How to get rid of a fridge or freezer in Cardiff (council collections are suspended)

As of October 2026, Cardiff Council has suspended bulky collections of fridges and freezers, and says its recycling centres are very unlikely to accept them, because there’s a national shortage of places that can recycle them. Your best options are the shop you’re buying the new one from, or a private collection.

Checked 7 October 2026 · Honest HQ, Cardiff and South Wales

Guide prices in Cardiff

Fridge and freezer removal	Typical price
Under-counter fridge or freezer	£62 – £81
Tall fridge freezer	£78 – £105
American fridge freezer	£115 – £155
Chest freezer	£78 – £105
Other big appliance	£62 – £81

Guide prices including VAT, worked out for Cardiff from the same price list our quotes use. Your exact price comes from a few taps.

Why the council won’t take it right now

Fridges and freezers contain gases that must be removed at specialist plants, and the UK is short of capacity. Cardiff Council has paused fridge and freezer collections “until further notice” and warns you probably won’t be able to leave one at a recycling centre either. Council notice.

Ask the shop when you buy a new one

Shops selling electricals have to offer a way to take back your old appliance when you buy a similar new one. Ask about it before you order. Recycle Your Electricals explains your options.

If you want it collected

We collect fridges and freezers, and because of the shortage we’ll tell you exactly where yours is going before we book it in, so it’s handled legally.

Never leave it outside

A fridge left on the pavement or in a lane is fly-tipping, even with a “free to collect” note. Whoever you pay to take rubbish away, check they are a registered waste carrier first. In Wales you can be fined £300 if your rubbish is fly-tipped by someone you didn’t check, and far more if it goes to court. It takes a minute on the Natural Resources Wales register.

Questions people ask

Does a fridge need defrosting before it’s collected?

Switch it off and empty it the day before, with a towel underneath for the drips.

Can you take a washing machine or cooker too?

Yes. Washing machines and cookers aren’t affected by the fridge shortage.

Will the council take it soon?

Check the council’s bulky items page. It will say when collections restart.

Sources

Council rules change. We checked these on 7 October 2026.