Before a fridge leaves the house: refrigerant, PNM and the City
You can get rid of an old fridge in Albuquerque without paying much, as long as it fits one of three routes. If it still runs and you are a PNM customer, start with PNM. If it is dead and you can get it to the curb, use the City. In both cases, leave the refrigerant alone.
What not to touch
A refrigerator's sealed system holds refrigerant. Do not cut the lines, drain anything or pull the compressor to save weight. EPA's disposal rules put the duty on the last stop, usually a scrap recycler or landfill, to make sure refrigerant is recovered before disposal. When a unit arrives already evacuated, that site must keep a signed statement with the name and address of whoever recovered it and the date (EPA). A sticker does not count.
That rule falls on the disposal site, so a homeowner is rarely asked for paperwork. It does explain why some sites say no. Rio Rancho's Waste Management landfill does not take refrigerators with Freon, and asks for a certificate if the Freon was removed (City of Rio Rancho).
EPA also warns that appliances left at the curb can end up landfilled or handled unsafely, and suggests starting with your electric utility (EPA). In Albuquerque, that means PNM.
Your options, side by side
| Route | Good for | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| PNM recycling | A working fridge or freezer, 10 to 30 cubic feet (freezers from 7), and a PNM account | It must run, even barely. Empty, unplugged, reachable, water line disconnected. Limit two (PNM) |
| City large item pickup | City Solid Waste residential customers | You get it to the curb. Empty, doors taped, five feet clear of carts and poles (City) |
| City convenience center | You own a truck and have a helper | $5 plus tax per load for City residents. Two appliances at Eagle Rock or Montessa Park. Don Reservoir takes no refrigerators (City) |
| ReStore | A clean fridge that someone would buy | Gently used and resaleable. A representative decides (Habitat) |
| A hauler | A heavy unit inside the house, or a deadline | You pay for the labor |
Which route fits
PNM pays a check, listed at $75 when we checked in November 2026, and it comes in 6 to 8 weeks. Check the page before you count on the amount, since older flyers still show a different figure.
The City's pickup comes on your next normal trash day if you request it at least 24 hours ahead, so it is often the fastest free option. The hard part is the curb. City pages offer no in-home carry, which leaves you moving the fridge through the house.
Montessa Park now opens Friday through Sunday only, so check the 2026 rule changes before you drive there.
Getting it ready, whichever route you pick
- Eat or move the food, then empty every shelf and bin.
- Unplug it the night before. Put towels under it for the thaw.
- Turn off the ice maker line if it has one.
- Take off magnets and anything on top.
- Tape the doors shut. The City requires this at the curb.
- Measure the narrowest door between the fridge and the street, including the handles.
If you would rather not deal with it
Refrigerator Removal covers this job, and quotes are free. Call (505) 657-3255, any day from 7 AM to 7 PM.
