How to Dispose of Large Appliances in Korea (for Free): A Complete Guide to the “Free Home Pickup for E-Waste” Service
Do you have old large appliances like a refrigerator, washing machine, or TV sitting at home—but you keep delaying disposal because trash sticker fees feel expensive and moving them yourself is difficult?
This is especially common for people in their 40s to 70s. Many ask questions like: “Who do I call?”, “How much is the disposal sticker?”, or “What if my building has no elevator?” As a result, large appliance disposal gets postponed again and again.
But here’s the good news: disposing of large appliances is no longer complicated in Korea. With the government-supported Free Home Pickup for E-Waste service, you can solve everything at once: 0 won pickup fee, 0 won stickers, and door-to-door collection.
What Is the Free Home Pickup Service for E-Waste? (One-line summary: They come and take it—free.)
The Free Home Pickup Service for E-Waste is a public service that collects household discarded electrical and electronic products with no disposal fee. A professional collection team visits your home and picks up the items directly.
In other words, you only need to do two things:
- Make a reservation
- Place the appliance outside your door on pickup day
This service is popular because it eliminates the need to buy large-item disposal stickers or transport the item to a designated location. As of 2026, it is available in most regions nationwide, making it easier than ever to use.
Eligible Items: Even 1 Refrigerator / Washer / TV Can Be Picked Up for Free
This is the most frequently asked question:
“Can I request free pickup even if I only have one refrigerator?”
Yes—often you can. In many cases, just one large appliance qualifies for free pickup.
① Common Large Appliances (Pickup available even for 1 item)
- Refrigerator / Kimchi refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Air conditioner (indoor & outdoor units)
- TV
② Small & Medium Appliances (Check local rules)
- Microwave / Electric oven
- Air purifier
- Water purifier / Water dispenser
- Electric fan
However, for small appliances, some areas require a minimum quantity—such as “pickup available only if you dispose of 5 or more items at once.” So it’s safest to check the rules before applying.
Also, set-type electronics (like a desktop PC + monitor set) are generally included in the pickup list.
Two Ways to Apply: Online or by Phone (Pick the date you want)
Applying is very simple. Choose whichever method is easiest for you:
| Method | Where to Apply | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | E-Waste Home Pickup Reservation System | Available 24/7, easiest for selecting dates |
| Phone | 1599-0903 | Recommended if you’re not comfortable online |
When you apply, you’ll usually need the following information:
- Your address
- Items to dispose (example: 1 refrigerator, 1 washing machine)
- Preferred pickup date
Once your reservation is confirmed, the pickup team will visit on the scheduled date, verify the items, and take them immediately.
Before Pickup: Important Restrictions (Failure-Prevention Checklist)
Even though it’s free, not every situation is accepted automatically. Check the following to avoid pickup refusal:
- Air conditioners: wall/ceiling-installed units must be fully uninstalled first
- If a ladder truck or crane is required (ex: exterior high-rise installations), pickup may be restricted
- If the appliance is severely damaged and unsafe, pickup can be denied
- Clear the area so the team can safely access and move the item
Air conditioners often require a professional technician for removal—so make sure you confirm this before booking.
Why This Service Is Better Than “Just Throwing It Away”: Environment + Recycling + Preventing Illegal Dumping
This service isn’t only convenient—it also supports a cleaner environment and better recycling.
- Reduces illegal dumping and abandoned waste
- Collected items are dismantled and recycled into reusable resources
- Helps reduce greenhouse gases and hazardous emissions
- Strengthens Korea’s circular resource system
The program is operated in cooperation with local governments, centered around Korea’s e-waste recycling governance. You can check the full list of eligible items and rules on the official website.
Who Should Apply ASAP? (Cost-saving point)
Disposing of large appliances can easily lead to extra costs—not only for disposal stickers, but also moving fees and even removal fees.
Checking whether free pickup is available can save you a surprising amount of money.
This service is especially recommended if:
- You have unused refrigerators / washing machines / TVs sitting at home
- You’re moving or cleaning out your home and need bulk disposal
- You need to dispose of appliances at your parents’ home
- You want to avoid sticker fees and heavy lifting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is it really free even for just one refrigerator?
Yes. In many areas, even one large appliance qualifies for free pickup.
Q2. Will the team carry it out from inside my home?
In general, pickup happens at the designated drop-off spot (ex: in front of your door). Rules can vary depending on building structure, so check the 안내/notice during booking.
Q3. Can broken appliances be picked up too?
Usually yes, but if the appliance is dangerously damaged, pickup may be restricted.
3-Line Summary (For Busy Readers)
- Large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and TVs can be disposed of for 0 won via the Free Home Pickup for E-Waste service
- No stickers, no heavy lifting—just book a pickup date
- Apply via online (15990903.or.kr) or phone (1599-0903)
Recommended Related Posts (For internal linking / longer time on site)
- 👉 Large-item disposal stickers in Korea: prices & how to apply
- 👉 How to reduce electricity bills: when replacing old appliances actually saves money
- 👉 Government 생활 혜택: essential free services people miss every year