An old fridge, washing machine or TV cannot simply be put out for bulky waste collection when moving. There are three legal routes: take-back when buying a new appliance, handing it in at a waste yard, or removal together with the move in one go. In this article we go through all three, and also what is worth taking with you.
When you move, there is almost always at least one large household appliance that isn't worth taking along: an old fridge, a top-loading washing machine or an old CRT TV. The most important thing to know: electronic waste cannot be put out for the annual bulky waste collection. In Budapest, MOHU explicitly lists electrical and electronic waste as a prohibited item.
There are three proper ways: take-back by the retailer when you buy a new appliance, drop-off at a waste yard, or removal in the same trip as your move.
Free fridge and washing machine removal: is there such a thing?
Yes, there are two free options: you can hand in your old or broken fridge or washing machine free of charge at a MOHU waste yard, and when you buy a new appliance the retailer takes the old one away. We remove it together with your move, based on a custom quote.
You can drop off an old fridge, freezer or washing machine free of charge at MOHU's Budapest waste yards: drop-off is free for private individuals living in Hungary, even if the appliance no longer works. If you buy a new one, the retailer is legally obliged to take back an old appliance of a similar type, usually when delivering the new one. If we take it away together with your move, we give the price in a custom quote.
1. Take-back when you buy a new appliance
If you buy a new fridge or washing machine, the retailer is legally obliged to take back an old appliance with a similar function, and this usually happens on delivery. This is the simplest option, because you don't have to take it anywhere.
It is important to request this when ordering, not on the day of delivery. Most webshops let you request it in the basket or in the comments field, and the courier will then expect to take the old appliance as well. If the appliance is upstairs, ask whether they will carry it down or only collect it from the front door.
2. Drop-off at a waste yard
There are 18 residential waste yards in Budapest, and dropping off electronic waste is free for private individuals living in Hungary on presentation of an address card, within daily and annual limits. Hazardous waste can also be dropped off there: paint, used oil, batteries, fluorescent tubes.
It is worth checking on the MOHU website in advance which yard is nearby and what it accepts, because opening hours and accepted items vary from yard to yard. Booking a slot is recommended for dropping off larger items.
An appliance that still works doesn't have to be disposed of as waste: there are reuse centres at Károlyi Sándor út 166 (District XV) and Besence utca 1/A (District XVIII).
3. Removing an old fridge or washing machine together with your move
If you don't have a car, or the appliance is on the fourth floor of a building without a lift, the most convenient option is for us to take it away along with your move. Household appliances are part of our junk removal service: we carry them down and take them to an official waste processing centre.
Their price is given in an individual quote tailored to the specific quantity, location and loading conditions. Details: junk removal prices.
If you are taking them with you: three things to do for your appliances
Fridge and freezer. Empty and defrost them 24–48 hours before the move, and wipe them out so they don't start to smell. During transport they should preferably stand upright. Don't switch them on straight away at the new place: let them stand for a few hours so that the compressor oil can settle back.
Washing machine and dishwasher. Drain them: turn off the tap, let the remaining water out through the filter and disconnect the inlet hose. If you still have the transit bolts, put them back in: they protect the drum. We can disconnect and reconnect the appliance as an additional service .
TV and monitor. Flat screens travel upright, in bubble wrap and a box, never lying flat or stacked. If you still have the original box, that is the best protection.
What you can and cannot put out
The following can not be put out for the annual bulky waste collection: electrical and electronic waste, hazardous waste, construction debris and rubble, tyres, flat glass, green waste, textiles, and packaging that can be collected separately (paper, plastic, metal).
What can be put out is bulky household waste: furniture, mattresses, carpets, suitcases, large sports equipment and larger household items. Wood waste must be put out separately. You can find the district dates and detailed rules in our Junk collection Budapest 2026 article.
Frequently asked questions about old household appliances
Can I put my old fridge out for the bulky waste collection?
No. In Budapest, MOHU lists electrical and electronic waste as a prohibited item, so fridges, washing machines and TVs cannot be put out for the annual collection. They can be dropped off at a waste yard, or we can take them away.
Can I drop off my old appliance for free?
Yes, at MOHU's Budapest waste yards drop-off is free for private individuals living in Hungary on presentation of an address card, within daily and annual limits.
Will the retailer take the old one if I buy a new one?
The retailer is legally obliged to take back an old appliance with a similar function, and this usually happens on delivery. Request it when you order, and ask whether they will carry it down from upstairs.
Do you take away old household appliances?
Yes, household appliances are part of our junk removal service: we carry them down and take them to an official waste processing centre. Their price is given in an individual quote tailored to the specific quantity, location and loading conditions.
How long should a fridge stand after transport?
Let it stand for a few hours before switching it on, so that the compressor oil can settle back. During transport it should preferably stand upright.
Where can I take paint and batteries?
We cannot transport hazardous waste. Paint, thinner, chemicals, used oil, batteries and fluorescent tubes can be dropped off at MOHU waste yards, also free of charge.
Sources
- MOHU Budapest – Waste yards
- MOHU Budapest – Waste subject to daily and annual limits
- MOHU Budapest – Residential bulky waste collection 2026
Waste yard rules and quantity limits may change during the year, so it is worth checking them on the MOHU website before you set off. Sources checked on: 9 October 2026.