Appliances should be empty, disconnected by the appropriate person, dry, and reachable before pickup. A hauling crew should not improvise gas, hardwired electrical, water, or refrigerant work.
Refrigerators and freezers
Remove food and loose shelves. Defrost early enough for the unit to drain and dry. Secure the doors during movement. The EPA advises consumers to check local collection requirements because refrigerated appliances can contain refrigerants, oils, mercury components, or other materials that need proper handling at the end of the disposal chain.
Washers and dryers
Turn off supply valves and have connections handled appropriately. Drain the washer and secure hoses and cords so they do not catch on the dolly or threshold. State whether a dryer is electric or gas before the visit.
Stoves, microwaves, and small units
Remove loose racks, pans, and glass trays. Do not cut a line or disconnect a hardwired unit unless you are qualified and authorized to do so. Small electronics may have a different local route from large appliances.
Chesapeake alternatives
Chesapeake’s bulk-collection page lists appliances among household bulk items for eligible city-served residents, subject to current rules and scheduling. The city also publishes SPSA drop-off information. Those public options may suit a small, prepared load; full-service removal addresses the lifting and access work.
Pickup checklist
- Confirm the type and count.
- Empty and dry each unit.
- Handle utility disconnection in advance.
- Clear a dolly-width route.
- Share stairs, thresholds, and tight turns.
See the scope for garage appliance removal before calling with photos and access details.
Sources used for this guide
Current public guidance was checked with the City of Chesapeake, the U.S. EPA, or OSHA where the subject required it. Links appear in the relevant passage or the project source record.