Got an old refrigerator sitting in your garage? Replacing a washing machine that finally stopped working? Or maybe you've got a broken stove taking up space in your basement.
Getting rid of large household appliances isn't always as simple as putting them out with your regular garbage.
Fortunately, if you live in Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, or elsewhere in Lunenburg County, there are several ways to dispose of unwanted appliances responsibly.
You can recycle certain appliances at a local waste facility, take advantage of municipal collection programs, or arrange professional appliance removal if you'd rather avoid the heavy lifting.
At LaHave Junk Removal, we help homeowners and property managers across Nova Scotia's South Shore remove unwanted appliances and other bulky household items.
Here's what you need to know about getting rid of your old appliances.
Can You Put Old Appliances Out With Your Regular Garbage?
Not always. It depends on the type of appliance and where you live.
Large metal appliances such as washing machines, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers are generally handled through metal recycling or designated bulky-item collection programs.
Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners are different because they may contain refrigerant gases that require special handling.
Local collection rules also vary.
For example:
Bridgewater: Offers special wood and metal collections. Regular bulky landfill collection is separate from metal appliance collection.
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg: Offers annual special wood and metal collection events, in addition to regular bulky landfill item collection.
Town of Lunenburg: Offers a year-round bulky-item collection program that includes certain appliances, such as washing machines.
Before placing an appliance at the curb, check your municipality's rules to make sure it qualifies for collection.
You can find local information through South Shore Waste Solutions or the Town of Lunenburg's waste collection page.
4 Ways to Get Rid of Old Appliances in Lunenburg County
1. Take Your Appliance to South Shore Waste Solutions
If you have a vehicle and a way to transport your old appliance safely, taking it to a local waste facility may be your most affordable option.
South Shore Waste Solutions accepts scrap metal appliances at its facility in Whynott's Settlement.
Location:
South Shore Waste Solutions
908 Mullock Road
Whynott's Settlement, NS B4V 5T9
Phone: 902-543-2991
According to the facility's published tipping fees, scrap metal appliances are accepted free of charge.
Refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerant-containing appliances must be brought to the designated drop-off area, rather than the regular scrap metal bin.
These appliances are also accepted free of charge under the facility's published guidance.
Visit the South Shore Waste Solutions accepted waste guide for current drop-off instructions.
Keep in mind that the facility primarily serves the District of Lunenburg, Bridgewater, and Mahone Bay. If you live in the Town of Lunenburg or another municipality, check the appropriate local facility and its acceptance rules.
Although the drop-off itself may be free, you'll still need to load, secure, and transport the appliance.
For a heavy refrigerator or washing machine, that's not always practical.
2. Check Your Municipal Bulky-Item or Metal Collection Schedule
Some appliances may qualify for municipal collection, depending on your location.
Bridgewater and the District of Lunenburg offer special collection programs for wood and metal items. These are separate from regular garbage collection.
The Town of Lunenburg also has a bulky-item collection program that allows eligible properties to set out certain large items on designated collection days.
However, don't assume refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerant-containing appliances can be left at the roadside.
Additional requirements apply to these items, and some appliances cannot be collected unless refrigerants have been professionally removed and the appliance is appropriately labelled.
Check your local waste calendar and accepted-item list before moving anything to the curb.
Municipal collection can be a convenient option if you're able to move the appliance safely and don't mind waiting for a scheduled collection day.
3. Sell or Donate Appliances That Still Work
If your old appliance is still in good working condition, someone else may be able to use it.
Consider listing it for sale or offering it for free through local online marketplaces or community groups.
Appliances that might be suitable for reuse include:
Working refrigerators and freezers
Washing machines and clothes dryers
Electric stoves and ovens
Dishwashers
Small working household appliances
Be upfront about the appliance's condition, age, and any known problems.
If you're considering donating it to a local organization, contact them first to confirm whether they accept large appliances.
Reusing a working appliance can help keep it out of the waste stream and save someone else the cost of buying a new one.
4. Hire a Local Appliance Removal Service
Don't have a truck or trailer? Worried about damaging your floors while moving a heavy appliance?
Hiring a local junk removal company can be the simplest option.
At LaHave Junk Removal, we offer full-service junk removal throughout Bridgewater, Lunenburg County, and surrounding South Shore communities.
Our advertised appliance removal services include refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.
Instead of trying to load a heavy appliance yourself, you can request a quote for having it removed.
This can be particularly helpful when:
Your appliance is in a basement or another difficult-to-access area.
You don't have a truck, trailer, or suitable lifting equipment.
You're replacing multiple appliances at once.
You're cleaning out a home, garage, or rental property.
You need to remove appliances along with furniture or other household junk.
We can discuss the items you need removed, where they're located, and the appropriate disposal arrangements.
Learn more about our junk removal services in Bridgewater and the South Shore.
How to Get Rid of an Old Refrigerator or Freezer
Refrigerators and freezers require extra care because they contain refrigerants and other components that should not be released into the environment.
Never cut refrigerant lines, puncture cooling components, or attempt to release refrigerant yourself.
In Bridgewater, the District of Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay, refrigerant-containing appliances cannot be collected curbside unless they've been professionally drained and appropriately stickered.
Alternatively, South Shore Waste Solutions accepts refrigerators and freezers at its designated facility drop-off location.
If you're unable to transport your old refrigerator, contact LaHave Junk Removal to discuss pickup availability and the appropriate recycling arrangements.
Important safety reminder: Never leave an unwanted refrigerator or freezer accessible to children. Follow the receiving facility's safety and door-removal instructions.
How to Prepare an Old Appliance for Removal
A little preparation can help make appliance pickup easier.
Empty and Clean the Appliance
Remove any food, clothing, detergent, or stored belongings.
For refrigerators and freezers, allow enough time for defrosting and safely deal with any remaining water.
Disconnect Power Safely
Unplug appliances that can be safely disconnected.
If an appliance is hardwired, connected to gas, or requires plumbing work beyond a simple shutoff and disconnection, arrange for a qualified professional.
Disconnect Water Connections
Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators with ice makers may have water connections.
Make sure the water supply has been shut off and the connections are safely disconnected before removal.
Check Doorways, Stairs, and Access
Large appliances can be difficult to move through narrow hallways, basement staircases, and small doorways.
Let your removal provider know about stairs, tight corners, uneven ground, or other access challenges.
Take Photos Before Requesting a Quote
Photographs can help us understand the size, condition, and location of your appliance.
For the most useful estimate, include a picture of the appliance and any stairs or difficult access points.
You can request a free quote from LaHave Junk Removal before booking your pickup.
How Much Does Appliance Removal Cost in Bridgewater, NS?
The cost of professional appliance removal depends on the job.
Some of the main factors include:
Appliance size and weight: A large refrigerator may require different handling than a small dryer.
Location inside the property: Basement stairs, narrow doorways, and difficult access can affect the work involved.
Number of items: Removing several appliances in one visit may be more efficient than arranging separate pickups.
Transportation and handling: Loading, securing, and transporting heavy items takes time and equipment.
Special disposal requirements: Refrigerant-containing appliances may need additional handling or designated recycling arrangements.
If you can safely transport a metal appliance to an approved recycling facility yourself, you may be able to avoid a disposal fee.
However, a professional removal service saves you from arranging the loading, transport, and unloading.
At LaHave Junk Removal, pricing depends on the specific items and conditions of the job.
The easiest way to find out what your appliance removal will cost is to request a free estimate.
Removing Appliances During a Home Cleanout or Renovation
Old appliances often become a problem during larger cleanup projects.
You might be renovating your kitchen, clearing out an inherited home, preparing a property for sale, or getting a rental unit ready for new tenants.
Instead of arranging separate removal trips for every unwanted item, consider combining the work into a single junk removal appointment.
LaHave Junk Removal can discuss jobs involving appliances along with other accepted household items such as:
Old couches and chairs
Mattresses and bed frames
Unwanted cabinets and countertops
Household clutter
Garage and basement junk
Renovation debris
Combining compatible items into one removal job can make the cleanup process simpler.
For more information, visit our full-service junk removal page.
Appliance Removal in Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and the South Shore
LaHave Junk Removal is a locally operated junk removal and trailer rental business serving communities throughout Nova Scotia's South Shore.
We help homeowners, landlords, property managers, and local businesses who need unwanted items removed without the hassle of doing it themselves.
Whether you're replacing an old washing machine in Bridgewater, clearing out a rental property in Lunenburg, or cleaning up a garage in Mahone Bay, contact us to discuss your appliance removal needs.
Our goal is to make the process straightforward, from requesting a quote to getting unwanted items out of your way.
Need an Old Appliance Removed?
Contact LaHave Junk Removal
An unwanted appliance doesn't have to sit in your garage, basement, or backyard for months.
Whether it's an old refrigerator, a broken washing machine, or several appliances from a property cleanout, LaHave Junk Removal can help you explore your removal options.
We provide local junk removal services throughout Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and surrounding South Shore communities.
Ready to get rid of that old appliance?
Request Your Free Appliance Removal Quote
LaHave Junk Removal & Trailer Rentals
Email: info@lahavejunkremoval.ca
Website: www.lahavejunkremoval.ca
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