How to Dispose of Old Appliances in Victoria BC: Your 2025 Guide

When your refrigerator stops cooling or your washing machine starts flooding your Saanich basement, you need to get rid of it fast. But tossing large appliances isn't as simple as putting them on the curb. Victoria BC has specific rules about appliance disposal, and knowing your options can save you time, money, and potential fines.

According to Statistics Canada's latest data, one in six Canadian households had unwanted small appliances to dispose of in 2023, making this the most commonly reported type of electronic waste. Here's everything you need to know about getting rid of appliances responsibly in Greater Victoria.

What Makes Appliance Disposal Different

Appliances aren't regular garbage. Many contain refrigerants, oils, and heavy metals that can seriously damage the environment if they end up in regular landfills. In Victoria, where we're surrounded by ocean and sensitive ecosystems, proper disposal protects our local environment.

Research from the University of Waterloo shows that Canada's electronic waste more than tripled in the last two decades, with Canadians producing nearly one million tonnes of e-waste in 2020. Large household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines dominate the e-waste stream by mass, making proper disposal even more critical.

The good news is that most appliances contain valuable materials like steel, aluminum, and copper that recycling facilities want to recover. This means many disposal options are free or even pay you for your old appliances.

Types of Appliances Victoria Residents Dispose Most Often

Kitchen Appliances

Large appliances:

• Refrigerators and freezers (need special refrigerant removal)

• Ranges, ovens, and cooktops

• Dishwashers (often water damaged)

• Garbage disposals and range hoods

Small kitchen appliances:

• Microwaves (now accepted in Return-It program)

• Coffee makers and espresso machines

• Toasters, blenders, and food processors

• Rice cookers and slow cookers

Laundry Appliances

Washers and dryers:

• Front-loading and top-loading washing machines

• Electric and gas dryers

• Combination washer/dryer units

• Portable and compact laundry appliances

Climate Control

Heating and cooling:

• Window air conditioners

• Portable heaters and fans

• Dehumidifiers and humidifiers

• Heat pumps (require professional removal)

Small Household Appliances

Personal care and cleaning:

• Vacuum cleaners (all types now recyclable)

• Hair dryers and styling tools

• Electric razors and grooming devices

• Steam cleaners and carpet cleaners

Professional Appliance Removal Services

When free options aren't practical or available, professional removal services like Rai Junk Removal handle everything from pickup to proper disposal. This is especially useful for:

• Large appliances that don't fit in your vehicle

• Basement or upper-floor removals requiring special equipment

• Multiple appliances during renovations or moves

• Appliances with special disposal requirements

Professional services ensure proper refrigerant removal from cooling appliances and handle all transportation and disposal paperwork.

Appliance Disposal Costs in Victoria BC

Professional Removal Services

Single large appliances:

• Refrigerator or washing machine: $100 to $200

• Range or dishwasher: $75 to $150

• Small appliances (multiple items): $50 to $100

Many Victoria junk removal services offer package deals if you're clearing out multiple appliances during renovations or moves. Some companies also provide discounted rates for curbside pickup if you can get the appliances to your driveway.

Special Considerations for Victoria Residents

Refrigerators and Freezers

These need special handling because of the refrigerants inside. You cannot just put them on the curb. The refrigerant must be professionally removed before the appliance can be recycled or disposed of.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, improper disposal of refrigerants can lead to significant environmental damage, including groundwater contamination and air pollution.

Options for refrigeration units:

• Professional appliance removal services

• Retailer take-back when buying new

• Municipal hazardous waste collection days

• Licensed refrigerant recovery services

Gas Appliances

Gas ranges, dryers, and other appliances connected to natural gas lines should be disconnected by a licensed gas fitter before removal. Never attempt to disconnect gas appliances yourself.

Built-In Appliances

Dishwashers, garbage disposals, and built-in ovens often require some disassembly or disconnection from plumbing and electrical systems. Factor in these costs when planning removal.

Preparing Appliances for Disposal

Safety First

Disconnect everything:

• Unplug from electrical outlets

• Turn off water supply lines

• Have gas appliances professionally disconnected

Clean and empty:

• Remove all food and contents

• Clean interior surfaces

• Remove any removable parts that might fall during transport

Secure doors and parts:

• Tape refrigerator doors shut (but leave slightly ajar for air circulation during transport)

• Remove or secure any loose parts

• Coil and secure electrical cords

Documentation

Keep records:

• Save receipts for disposal fees (may be tax deductible for rentals)

• Take photos of appliances before disposal for insurance records

• Get documentation from recycling programs for environmental impact reporting

Environmental Impact of Proper Appliance Disposal

Victoria residents who choose proper appliance disposal help address a growing environmental challenge. A comprehensive study published in ScienceDirect found that large household appliances comprise 36% of e-waste by mass in Canada, with researchers concluding that robust management approaches are needed to tackle increasing e-waste and reduce environmental impacts.

Benefits of proper disposal:

• Prevents toxic materials from entering landfills and groundwater

• Recovers valuable metals for reuse in new products

• Reduces the need for mining new materials

• Supports local recycling industry jobs

• Protects Victoria's marine ecosystems

Materials recovered from appliances:

• Steel from washing machine drums and refrigerator shells

• Copper from wiring and motors

• Aluminum from various components

• Rare earth metals from electronic components

• Plastics suitable for recycling into new products

Common Appliance Disposal Mistakes to Avoid

Putting appliances on the curb without permission

Most Victoria municipalities don't allow large appliances in regular garbage pickup. You could face fines and still have to arrange proper disposal.

Removing refrigerants yourself

This is illegal and dangerous. Always use certified professionals for refrigerant recovery.

Assuming everything goes to the landfill

Many appliances can be recycled or refurbished. Research shows that proper sorting and processing can divert significant amounts of appliance waste from landfills.

Not checking for rebates or incentives

BC Hydro and other utilities sometimes offer rebates for disposing of old, inefficient appliances when you purchase energy-efficient replacements.

When to Call Professional Appliance Removal Services

Consider professional services when:

• Appliances are located in basements or upper floors

• You don't have appropriate transportation

• Multiple appliances need removal simultaneously

• Special handling is required (gas connections, built-in units)

• You want guaranteed proper disposal and recycling

Professional services like those offered by Rai Junk Removal handle all aspects of appliance removal, from disconnection assistance to final disposal documentation.

Getting Started with Appliance Disposal in Victoria

Ready to get rid of that old appliance taking up space in your Victoria home? Start by determining which disposal method works best for your situation:

• Small appliances: Use the free Return-It program at participating locations

• Large appliances in good condition: Consider donation or retailer take-back

• Multiple appliances or difficult removals: Contact a professional service

• DIY disposal: Plan your trip to Hartland Landfill with proper vehicle and help

For comprehensive appliance removal throughout Greater Victoria, Rai Junk Removal provides transparent pricing, same-day service, and environmentally responsible disposal. Whether you're in downtown Victoria, Saanich, Langford, or anywhere in the Greater Victoria area, professional removal ensures your old appliances are handled safely and responsibly.

Contact us today to get your space back while protecting our beautiful Island environment.

Serving all of Greater Victoria including Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, View Royal, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke, and Sidney with professional, environmentally responsible appliance disposal services.