Window AC Unit

  • DON’T put window AC units out for curbside pick-up
  • DO consider selling, giving away, or donating your window AC unit if it still works
  • DO drop off (or schedule a pick-up) non-working units with a service that properly recycles them (see below)
  • DO expect to pay some money to get rid of your old windows AC unit

About These Items

The City of Pittsburgh does not accept any appliances containing freon (or other refrigerants) like window air conditioning units in curbside pick-up for trash OR recycling, even under bulk waste pickup. Instead, you’ll need to use a service or drop-off location.

If your AC unit still works, the best solution is to sell or list it for free on your local community list, nextdoor site, or facebook group.

To get rid of your old broken AC unit, you may need to pay an HVAC professional to siphon out the refrigerant out first so you can take it to a scrapyard. Or can use one of the options below that accept appliances with refrigerant. The only option RTP has found that you won’t have to pay for is Castriota Metals and Recycling: (412.431.1832, 92 Crane Ave, 15226).

Their Refrigerant Contents Must Be Removed.

The disposal of appliances containing freon or other refrigerants is regulated by the EPA. These applicances must be handled by a certified entity to prevent envirnomental contamination. You can read the EPA’s guidelines on proper disposal of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment here.

If you have the refrigerant removed, then you can take the air conditioner to a metal scrapyard. You can try calling an HVAC professional to see if they are certified and willing to remove the refrigerant for you – expect to pay for this service.

Places that Accept Air-Conditioners with Refrigerant (some for a fee)

  • Castriota Metals and Recycling: (412.431.1832, 92 Crane Ave, 15226) Even though their website says no freon appliances, RTP has checked with Castriota’s Crave Ave location and they say they accept window AC units, even with refrigerants. They may even pay you for it (very small amounts per pound:)
  • Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center: This recycling center is an hour outside Pittsburgh and offers recycling options for a number of hard-to-recycle items. They accept window AC units at a cost of $20/unit. They have limited hours and you can only drop off when they are open so check their website first.
  • PRC: The Pennsylvania Resource Council accepts window AC units at their Hard-to-Recycle collection events and their monthly e-waste collection for City of Pittsburgh residents (for $0.35/lb).
  • Construction Junction: They will accept your freon appliances like air conditioners for donation or recycling. There is a $10 fee which you must pay at the register inside first before going to drop off your item at their donation area.
  • Junk King: This option is best if you have a lot of items you need hauled away as the pricing is by volume but will likely start around $90. They say they will try to ensure that as much of your junk is recycled as possible.

Do you know another service that accepts window air conditioners? Let us know!

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