Fridge & Freezer Disposal in Derby & Derbyshire
Fridges and freezers contain gases that have to be removed by specialists before they're recycled, so you can't just put one in a skip. Derbyshire's county tips are also limiting how many they'll take right now. Here's what to do with yours.
The one-fridge limit at county tips
Derbyshire County Council's recycling centres currently accept one fridge or freezer per household, because of a national problem processing them. You must be registered to use the tips, the fridge must be a domestic one (not commercial), and all food must be removed first, or it'll be turned away. The council also asks people to keep their old fridge longer if they can.
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- Retailer take-back: when you buy a new fridge, ask the retailer to take the old one away when they deliver. Derby City Council specifically recommends this. Some retailers charge a small fee.
- Council collection: Derby City Council charges £20 per fridge or freezer, Chesterfield £32 and South Derbyshire £37.91. Erewash charges £26 for up to three electrical items. See our council prices guide.
- Raynesway (Derby): Derby's tip takes fridges, but only one per visit, and you need to book Monday to Saturday. Derby City Council also encourages retailer take-back because of the national shortage of fridge recycling capacity.
- Private collection: a licensed company can take several fridges at once, from inside your home. Expect a small extra charge per fridge because of the specialist recycling.
Never put a fridge in a skip
Most skip companies won't accept fridges or freezers, because the refrigerant gases and insulation must be handled at a specialist plant. Fly-tipping one is an offence, and damaging the cooling pipes can release harmful gases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but county tips currently accept only one per household, it must be a domestic fridge, and all food must be removed.
Council collections cost from £20 to around £38 per fridge, depending on your council. Private collections usually charge a little extra per fridge on top of their minimum charge.
Usually not. Fridges and freezers need specialist recycling because of the gases they contain.
Many retailers offer take-back when you buy a new one. Ask when you order.
Prefer someone else to do the loading?
If you've got more than one fridge, or no way of moving it, Compare Waste Derbyshire connects you with up to 3 vetted, fully licensed local companies, so you can compare real collection quotes side by side in 30 minutes, for free.
📞 Call 07348 454816 or get free quotes online here.