Appliance Removal Checklist: What to Do Before the Crew Arrives

Start with two facts: does the appliance still work, and is it safely disconnected? A working unit may have a reuse route. A broken unit may need metal recycling, refrigerant handling, or another facility. The hauling plan changes again if the appliance is connected to gas, water, a drain, hardwired power, or a built-in cabinet.

Choose the likely route before moving it

Condition	First option to check	Question to ask
Working and clean	Reuse or donation	Does the receiving organization accept this appliance type, age, condition, and size today?
Not working	Repair, parts, metal recycling, or haul-away	Does the destination accept the unit and any refrigerant it contains?
Built in or connected	Qualified disconnection before hauling	Who is responsible for gas, water, electrical, or cabinet work?
Unknown contents or damage	Assessment before movement	Is there leaking fluid, sharp damage, contamination, or another hazard?

Empty, clean, and identify the appliance

Remove food, clothing, dishes, lint, detergent, and loose shelves or accessories. Defrosting a refrigerator or freezer may take time, so ask how dry it should be before pickup. Secure loose doors or parts only with a method the team approves. Do not tape over important model, refrigerant, or warning labels.

Write down the appliance type, approximate dimensions, brand and model if visible, whether it works, and where it sits in the home. Mention water damage, rust, broken glass, sharp metal, or a strong odor. These details help the team choose the right equipment and destination.

Treat disconnection as a separate job

A plug you can reach is different from a hardwired range, gas dryer, ice-maker line, dishwasher, or built-in microwave. Do not guess at gas, electrical, plumbing, or refrigerant work. Ask who must disconnect the unit and whether a licensed or qualified technician is needed. The hauling crew should arrive to a unit that is safe to move under the agreed scope.

Leave manufacturer safety labels in place. Never cut refrigerant lines or release refrigerant. Tell the team about any lockout, shutoff, leak, or damaged cord before they touch the appliance.

Check local acceptance, not a generic list

El Paso County’s household hazardous-waste page says its facility does not accept appliances or microwaves. Its 2026 Recycling Directory lists other appliance and transfer options, including a Fountain landfill entry, but residents should call the listed facility to confirm current acceptance and fees.

Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity’s current ReStore guidance lists several working appliance types it may accept, while excluding some categories and charging a processing fee for Freon-operated appliances. Its rules also say an item can be declined based on condition, safety, or current store needs. Confirm before arranging transport.

What to tell the hauling team

Give the unit type, dimensions, working condition, connection status, floor, stairs, doorway limits, and distance to truck parking. Say whether another installer is delivering a replacement. Review the appliance removal summary, then call or email the item details.