Broken fridge: where to bring it in Quebec City (with prices)

Your fridge is dead, or you’re buying new. Getting rid of an old fridge in Quebec City isn’t as simple as “throwing in the trash”. Here’s the complete practical guide.

Why fridges are complicated

An old fridge contains:

• Refrigerant gases (R-12, R-134a, R-410a, or old R-22) — ozone layer or greenhouse gas effect
• Insulation foam (urethane) — contains blowing agents, sometimes HCFCs
• Steel outer casing + copper tubing + compressor (reusable)
• Electronics

It’s illegal to throw a fridge in the trash in Quebec (Environment Act, since 2017). Refrigerants must be extracted by a certified technician before disposal.

The 5 legal options

Option 1 — Retailer take-back on new purchase

The simplest option if you’re buying a new fridge.

All big-box retailers in Quebec City (The Brick, Leon’s, Corbeil, Brault & Martineau, Centre du Rasoir, Future Shop, Best Buy, Costco) take back the old one at delivery. Usually free or very cheap ($30-50).

Process:

1. Purchase new fridge
2. Request “old appliance take-back” at delivery
3. Delivery crew takes old one, brings new

They handle refrigerant recovery and recycling legally.

Option 2 — Our pickup service

Firm price, no need to wait for a new purchase.

Rate: $89 for pickup of 1 fridge, + transport to disposal. We have refrigerant-certified partners.

Process:

1. Call us: 418 506-0077
2. Schedule pickup (often 24-48h)
3. We come, disconnect (be careful of water), load, leave
4. We handle legal disposal

Option 3 — Ecocentre

Quebec City ecocentres accept fridges AS IS (they have certified in-house refrigerant recovery).

Ecocentres accepting fridges:

• Beauport
• Jean-Paul-L’Allier
• Raymond-Blais (Ste-Foy)
• Val-Bélair

Free for residents within 4 annual visits limit.

Challenge: you need a pickup truck to transport safely (not laying on its side, not dropping it).

Option 4 — “Dismantle first” service

Some specialized firms in Quebec City come to your home to extract the refrigerant legally, then give you the empty fridge to dispose as regular appliance.

Examples:

• Fluid Refrigerants Québec — ~$40-60 per extraction
• Certified Apprentice Refrigeration — similar rates

Process:

1. Technician comes
2. Extracts refrigerant (30 min)
3. Gives you certificate
4. You dispose of empty fridge at ecocentre

When it makes sense: if you have MANY fridges to get rid of (commercial, landlord, etc.).

Option 5 — Scrap metal yards

If the fridge is empty of refrigerant (certificate in hand), scrap yards pay by metal weight:

• Zampini, Métaux Rousseau Quebec City, Recyclage RCM
• Per fridge empty: $8-15 depending on metal content
• Must be decontaminated first (see Option 4)

Cost comparison

Option	Cost	Your time
Retailer take-back (with purchase)	Free or $30-50	5 min discussion
Our pickup	$89	15 min on scheduled day
You + ecocentre	Free	2-3 hours (pickup truck, transport, queue)
Technician + scrap yard	$40-60 + $-8-15 = net cost $40	3-4 hours organization

Specifics by fridge type

Standard house fridge

• Size: typically 36-40 inches wide
• Weight: 150-220 lbs
• Refrigerant: R-134a (most post-2000) or R-12 (older)
• Any of the 5 options work

Wine / beverage fridge

• Smaller, often 18-24 inches
• Most options work
• Retailer take-back may vary (check at purchase)

Chest freezer

• Medium-large, 200-350 lbs
• Standard fridge protocol
• Watch out: chest freezers TAKE UP TRUCK SPACE — our $89 includes them if not oversized

Commercial fridge (restaurants, convenience)

• 400-800 lbs
• Often older R-12 or R-22 (environmentally heavy)
• Requires certified extraction BEFORE pickup (regulation + weight)
• Our service: case-by-case pricing

Mini bar fridge

• Small, 40-80 lbs
• Same regulations (contains refrigerant)
• Our rate: $49

The critical “pre-pickup” checklist

Before we (or anyone) picks up your fridge:

✅ DO:

• Empty the fridge/freezer completely
• Defrost (if freezer) for 24-48h — drain water
• Wipe inside to avoid odours
• Check for loose parts (shelves, drawers)

❌ DON’T:

• Leave food inside (especially meat, fish — SMELL during transport)
• Move it outside in -20°C without protecting from ice
• Leave the door locked (refrigerator locks)
• Leave it plugged in when we arrive

What happens to your old fridge

When handled properly:

1. Refrigerant extraction — by certified technician
2. Compressor removal — oil drained, compressor recycled
3. Metal dismantling — copper, steel, aluminum to scrap yards
4. Foam insulation — goes to specific recycling (if modern) or landfill (if pre-1990s)
5. Plastic parts — limited recycling

Quebec law says 80%+ of fridge weight should be recoverable. Real data: in Quebec, we recover approximately 75-85% in modern facilities.

Why not “put at the curb for the city”?

Quebec City’s regular bulky collection (2x per year in most districts):

• DOES NOT accept refrigerators since 2017
• Technicians at the truck will leave them behind
• You may even get a warning/fine

You must use one of the 5 legal options.

”My fridge still works but I don’t want it”

Don’t throw a working fridge!

Option A — Sell on Marketplace

• Post for $50-150 depending on age
• Buyer picks up
• You’re done in 3-7 days

Option B — Donate to charity

• Moisson Québec — if large freezer, donation useful
• Centre Saint-Louis-de-France — accept working appliances
• Centre d’action bénévole — case by case
• Many low-income families would benefit on Marketplace (free listing)

Option C — Give to family/friend/neighbour

Fastest option. Save for next kid going to college.

FAQ

Does the fridge need to be empty when you pick up?

Yes. Food attracts insects and creates smell during transport.

Can I dispose of the fridge myself at the ecocentre?

Yes, all Quebec City ecocentres take whole fridges. You just need a truck to transport.

Do I need to pay for refrigerant recovery?

Typically included in all 5 options described. If you go through a specialized firm (Option 4), it’s separate.

What if the fridge is really heavy (400+ lbs)?

Standard residential fridges are 200-300 lbs. A 400+ lb unit is likely commercial. We handle with a proper dolly. No surcharge for our service.

Can you pick up stacked fridge + freezer (laundry combo style)?

Yes. Count as 2 items: $89 + $49 = $138. Or if they’re identical size standalone: $89 each.

Is there a “mandatory” Quebec City program for appliance disposal?

No provincial mandatory program. But the regulation on refrigerants is strict — everyone handling them must be certified.

What our service DOESN’T cover for fridges

• We don’t uninstall plumbed-in water lines (ice maker, water dispenser) — you do this beforehand
• We don’t take fridges filled with food or spoiled items
• We don’t transport fridges in disrepair that are a biohazard (rare but possible — bedbugs, mold)

Case: multiple fridges from a landlord

We regularly pick up multiple fridges from landlords who did a cycle of apartment turnovers:

• 2 fridges: $158 (discount for 2+)
• 5 fridges: $350 total ($70 each)
• 10+: bulk rate, call us

In summary

• 5 legal options, our service at $89 is the fastest/cheapest for single fridge
• You CANNOT put in regular trash
• Defrost and empty before pickup
• We handle refrigerant legally through certified partners

For a fridge pickup quote: 418 506-0077. We come within 48h.