Fridge and washing machine disposal in Berlin
Large electrical appliances do not belong in bulky waste but at a collection point for old electrical appliances. Here is where you can hand them in free of charge and when collection is worthwhile.
Where you can hand in large appliances
- BSR recycling centre: old electrical appliances from Berlin private households are accepted free of charge, including fridges and washing machines.
- When buying a new appliance: large retailers with at least 400 m² of sales space for electrical goods must take back an old appliance of the same type free of charge when you buy a new one. This also applies with home delivery if you arrange it when buying.
- Bought online: larger online retailers are also obliged to take back. Ask about collection of the old appliance when you buy.
Included in our fixed price
- Dismantling and carrying from the flat, basement or attic, even without a lift
- Removal and proper disposal
- Happy to combine with other furniture or a full clearance
Collections start from €250. We give you the fixed price after photos via WhatsApp, in writing, before we come.
How to prepare the appliances
Fridge & freezer
Empty it, switch it off and let it defrost in good time. The cooling circuit must not be damaged so that no refrigerant escapes, so never kink or cut pipes.
Washing machine & dryer
Turn off the tap, remove the hoses and drain the remaining water through the lint filter; have a towel and a shallow dish ready.
Dishwasher & cooker
Only a qualified electrician may disconnect the cooker. For the dishwasher, turn off the water and loosen the connections.
When collection is worthwhile: when the appliance has to be carried from an upper floor without a lift, there is no suitable vehicle or more needs to be disposed of anyway. For a single appliance you can take away yourself, the recycling centre is the cheapest solution.
Sources (as of November 2026, without guarantee; in German): German Environment Agency – returning old electrical appliances · Verbraucherzentrale – electrical waste · BSR – acceptance conditions at the recycling centres
Why large appliances are disposed of separately
Old fridges and freezers often still contain CFCs, in the cooling circuit and in the insulating foam. Newer appliances mostly use isobutane, which is flammable. Neither may escape uncontrolled. That is why fridges go to special plants where they are drained and dismantled, not into bulky waste or scrap.
Washing machines are unpopular for another reason: they are heavy. Many contain concrete weights so the machine does not walk during spinning. At 60 to 80 kilos, a washing machine in a stairwell without a lift is a job for two people and a carrying strap. That is the most common reason customers call us for a single appliance.
Questions about this topic
Does a fridge have to be defrosted beforehand?
Yes, please switch it off, empty it and let it defrost in good time. Then no water leaks out while it is carried.
Do you also take broken appliances?
Yes. Whether broken or not makes no difference to disposal. Working appliances can often still be given away or sold, though.
Do I get proof of disposal?
We take old electrical appliances to the designated collection points. If you need proof, please tell us beforehand.
How heavy is a washing machine?
Usually 60 to 80 kilos because of the concrete weights inside. Without a lift we carry it with two people and straps; that is included in the price.
Do you collect a chest freezer from the basement?
Yes. Please empty and defrost it first. If the basement corridor is narrow, send us a photo and we will plan the route.
Request a quote
Tell us briefly what it is about. We reply by e-mail in English, usually the same working day.