# California Appliance Help

> Free appliance information site for California. Error codes, safe owner checks, official appliance disposal rules by city, licensing rules and rebates. California facts last checked October 31, 2026.

Run by Local Help Stations. Not a repair shop; no affiliated shop in California. No shops are listed yet; partner shops coming soon. Contact: call or text (385) 236-4141.

## Key facts
- Los Angeles: Residents with LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) curbside service can get large metal and household appliances picked up at no extra cost: refrigerators and freezers, washers and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, water heaters and standard heaters. Source: https://sanitation.lacity.gov/services/metal-appliance-pickup
- Los Angeles: Remove the doors from a refrigerator or freezer before placing it at the curb, and mention every item when you book. Source: https://sanitation.lacity.gov/services/metal-appliance-pickup
- Los Angeles: Mostly-metal items not on the list: call 1-800-773-2489. Source: https://sanitation.lacity.gov/services/metal-appliance-pickup
- San Diego: Major appliances and water heaters do not go in City refuse containers. Source: https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/collection/general
- San Diego: Miramar Recycling Center recycling fees: refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners (appliances with CFCs) $25 each; dishwashers, dryers, water heaters, microwaves, stoves, washers and other appliances $12 each. Source: https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/centers/miramarrecycle
- San Diego: Call (858) 268-8971 for pricing and more information. Source: https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/centers/miramarrecycle
- San Jose: Junk Pickup is at no cost for San Jose single-family homes and multi-family complexes, for owners and renters. A request can include up to 12 items, and items must come from your residence. Source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/recycling-garbage/junk-pickup
- San Jose: The City junk pickup accepts refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, wall ovens, water heaters and window or portable air conditioners. Source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/recycling-garbage/junk-pickup/list-of-acceptable-items
- San Jose: Refrigerators and freezers: no food or liquid inside, remove glass shelves, unlock and tape all doors, and secure the cord. No commercial appliances. Source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/recycling-garbage/junk-pickup/list-of-acceptable-items
- San Jose: Only confirmed items are collected. Book through 311 (online, the San Jose 311 app or 3-1-1) or call (408) 535-3500. Source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/recycling-garbage/junk-pickup/list-of-acceptable-items
- San Francisco: Recology residential customers (buildings with 5 units or fewer) get two curbside bulky item collections per year at no additional charge; each unit in a building with 6 or more units gets one. Source: https://www.recology.com/recology-san-francisco/bulky-items/
- San Francisco: Accepted: residential refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves and other kitchen appliances. Not accepted: commercial refrigerators, washers and stoves. Source: https://www.recology.com/recology-san-francisco/accepted-bulky-items/
- Sacramento: City customers can schedule appliance and e-waste pickups through 311 (online, the Sac 311 app, or (916) 264-5011). Residential customers get two free appliance and e-waste appointments per calendar year, with up to two appliances collected at no charge per appointment. After your two free appointments in a calendar year, extra service is available for a fee through Billing. Source: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/public-works/recycling-solid-waste/Collectionservices/service_requests/appliance_pickup
- Sacramento: Accepted appliances include refrigerators and freezers (no food or food residue), ovens, ranges, washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters and air conditioners. Commercial appliances are not accepted. Source: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/public-works/recycling-solid-waste/Collectionservices/service_requests/appliance_pickup
- Sacramento: Place appliances in the street, visible and easy to access, no earlier than 24 hours before the appointment and by 6:00 a.m. Source: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/public-works/recycling-solid-waste/Collectionservices/service_requests/appliance_pickup
- Sacramento: SMUD's refrigerator recycling program has ended. SMUD points customers to free city and county pickup instead, including the City of Sacramento. Source: https://www.smud.org/Rebates-and-Savings-Tips/Rebates-for-My-Home/Recycling
- Fresno: The One-Time Bulky Item Pickup is available once a year at no extra cost to City of Fresno residential solid waste customers in good standing. Request it through 3-1-1, (559) 621-2489 or the FresGO app. Source: https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/trash-disposal-recycling/residential-services/one-time-bulky-item-pickup/
- Fresno: Accepted items include stoves and ovens, and water heaters if drained. Refrigerators and freezers are not accepted. Items must be out by 6:00 a.m. on pickup day. Source: https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/trash-disposal-recycling/residential-services/one-time-bulky-item-pickup/
- Fresno: Free Dump Events at the Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station (CARTS) accept appliances from City of Fresno solid waste customers at no additional cost, up to one full-size pickup truck payload per household. The next date on the City page is November 14 to 15, 2026, 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Bring a City utility bill or Proof of Eligibility Form and a state-issued ID. Source: https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/trash-disposal-recycling/residential-services/
- Fresno: The pages do not say whether Free Dump Events take refrigerators. Ask 3-1-1 before you bring one. Source: https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/trash-disposal-recycling/residential-services/
- Long Beach: Each City-serviced account gets 12 Special Collections per calendar year at no additional cost. Schedule online or call (562) 570-2876. A regulatory fee may apply for items requiring special handling. Source: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbrecycles/refuse/special-collections/special-collection-101/
- Long Beach: Appliances are eligible. Refrigerators and freezers must have the doors removed or taped shut. Appliances go on a separate truck, so keep them apart from other items. Source: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbrecycles/refuse/special-collections/special-collection-101/
- Long Beach: Up to 8 large items per pickup. Place items at your regular collection spot by 6 a.m. on your pickup day, not before. Source: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbrecycles/refuse/special-collections/special-collection-101/
- Oakland: Bulky drop offs and pickups for all Oakland households, owners and renters, are included with trash service. Reservations are required: call 1-888-962-8559 (1-888-WM-BULKY) or book online. Source: https://www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-service/
- Oakland: A curbside pickup takes up to 4 cubic yards, including 2 appliances for single-family homes (1 to 4 units) or 1 appliance for apartments and condos (5 or more units). Source: https://www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-service/
- Oakland: Place items at the curb by 6 a.m. on your appointment day, and not more than one day before, or you may be fined. Set-outs over the allowed amounts are subject to a fee. Source: https://www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-service/
- Bakersfield: Residents of single-family homes and buildings of up to four units can have 2 acceptable bulky items picked up at the curb every 3 months, by appointment, at no additional charge. Call (661) 326-3114. Source: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/ca-bakersfield/b2f75e3a-6ba3-4cff-9e81-3d6ff23f4234
- Bakersfield: Major appliances, including refrigerators and stoves, and water heaters are acceptable. Items over 300 lbs. are not. Source: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/ca-bakersfield/b2f75e3a-6ba3-4cff-9e81-3d6ff23f4234
- Bakersfield: Before putting bulky items out, securely shut any appliance doors with rope or duct tape, and leave 5 feet of clearance around the items. Source: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/90ed73a4-0397-4f08-b477-89ce8edda5b1
- Bakersfield: Items must be ready at the front curb by 6:00 a.m. on the appointment day. The service is not available in alleys. Source: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/ca-bakersfield/b2f75e3a-6ba3-4cff-9e81-3d6ff23f4234
- California: Major appliances in California include washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, ovens, stoves, water heaters, air conditioners and trash compactors (Public Resources Code 42166). Source: https://dtsc.ca.gov/certified-appliance-recycler-car-program/car-program-managing-major-appliances/
- California: Materials that require special handling (MRSH) must be removed and properly managed before a major appliance is crushed, baled, shredded, sawed or sheared apart (Health and Safety Code 25212). Source: https://dtsc.ca.gov/certified-appliance-recycler-car-program/car-program-managing-major-appliances/
- California: An intact appliance that still has MRSH must go to a scrap recycling facility that holds a current Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) certification. Source: https://dtsc.ca.gov/certified-appliance-recycler-car-program/car-program-managing-major-appliances/
- Federal (EPA): The final disposer of an appliance is responsible for making sure any refrigerant in it is recovered. If someone else recovered it first, EPA requires a signed statement with that person's name and address and the date of recovery. EPA says no sticker is required for disposal. Source: https://www.epa.gov/section608/appliance-disposal
- Federal (EPA): Before you dispose of a fridge or freezer, EPA suggests checking with your electric utility for a rebate or bounty (appliance turn-in) program, and with your city. Source: https://www.epa.gov/section608/appliance-disposal
- Federal (EPA): People recovering refrigerant from small appliances (five pounds or less of refrigerant) in the waste stream do not need Clean Air Act section 608 certification. Source: https://www.epa.gov/section608/appliance-disposal
- Federal (EPA): Hazardous parts such as PCBs, mercury and compressor oil must be removed from appliances before disposal. Source: https://www.epa.gov/section608/appliance-disposal
- Rebate: SMUD customers: $50 off select ENERGY STAR refrigerators at participating The Home Depot and RC Willey stores in SMUD's service area. Ask a store associate which models qualify. Source: https://www.smud.org/Rebates-and-Savings-Tips/Rebates-for-My-Home/Home-Appliances-and-Electronics-Rebates
- Rebate: SMUD customers: heat pump water heater rebates of $1,000 for an electric-to-electric upgrade (all sizes), or for a gas-to-electric upgrade $3,000 (50 gallon+), $3,500 (65 gallon+) or $4,000 (80 gallon+), subject to funding. The rebate is submitted by a participating contractor in SMUD's Contractor Network. Source: https://www.smud.org/Rebates-and-Savings-Tips/Rebates-for-My-Home/Home-Appliances-and-Electronics-Rebates
- Rebate: SMUD's refrigerator recycling program has ended, so there is no SMUD bounty for an old fridge. SMUD points customers to free pickup from the City of Sacramento, the City of Elk Grove and Sacramento County. Source: https://www.smud.org/Rebates-and-Savings-Tips/Rebates-for-My-Home/Recycling
- Renters (California): For leases entered into, amended or extended on or after January 1, 2026, a dwelling is untenantable if it substantially lacks a stove in good working order that can safely generate heat for cooking, or a refrigerator in good working order that can safely store food (Civil Code 1941.1(a)(10) and (11)). Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1941.1.
- Renters (California): A stove or refrigerator subject to a recall by the manufacturer or a public entity does not count as safe. The landlord must repair or replace a recalled stove or refrigerator within 30 days of receiving notice of the recall (Civil Code 1941.1(c)). Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1941.1.
- Renters (California): A tenant may choose, when the lease is signed, to provide and maintain their own refrigerator, using the statement set out in the law. The tenant can later give 30 days written notice and the landlord must then install a working refrigerator. A landlord may not require a tenant to provide their own refrigerator. Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1941.1.
- Renters (California): The stove and refrigerator rules do not apply to permanent supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, residential hotel units, or units in housing with shared or communal kitchens. Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1941.1.
- Renters (California): If the landlord does not repair within a reasonable time after written or oral notice, the tenant may make the repair and deduct the cost from rent if it is no more than one month's rent, or may vacate. This remedy can be used no more than twice in any 12-month period (Civil Code 1942). Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1942.
- Renters (California): If a tenant repairs and deducts after the 30th day following notice, the tenant is presumed to have waited a reasonable time. A shorter wait can be reasonable if the circumstances require it (Civil Code 1942). Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1942.
- Renters (California): Scope: section 1942 covers dilapidations that make the premises untenantable and that the landlord ought to repair. It is not available if the condition was caused by a violation of Civil Code 1929 or 1941.2, and it is in addition to any other remedy under the law or the rental agreement (Civil Code 1942(a), (c) and (d)). Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1942.
- Complaints (California): The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) takes complaints about the businesses it licenses, including appliance service dealers. It suggests contacting the business first, in writing, with copies of receipts or warranties. Source: https://www.bhgs.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaint.html
- Complaints (California): BHGS reviews each complaint to see if it has authority. A refund, repair or replacement is not guaranteed; BHGS cannot force a business to settle a dispute or issue a refund. Source: https://www.bhgs.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaint.html
- Complaints (California): For home warranties or product insurance, BHGS points to the California Department of Insurance. Source: https://www.bhgs.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaint.html
- Complaints (California): The California Attorney General takes consumer complaints against a business online or by mail. Source: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company
- Complaints (California): Check a shop's license with the DCA License Search. Source: https://search.dca.ca.gov/
- Fee, San Diego: Miramar Recycling Center: fridge, freezer or AC: $25 each. Source: https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/centers/miramarrecycle
- Fee, San Diego: Miramar Recycling Center: other appliances: $12 each. Source: https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/centers/miramarrecycle
- Fee, Los Angeles: Metal and appliance pickup (LASAN curbside customers): No extra cost. Source: https://sanitation.lacity.gov/services/metal-appliance-pickup
- Fee, San Jose: Junk Pickup, up to 12 items: No cost. Source: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/recycling-garbage/junk-pickup
- Fee, San Francisco: Recology bulky collection (buildings of 5 or fewer units): Two a year at no additional charge. Source: https://www.recology.com/recology-san-francisco/bulky-items/
- Fee, Sacramento: Appliance appointments, up to 2 appliances each: Two free a year; extra for a fee. Source: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/public-works/recycling-solid-waste/Collectionservices/service_requests/appliance_pickup
- Fee, Fresno: One-Time Bulky Item Pickup (no fridges or freezers): Once a year at no extra cost. Source: https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/trash-disposal-recycling/residential-services/one-time-bulky-item-pickup/
- Fee, Long Beach: Special Collections: 12 a year at no additional cost; a regulatory fee may apply for special handling. Source: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbrecycles/refuse/special-collections/special-collection-101/
- Fee, Oakland: Bulky drop off and curbside pickup: Included with trash service. Source: https://www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-service/
- Fee, Bakersfield: Curbside bulky pickup, 2 items: Every 3 months at no additional charge. Source: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/ca-bakersfield/b2f75e3a-6ba3-4cff-9e81-3d6ff23f4234
- Sources differ (When a single-family home can book a second Oakland curbside pickup): The Bulky Junk Services page says a second curbside pickup is available annually at no additional cost 45 days after using one bulky drop off and one curbside pickup. Source: https://www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-service/ BUT The 2026 bulky pickup flyer says single-family homes can schedule a second pickup after completing a drop off appointment and 60 days after using a curbside pickup. Source: https://www.oaklandrecycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/OAK_Bulky_Flyer_2026_Final.pdf Both come from Oakland Recycles. We lead with the web page, which is the booking page. Call 1-888-962-8559 to confirm the wait before you book.
- Sources differ (Whether Bakersfield curbside bulky pickup takes large AC units): The collection calendar published July 1, 2026 lists Large AC Units as acceptable items. Source: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/ca-bakersfield/b2f75e3a-6ba3-4cff-9e81-3d6ff23f4234 BUT The Curbside Bulky Pickup Program flyer (PDF created November 2020; no date is printed on the flyer) lists Large AC Units as unacceptable items. Source: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/90ed73a4-0397-4f08-b477-89ce8edda5b1 We lead with the newer calendar. Call City of Bakersfield Solid Waste at (661) 326-3114 before you set out a large AC unit.
- Repair pricing: call for a quote. This site does not publish price ranges.

## Pages
- [Appliance disposal in California](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/)
- [Appliance disposal in Los Angeles](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/los-angeles/)
- [Appliance disposal in San Diego](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/san-diego/)
- [Appliance disposal in San Jose](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/san-jose/)
- [Appliance disposal in San Francisco](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/san-francisco/)
- [Appliance disposal in Sacramento](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/sacramento/)
- [Appliance disposal in Fresno](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/fresno/)
- [Appliance disposal in Long Beach](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/long-beach/)
- [Appliance disposal in Oakland](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/oakland/)
- [Appliance disposal in Bakersfield](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-disposal-california/bakersfield/)
- [Who can repair appliances in California](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-repair-rules-california/)
- [Appliance rebates in California](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-rebates-california/)
- [Repair cost and official disposal fees](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-repair-cost-california/)
- [Freon removal in California](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/freon-removal-california/)
- [Renters: who fixes a broken appliance](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/renter-appliance-repairs-california/)
- [Complaints and warranty problems](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/appliance-complaints-california/)
- [FAQ](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/faq/)
- [Repair or replace?](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/repair-or-replace/)
- [Appliance broke today?](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix-today/)
- [Refrigerator help](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/refrigerator/)
- [Washer help](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/washer/)
- [Dryer help](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/dryer/)
- [Dishwasher help](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/dishwasher/)
- [Oven help](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/oven/)
- [Troubleshooting guides](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/)
- [Fridge Not Cooling? Quick Checks Before You Call](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/fridge-not-cooling/)
- [Ice Maker Not Working? Safe Checks for Samsung, LG and Other Fridges](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/ice-maker-not-working/)
- [Freezer Works but Fridge Is Warm? Causes and Fixes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/freezer-works-fridge-warm/)
- [Fridge Leaking Water? Common Causes and Fixes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/fridge-leaking-water/)
- [Washer Not Draining? Fixes and Repair Help](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/washer-not-draining/)
- [Washer Won't Spin? Causes and Fixes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/washer-wont-spin/)
- [Washer Leaking Water? Find the Leak and Fix It](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/washer-leaking-water/)
- [Dryer Not Heating? Causes and Fixes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/dryer-not-heating/)
- [Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry? Fixes That Work](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/dryer-takes-too-long/)
- [Dishwasher Not Draining? Easy Fixes and Repair Help](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/dishwasher-not-draining/)
- [Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Fixes for Hard Water](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/dishwasher-not-cleaning/)
- [Oven Not Heating? Causes and Fixes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/fix/oven-not-heating/)
- [Error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/)
- [Samsung error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/samsung/): 21E, 22E, 33E, 39E, 5E, 84C, 88 88, OF OF, 4C, 5C, LE, Sud, UE, dC, HC, dE, tS
- [LG error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/lg/): Er CO, Er FF, Er IF, Er dH, Er gF, FF, IE, LE, OE, PE, UE, dE, d90, nP, tE1
- [Whirlpool error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/whirlpool/): F5 E2, F7 E1, F8 E1, F9 E1, AF
- [GE error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/ge/): F2, F3, F7, F9
- [Frigidaire error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/frigidaire/): E1, E2, F10, F30, F90
- [Maytag error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/maytag/): LF, LdL, OL
- [Kenmore error codes](https://californiaappliancehelp.com/error-codes/kenmore/): F21
- Full network guides: https://localhelpstations.com/guides/appliance/
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