BC Retailer Appliance Haul-Away and Recycle Services
BC Retailer Haul Away & Recycle Services Guide
Upgrading your kitchen or laundry room is an exciting milestone. Whether you’ve finally picked out that high-efficiency French-door refrigerator or a stackable washer-dryer set that saves space, there is one big question left standing in the middle of your floor: What do you do with the old one?
For many British Columbians, the most convenient option is to have the old unit removed at the same time the new one arrives. Many major retailers across the province offer "haul-away" services, but the details and the costs can vary.
In this guide, we’ll break down how some of BC’s biggest retailers handle large appliance pick up and how those units eventually make their way to Large Appliance Recycling by MARR for responsible processing.
Preparation is a vital step before the delivery team arrives at your door. You should always check the retailer’s official website to ensure you follow their most updated guidelines for a successful pickup. Most providers require you to disconnect water lines, unplug the power, and clear a path to the exit to ensure a safe and efficient removal process.
Why Choose a Retailer Haul-Away Service?
Convenience is the biggest benefit of a retailer's haul-away service. Large appliances can be heavy, awkward, and require specialized equipment and a strong back to move. By choosing a haul-away option, you ensure that your old unit does not sit in your garage or on your curb for weeks.
Using a retailer haul-away service ensures that your old fridge or freezer is sent to a facility where certified technicians safely handle ozone-depleting substances, such as refrigerants, and maximize resource recovery through metal recycling.
What Happens After the Haul-Away?
You might wonder where your appliance goes once it leaves your driveway. In British Columbia, the majority of these units end up at specialized processing centres.
Through Large Appliance Recycling by MARR, these units undergo a recycling process. This is not just about smashing metal; it is about environmental protection. For example, refrigerators and air conditioners contain refrigerants that are powerful greenhouse gases. Our program ensures licensed ODS removal technicians safely and responsibly capture these gases, preventing them from damaging the atmosphere.
While retailers may charge a convenience fee for the labour and transport of the unit, the actual recycling process itself is funded through the Administrative Program Fee (APF). This fee is applied when an appliance is originally purchased. However, residents can bring appliances directly to MARR-contracted collection sites, where no fee is charged at drop-off. The program operates under an approved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plan in British Columbia.
No Haul-Away? No Problem.
If your retailer does not offer haul-away, or if you’ve purchased a unit second-hand, you can still recycle your old appliance responsibly. Large Appliance Recycling by MARR has over 200 collection sites across British Columbia. Whether you are in Prince George, Kelowna, or Vancouver, there is a centre nearby where you can drop off your old one for no fee.
Pro Tip: If you are moving a microwave, remember the distinction! Built-in or over-the-range microwaves are accepted by Large Appliance Recycling by MARR, while countertop models should be taken to a Recycle My Electronics location.
Learn more about microwave recycling here.
Still Have Questions?
If you are unsure about what counts as a built-in appliance or how to prepare your unit for drop-off, we have answers. Visit our FAQ page for more details on specific appliances and program guidelines.
View Our Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Recycle?
Whether you use a retailer's haul-away service or drop it off yourself, you are making the right choice for BC’s environment. By keeping these bulky items out of landfills, we recover metal and ensure hazardous components are handled with care.