How to Dispose of Air Conditioner the Right Way: 3 Practical Options

Air conditioners are essential household appliances across the country and rank among the most frequently purchased products on our website. Depending on the type, a quality AC unit can last up to 15 years. However, even the best ACs wear out after surpassing their operational lifespan. Sooner or later, that trusty old air conditioner will need to be replaced. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 6 million window ACs are discarded nationwide each year.

However, disposing of an old AC isn’t as simple as throwing it in the trash. In fact, it’s illegal to discard your air conditioner with regular garbage, and doing so can result in fines of up to $37,000.

If you’re wondering how to dispose of that old AC, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we discuss how to properly dispose of air conditioners, including how to recycle, sell, or donate your AC unit correctly. Following these steps will help protect you against hefty fines and safeguard the environment.

Why It’s Illegal to Throw Away an Old Air Conditioner

Air conditioners use cooling refrigerants that can contain environmentally harmful chemicals if improperly disposed of, such as being left in landfills.

There are two common types of refrigerants found in AC units today: R-22 refrigerants, typically found in older models, and R-410A refrigerants, used in newer models.

R-22 refrigerants contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which is why they have been phased out and are no longer used in new units. However, because they still emit greenhouse gases, even the newer R-410A refrigerants can still negatively impact the environment if not properly disposed of. This is why R-410A is being phased out over the next several years in favor of new A2L refrigerants that are more efficient, less toxic, and have a lower global warming potential.

According to federal law:

• All refrigerant must be recovered before dismantling or disposal (40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F).
• Waste products such as PCB, used oil, or mercury must be properly managed and stored (273, 279, 761).

Additionally, states may have their own laws and regulations regarding AC disposal, some of which require that durable materials be recycled instead of disposed of.

Option 1: Recycle the Air Conditioner

If your AC unit is broken and irreparable, recycling it is a viable option—but only after removing its refrigerant first. Do not attempt to do this yourself; a trained professional should handle the removal of materials safely and in accordance with specific regulations.

To properly dispose of the unit, an EPA-licensed technician must first recover the refrigerant from the system. Many companies offer this service, including scrap yards, sanitation and recycling companies, and privately owned businesses:

Scrap Yards

To locate a scrap yard in your area, start by visiting your state’s or local government’s website. These sites typically list scrap yards throughout the area, making browsing quick and easy. For example, here’s New Jersey’s full list of scrap yards. The EPA also provides a list of recycling facilities across the country that service its Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) partners. If you cannot find a convenient location online, contact your local government directly to inquire about the nearest facility.

The benefits of proper AC disposal through RAD. Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Sanitation and Recycling Businesses

Another option is to contact your town’s sanitation or recycling company. These organizations often have special arrangements for air conditioner recycling and will handle the entire process for you, from refrigerant removal to the physical removal of the unit itself.

Some companies may charge a small fee for their services, but others might pay you for the scrap value of the unit. Components like copper can still hold value even in old and broken ACs. The larger and heavier your unit, the more value it may have.

While you might be tempted to take your old air conditioner to the nearest recycling center, it’s important to note that not every AC unit needs to be scrapped. In fact, selling, donating, or refurbishing your unit can sometimes be a better option.

The RAD Program

The EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program partners with companies and nonprofits that accept old appliances like air conditioners and recycle them environmentally.

The RAD program currently includes over 70 partner facilities across 32 states. Check whether a facility is near you.

Local Bounty Programs

Some local utility companies offer bounty or turn-in programs. These utilities pay customers to recycle their old, inefficient appliances, including ACs. Payments may come in the form of rebates, discounts, or stipends.

Rebates can be applied toward purchasing a newer, more efficient EnergyStar-certified AC.

Option 2: Sell Your Air Conditioner

Perhaps your air conditioner still has some life left. If so, consider donating or selling your AC unit to someone in need. Before creating a listing on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, note that any air conditioner you plan to sell or donate must have been manufactured after January 1, 2010.

This requirement exists because the law mandates that any AC unit sold or donated must contain the newer, more efficient R-410A refrigerant. Units built before this date likely still contain the ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerants. The EPA has called for the steady removal of all R-22 units from the electrical grid, making them unfit for resale even if they are still operational.

Sell Your AC to a Refurbishing Business

Some businesses specialize in refurbishing used ACs to resell them to hotel chains and similar facilities.

Keep in mind that any AC unit manufactured before 2010 is still ineligible for refurbishing. Models using R-22 refrigerant cannot be equipped with R-410A, regardless of how much or how well they are refurbished. All AC units containing R-22 must be disposed of—no exceptions.

Option 3: Donate Your Air Conditioner

If you’re looking to donate your used AC, consider local facilities such as schools, community centers, or shops that might need an extra air conditioner. Senior citizens living alone often benefit the most from donated ACs to stay cool and safe during the summer. In such cases, donating your appliance could significantly improve someone’s quality of life.

To donate, you can arrange the donation yourself, but ensure you offer to help install the unit or hire a professional to do so. A donated AC is only useful if the recipient can install it properly.

Additionally, many organizations hold appliance donation drives and have their own teams to install the AC units. Research local charity drives and choose the best option for donating your appliance.

The Benefits of Proper Air Conditioner Recycling & Disposal

Being conscious of the environmental impacts of our choices is crucial. Properly disposing of or recycling your old air conditioner and other appliances helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.

If you’re in the market for a new AC unit, be sure to explore all the options we offer here at Total Home Supply.