Appliance Removal: What in the World Is a White Good?

Ever Wondered What a White Good is and Why Appliance Removal Matters?

At Green Team Junk Removal, we live and breathe responsible appliance disposal. From old refrigerators to broken washers, we’ve helped hundreds of residents in Holliston and nearby towns safely and legally get rid of their white goods. If you've ever heard the term and thought, "What the heck is a white good?" — you're not alone. Let’s break it down.

What Is a White Good?

A white good is industry shorthand for large household appliances such as:

• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Stoves and ovens
• Dishwashers
• Air conditioners

The term comes from the era when these appliances were almost always white in color. Even though modern appliances come in stainless steel, matte black, or even red, the term "white good" stuck around in recycling and waste management circles.

Why Handle White Goods Differently?

White goods aren’t just bulky—they’re banned from regular trash disposal in Massachusetts. Since 1991, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has listed white goods under its Waste Bans, which means it’s illegal to toss these items in the landfill or incinerator.

Why? Because they often contain hazardous materials, including:

• Refrigerants (ozone-depleting or greenhouse gases)
• Mercury switches
• PCBs (in older appliances)
• Used oil and lubricants

Read more about Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD)

According to the EPA, even newer appliances contain refrigerants that are harmful to the environment if improperly released. These materials contribute to global warming and air pollution—and that’s exactly why these items require special handling under the Clean Air Act.

How Green Team Junk Removal Removes Appliances

At Green Team Junk Removal, our appliance removal service in Holliston is built for both compliance and convenience. Here’s how it works:

1. Pickup Scheduled at Your Convenience – Simply call or book online.
2. Safe Transportation – Our team does the heavy lifting and ensures safe handling.
3. Hazardous Material Handling – Appliances with refrigerants are brought to licensed facilities for extraction and processing.
4. Recycling & Recovery – Once cleared, appliances are sent to scrap yards for metal recovery. Steel, aluminum, and copper are all reclaimed for reuse in manufacturing.

We don’t just dump and dash—we work with trusted recycling partners to ensure your appliances are processed responsibly.

How to Safely Dispose of Appliances

If you’re not sure what to do with your broken or outdated appliance, here are a few local disposal options:

• Town of Holliston: Visit the town website to check guidelines for white good collection. Appointments are often required, and a small fee may apply.
• Beyond the Bin: Use MassDEP’s Beyond the Bin tool to locate appliance drop-off sites nearby.
• Retailer Haul-Away: Many appliance retailers offer removal of your old unit when delivering a new one—be sure to ask.
• Donation & Resale: If your appliance still works, consider donating to Habitat for Humanity ReStore or listing on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
• Green Team Junk Removal : We provide appliance disposal services

Fridge Door Removal Safety Tip

You may have seen instructions to remove refrigerator doors before placing them curbside—but did you know it’s actually the law?

According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 271, Section 46, doors must be removed from refrigerators before disposal to prevent accidental entrapment. This rule is especially important for protecting children from suffocation hazards.

We take care of this for you, but if you’re prepping your appliance for pickup, be sure to remove the doors or ask us to do it safely.

Why Go Green with Green Team Junk Removal

Here’s why more homeowners in Holliston, Hopkinton, and Ashland choose us for appliance removal:

• Eco-Friendly Recycling: We work with local facilities that prioritize material recovery.
• 100% Compliance: We follow all MassDEP and EPA guidelines to the letter.
•  Locally Trusted: As a Holliston-based business, we’re proud to serve our neighbors with reliable, responsible service.

Need Appliance Removal in Holliston or Nearby?

Don’t let old appliances take up space in your garage, basement, or curb. Green Team Junk Removal makes appliance removal simple, legal, and sustainable. Contact us today to schedule your eco-friendly appliance pickup. Let’s make junk removal cleaner, greener, and easier—together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What appliances are considered white goods and banned from regular disposal in Massachusetts?

White goods include large appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves/ovens, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and dishwashers—items that can’t be thrown in the trash and require special disposal under Massachusetts law. 

2. Why can’t I just toss white goods in the trash?

Massachusetts has enforced waste bans on white goods since 1991. These appliances often contain hazardous materials, such as refrigerants, mercury, PCBs, and oils, that pose serious environmental and health risks if they are landfilled or incinerated.

3. How does safe appliance removal work in nearby Massachusetts towns?

Many towns, like Watertown, require scheduling and payment through their waste contractor for white goods pickup. In Watertown, items like fridges, stoves, washers/dryers, dehumidifiers, and microwaves are collected curbside, but only after scheduling and removing refrigerator doors as required by law. 

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