What to Do with Old Appliances in Medicine Hat

Replacing an Appliance? Here’s What to Do with the Old One

Getting a new washer delivered doesn’t automatically solve the problem of the old one sitting in the middle of your laundry room. Appliances are heavy, bulky, and awkward to move on your own, and they can’t simply go to the curb for regular garbage pickup in Medicine Hat. Here’s a practical look at every option — donation, landfill drop-off, retailer take-back, and professional removal — so you can choose what works for your situation.

Option 1: Donate It (If It Still Works)

If your old appliance still functions, donation is the best first option. Someone else gets a usable appliance, you avoid disposal costs, and the item stays out of the waste stream.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore — 509 17 St SW, Medicine Hat Phone: (403) 291-6764 ext 1

ReStore accepts working fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and other major appliances in good condition. Proceeds support Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing mission. Call ahead to confirm current intake status — they occasionally have space constraints for large appliances.

Salvation Army — 457-3 Street SE, Medicine Hat Phone: 403-527-2474

The Salvation Army accepts small and medium appliances in good working condition. Call ahead for large appliance donations.

Note: “Working condition” is taken seriously by both organizations. An appliance that runs but leaks, rattles, or has known defects may not be accepted.

Option 2: Drop It Off at the Medicine Hat Landfill

The Medicine Hat landfill accepts household appliances, and the process differs depending on whether the appliance contains refrigerants.

Appliances with freon (fridges, freezers, dehumidifiers, window AC units) These are accepted free of charge at the landfill’s appliance drop-off area. Refrigerants must be recovered before the appliance can be recycled, and the landfill has equipment to handle this. This is free for Medicine Hat residents.

Appliances without freon (stoves, ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers) These go to the general tipping area. The minimum fee is $8 for loads up to 100 kg. A typical washer or dryer falls in this category, so expect the minimum fee for a single unit. Payment by cash, credit, or debit at the scale house.

Landfill hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays and statutory holidays.

Option 3: Retailer Take-Back

Many appliance retailers in Medicine Hat offer take-back or haul-away service when they deliver a new appliance. When buying a replacement:

• Ask the retailer at point of purchase whether they will remove the old appliance
• Some retailers include this free; others charge a small fee ($25–$75)
• The retailer typically handles disposal, which saves you the separate trip

This is the most convenient option when you’re buying new — the old appliance leaves the same day the new one arrives.

Option 4: Professional Junk Removal

When the appliance isn’t working (not donation-eligible), you don’t have a truck to haul it to the landfill, or you’re clearing multiple appliances at once, professional junk removal is the practical choice.

Appliance Removal Scenario	Typical Cost
Single appliance (washer, dryer, stove)	$75–$125
Single appliance (fridge, freezer)	$75–$125
Multiple appliances (2–4 units)	$150–$280 depending on volume
Full kitchen or laundry room clearout	Quote based on load size

The service includes all labour (lifting, moving through the home, loading the truck), transportation, and responsible disposal. For fridges and freezers, crews route them to facilities equipped to recover refrigerants before recycling. You don’t need to be home in many cases.

Visit /pricing for full pricing details.

Comparing All Your Options

Option	Cost	Best For
Donation (Habitat ReStore or Salvation Army)	Free	Working appliances in good condition
Landfill drop-off (freon appliances)	Free	Non-working fridges, freezers, AC units
Landfill drop-off (non-freon appliances)	$8 minimum	Stoves, washers, dryers — if you have a truck
Retailer take-back	Free or ~$25–$75	When buying a replacement at the same time
Professional junk removal	$75–$125 per appliance	No truck, multiple units, mixed cleanout

Tips for Moving a Large Appliance

If you’re preparing for either landfill drop-off or professional removal:

• Disconnect from power before the scheduled removal (refrigerators should run until the day of pickup to avoid interior mould)
• Empty the appliance completely — no food, water, or personal items inside
• Clear a path from the appliance to the nearest exterior door
• Measure doorways and hallways if there’s any doubt about clearance — professional crews handle tight spaces, but it helps to know in advance

Ready to Remove Junk in Medicine Hat?

For everything you need to know about junk removal in Medicine Hat — pricing, what we accept, area coverage, and how to prepare — read our Complete Guide to Junk Removal in Medicine Hat.

Ready to get that old appliance out of your way? Contact us for a free quote — single appliance pickup or full room clearouts, same-day service available.