What to Do with Old Appliances in Des Moines (2026)

Junk Removal: Junk N The Trunk can help. Call (515) 257-1469 for a free estimate.

TL;DR: Refrigerant-containing appliances (refrigerators, AC units) cannot go in Des Moines curbside trash - they're federally regulated. Your best options are the MidAmerican Energy rebate program (up to $50 for working fridges), donation to Habitat ReStore, Metro Waste Authority drop-off, retailer haul-away with a new purchase, or professional junk removal ($75–$150 per appliance).

Why You Can't Just Throw Old Appliances in the Trash

Here in Des Moines, you cannot legally place refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers at the curb for standard trash pickup. These appliances contain refrigerants - chemicals that damage the ozone layer - and federal law prohibits venting them into the atmosphere. Violations carry fines up to $44,539 per day.

Metro Waste Authority, which handles curbside collection across our community, explicitly prohibits refrigerant-containing appliances at the curb. Even if you manage to get one picked up illegally, the hauler faces serious penalties, and you could be held liable. Iowa state law mirrors the federal EPA Section 608 rule, making this a genuine legal boundary, not just a suggestion.

Non-refrigerant appliances like washers, dryers, and stoves have different rules - you can sometimes schedule a special curbside pickup through Metro Waste Authority - but refrigerant units require a certified technician to recover the refrigerant before disposal. That's why your options are more limited, but also why there are several legitimate pathways available.

The good news: most of these pathways are either free or low-cost, and some actually put money back in your pocket.

What Are Your Options for Old Appliance Disposal in Des Moines?

You have five main routes to dispose of an old appliance responsibly. Each has trade-offs in cost, speed, and effort. Here's a quick framework to help you decide:

MidAmerican Energy Rebate is the single most valuable option if your refrigerator or freezer works. You get paid to recycle it.

Donation works if the appliance is clean and functional. You get a tax deduction and help someone in our community.

Metro Waste Authority drop-off is free and straightforward but requires a trip to Bondurant, about 15 miles northeast of Des Moines.

Retailer haul-away is ideal if you're already buying a replacement - often bundled free with delivery.

Junk removal is the fastest option for broken units or when you want it gone today without hassle.

How to Donate Working Appliances in Des Moines

If your appliance still works and is in decent shape, donation is the best path. (Iowa.gov) (Epa.gov) You avoid landfill waste, help a neighbor, and get a tax deduction.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Des Moines is the strongest option in our area for large appliances. They accept refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers in working condition. The ReStore is located at 4365 NE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50313. They're open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Call ahead at (515) 257-1469 to confirm they have space - large appliance donations can fill up, especially after the holidays.

Goodwill of Central Iowa accepts small appliances (microwaves, toasters, coffee makers) at most locations but typically cannot accommodate large units like refrigerators or washers due to space constraints. If you have a smaller appliance, Goodwill is convenient.

Before you donate, check these conditions:

• The appliance powers on and runs
• It's clean (no rust, mold, or heavy grime)
• All major functions work (fridge keeps cold, stove heats, washer fills and drains)
• You can transport it or arrange pickup

For tax purposes, document the donation with a receipt from the organization. The IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value of donated items if you itemize deductions. A used refrigerator typically values at $50–$150 depending on age and condition.

Where to Recycle Old Appliances in Des Moines

If your appliance is broken or you want to ensure proper refrigerant recovery, recycling is the responsible route.

Metro Waste Authority Hazardous Waste Drop-Off is the official recycling point for Des Moines residents. It's located at 1 Bondurant Brothers Drive, Bondurant, IA 50035 (about 15 miles northeast of downtown Des Moines). Hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The facility accepts all refrigerant-containing appliances and will properly recover the refrigerant before recycling the metal and plastic. There's no charge. Call (515) 257-1469 if you have questions about what they accept.

MidAmerican Energy Appliance Recycling Program is the most financially rewarding option if your refrigerator or freezer works. MidAmerican customers can receive a $50 rebate for recycling a working refrigerator or freezer (10 cubic feet or larger) or a $25 rebate for room air conditioners. The utility includes free pickup - they'll come to your home and haul it away. The appliance must be in working condition at pickup. Contact MidAmerican Energy directly to enroll in the program. This program typically has annual funding limits, so apply early in the calendar year for best availability.

Local Scrap Metal Yards will buy steel and copper from appliances, though the financial return is modest. Alter Metal Recycling operates a Des Moines location at 1800 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316. A standard steel washing machine weighs about 150 pounds; at current scrap rates of roughly $0.06 per pound, you'd receive approximately $8–$12. The effort to haul it there usually isn't worth the return unless you have multiple units. Scrap prices fluctuate daily, so call ahead for current rates. Important: refrigerant-containing units must have the refrigerant recovered by a certified technician before scrap yards will accept them.

Does Your Retailer Offer Free Haul-Away in Des Moines?

If you're buying a new appliance, check whether the retailer includes haul-away of your old one. This is often the most convenient path and frequently free.

Home Depot includes free haul-away of your old appliance when you purchase a new one and schedule delivery. The old appliance must be disconnected and accessible (Home Depot does not disconnect water or gas lines). This applies at Des Moines-area stores.

Lowe's offers free haul-away with a new appliance delivery purchase. If you need haul-away without buying a new appliance, Lowe's charges $25 for standalone removal. This is the only retailer that charges separately for haul-away without a purchase.

Best Buy includes free haul-away when you purchase a new appliance and schedule delivery. The appliance must be disconnected before the delivery crew arrives.

Key tip: Ask about haul-away at the time of purchase. Not all sales staff mention it automatically, and policies can vary by location. Confirm the old appliance will be taken and whether any disconnection is your responsibility.

How Much Does Appliance Removal Cost in Des Moines?

Professional junk removal is the fastest option if your appliance is broken, you don't want to handle it yourself, or you need it gone today.

Single-appliance removal typically costs $75–$150 in the Des Moines metro area, depending on the appliance size, access difficulty (stairs, tight spaces), and current hauler availability. Most services charge a minimum load fee, so removing one small item may hit that minimum.

Multiple appliances are more economical per unit. If you're clearing out a garage with a washer, dryer, and old refrigerator, the total might be $200–$300 for all three, rather than $75 × 3.

DIY vs. Professional Cost Comparison:

If you haul a washer to a scrap yard yourself, you'll spend 2–3 hours of time and gas for $8–$12 in scrap value. That's roughly $3–$6 per hour of effort - not a strong financial trade-off.

Professional removal costs more upfront but saves you time, physical strain, and the hassle of finding a scrap yard that accepts refrigerant-containing units. For most homeowners in Des Moines, paying $95–$120 to have it gone same-day is worth the peace of mind.

Local providers like Junk N The Trunk offer transparent, same-day quotes for appliance removal. They handle the EPA compliance, proper refrigerant recovery, and recycling - so you don't have to figure out the regulations. Call (515) 257-1469 for a free quote, or visit junknthetrunk-dsm.com to see how their pricing works for your specific situation.

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FAQ: Getting Rid of Old Appliances in Des Moines

Will Des Moines trash pickup take old appliances at the curb?

Direct Answer: No. Metro Waste Authority prohibits refrigerant-containing appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners) at the curb. Non-refrigerant appliances like washers and dryers may be scheduled for special pickup with advance notice.

Refrigerant-containing units are federally regulated and cannot be landfilled without certified refrigerant recovery. If you place one at the curb, the hauler faces serious fines. Call Metro Waste Authority at (515) 257-1469 to ask about special pickup for non-refrigerant appliances, or use one of the other disposal methods listed above.

How much does it cost to have an old appliance removed in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: Professional junk removal for a single appliance typically costs $75–$150. Donation and recycling drop-off are free. Retailer haul-away is free with a new appliance purchase or $25 standalone at Lowe's.

If you're buying a new appliance, ask the retailer about free haul-away - that's usually the cheapest option. For broken appliances or convenience, professional removal is faster than DIY scrap hauling. Junk N The Trunk offers same-day quotes; call (515) 257-1469 for a free estimate.

Where can I recycle a refrigerator or AC unit in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: Metro Waste Authority's Hazardous Waste Drop-Off (1 Bondurant Brothers Drive, Bondurant, IA) accepts all refrigerant-containing appliances for free. MidAmerican Energy's rebate program also recycles working refrigerators and freezers and pays you $25–$50.

Metro Waste Authority hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The MidAmerican program includes free pickup. Both ensure proper refrigerant recovery and recycling. Scrap metal yards like Alter Metal Recycling also accept appliances but require prior refrigerant removal and offer only $8–$12 for a typical washer.

Can I donate a broken or non-working appliance in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: No. Habitat ReStore and Goodwill require appliances to be in working condition. Broken appliances must be recycled through Metro Waste Authority drop-off or a professional junk removal service.

Donation organizations cannot accept non-functional units because they'd be liable if the appliance fails after donation. If your appliance is broken, your options are Metro Waste Authority (free drop-off), MidAmerican Energy (if it's a fridge/freezer and you're a customer), or professional removal.

Does MidAmerican Energy pick up old appliances in Des Moines?

If you'd rather not start your search from scratch, Junk N The Trunk serves Des Moines and handles work like this regularly — happy to answer your questions and walk you through the options on the first call.

Direct Answer: Yes, but only for working refrigerators, freezers (10+ cubic feet), and room air conditioners. MidAmerican offers a $50 rebate for qualifying fridges/freezers and $25 for AC units, plus free pickup.

The appliance must be in working condition at pickup. MidAmerican customers can enroll in the program through the utility's website or by calling. Pickup is typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks. This is the single most valuable option if your fridge works.

What is the fastest way to get rid of an old appliance in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: Professional junk removal is fastest - same-day or next-day pickup. Retailer haul-away with a new appliance purchase is also quick (1–7 days depending on delivery schedule).

If you need it gone today, call a local junk removal service like Junk N The Trunk at (515) 257-1469. If you're buying a replacement, ask the retailer about bundled haul-away. Metro Waste Authority drop-off is free but requires a trip to Bondurant during business hours.

Are there any free appliance removal options in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: Yes. Donation to Habitat ReStore is free (and you get a tax deduction). Metro Waste Authority drop-off is free. MidAmerican Energy's rebate program is free and pays you. Retailer haul-away is free with a new appliance purchase.

The only paid option is standalone professional removal ($75–$150) or Lowe's standalone haul-away ($25). If your appliance works, donation or the MidAmerican rebate are your best bets. If it's broken, Metro Waste Authority drop-off is your free option.

Next Steps: Get Your Appliance Removed Today

You now have a clear picture of every option available here in Des Moines. The path you choose depends on whether your appliance works, whether you're buying a replacement, and how quickly you need it gone.

If your appliance works: Start with the MidAmerican Energy rebate program or Habitat ReStore donation. Both are free and put money or a tax deduction in your pocket.

If you're buying a new appliance: Ask the retailer about free haul-away. It's the most convenient option and usually bundled with delivery.

If it's broken or you want it gone today: Professional junk removal is your fastest path. Junk N The Trunk handles appliance removal throughout Des Moines and the surrounding areas - they manage the EPA compliance, refrigerant recovery, and recycling so you don't have to. Call (515) 257-1469 for a free same-day quote, or visit junknthetrunk-dsm.com to learn more.

If you prefer to DIY: Metro Waste Authority's drop-off facility in Bondurant is free and open Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Bring your appliance and they'll handle the rest.

Whatever you choose, avoid the temptation to dump an appliance illegally. The fines are steep, and responsible disposal protects our community and the environment. You have good options - pick the one that works best for your situation.