Who picks up my old wine cellar cooling unit in Quebec?

Do you want to get rid of your old wine cellar cooling unit or wine cooler that no longer works? Before throwing it away, consider its environmental impact.

Wine cellars contain refrigerant gases (GHGs) and electronic components that must be safely recycled. Fortunately, in Quebec, there are several free and eco-friendly solutions to dispose of them responsibly.

Why you should never throw your wine cellar cooling unit in the trash

A wine cellar cooling unit contains refrigerant gases (GHGs) that can be harmful to the environment if not properly handled. It is therefore essential to recycle your old cooling appliance responsibly; throwing it in the garbage is never an eco-friendly option.

GoRecycle is the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC for handling wine cellar cooling units. By entrusting your wine cellar to GoRecycle, you help create a positive impact on the environment:

• Maximum recovery: Over 95% of the appliance’s materials are recovered and reintegrated into the circular economy
• GHG reduction: Thanks to our recycling partner PureSphera, we ensure the safe elimination of refrigerant gases, which leads to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Compliance: The recycling of your wine cellar cooling unit will meet Quebec’s environmental standards.

What are the options for wine cellar cooling unit pickup and recycling in Quebec?

1. GoRecycle drop-off points

Nearly 400 official GoRecycle drop-off points (ecocentres, recycling centres and sorting centres) are available across Quebec to ensure the responsible recycling of your old wine fridge.

👉 Find the GoRecycle drop-off point closest to you.

Quels types de celliers sont acceptés dans les points de dépôt GoRecycle?

All types of residential wine cellars or coolers are accepted for responsible recycling:

✅ Small wine cellar

✅ Dual-zone wine cooler

✅ Built-in wine cellar

✅ Under-counter wine cellar

✅ Freestanding wine cellar

✅ Beverage or drink centre

Not accepted:

❌ Wine cellars under 2.5 cubic feet

❌ Commercial or institutional wine cellars (large wine units, professional-grade wine coolers, etc.)

SORAC handles this category

2. 2. Free wine cellar cooling unit pickup in Montreal and Laval by GoRecycle

Do you live in Montreal or Laval? Good news!

GoRecycle offers a free doorstep pickup service for your old wine cellar in Montreal and Laval. Our team will come and collect your appliance right at your doorstep. It’s the simplest, most eco-friendly and most reliable way to ensure your appliance is recycled responsibly.

3. Municipal bulky item collection

Many cities in Quebec offer a special pickup service for refrigerant-containing bulky items, including wine cellars.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to:

• Schedule a pickup online or by phone through your municipality.
• Drop off your appliance during designated municipal collection days.

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

4. Local appliance collection events

GoRecycle partners with local organizations to ensure an on-site presence at community wine cellar collection events.

👉 Find an upcoming wine cellar collection event in your area (mostly held in spring and early fall).

5. Donate or resell your old wine cellar cooling unit

If your old wine fridge is still working, donating or reselling it (reuse) is an excellent way to give it a second life.

Many charitable organizations and donation centres in Quebec may accept these appliances. Some even offer free home pickup for wine cellars.

💡Before donating: always check that the organization accepts working wine cellars and ask if they offer free pickup service.

6. Private bulky item collection services

There are private companies that offer appliance pickup for a fee.

⚠️ Note: Pickup services from private bulky item or junk removal companies do not guarantee that your wine cellar will be treated in an environmentally responsible way. The refrigerant gases (GHGs) inside may not be properly extracted and disposed of safely.

For peace of mind, trust GoRecycle, the only partner recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC for the responsible recycling of wine cellar cooling units.

In conclusion

Getting rid of your old wine cellar cooling unit responsibly in Quebec is easier than you might think. By avoiding leaving it at the curb and choosing a responsible recycling solution offered by GoRecycle, you’re taking a positive step for the environment. .

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to responsibly dispose of your wine cellar cooling unit:

1. Assess the condition of your wine cellar:

• If it still works, consider donating or reselling it.
• If it no longer works:
• Consider repairing it to extend its lifespan.
• If it’s beyond repair: find a recycling solution for your old wine cellar near you.