the GoRecycle doorstep pickup service work?

1. Check to see if this service is available in your municipality with the GoRecycle locator
2. Make an appointment online
3. Unplug and empty your fridge completely
4. Seal the doors with adhesive tape marked “For GoRecycle.”
5. Put your fridge in the indicated spot outside your home on the evening before, or early in the morning, the day of pickup

👉 Check to see that free doorstep pickup is available in your municipality.

Solution 2: Bring your fridge to a GoRecycle drop-off point

You can bring your old refrigerator to a GoRecycle drop-off point near you, for free.

This option is an ideal one if you want more flexibility as to the timing of getting rid of your appliance.

Before bringing your fridge to a drop-off point, check its hours of operation and read any instructions for your selected drop-off point.

👉 Find the GoRecycle drop-off point nearest to you

Solution 3: Have your old refrigerator picked up when you purchase a new one

Replacing your refrigerator?

A number of participating retailers offer free pickup of your old appliance upon delivery of your new refrigerator.

Subsequently, the retailer takes your old refrigerator to GoRecycle to ensure that it is recycled according to environmental standards in effect. Please contact your appliance store to ask if they offer this kind of service, so that you can then benefit from using it.

👉 View the list of participating retailers

Summary

Recycling a refrigerator in Quebec is convenient and free, thanks to GoRecycle.

Depending on your situation, you can:

1. Have your old fridge picked up at home (doorstep pickup) if you live in an area that makes that service available
2. Bring it to a GoRecycle drop-off point
3. Have it picked up at no charge when you purchase a new appliance

Whatever the case, your appliance will be responsibly recycled to recover the refrigerant gases and prevent the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the environment.

👉 Want to recycle another residential cooling appliance? Also see our Where to recycle an appliance in Quebec? comprehensive guide.

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