Give away or resell usable items - consider Craigslist, Freecycle, or look in the yellow pages under "Thrift Stores".

Appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are regulated. These items cannot go in the garbage and should be recycled.

Recycle at your local landfill: There is usually a charge for appliances containing freon.

Remove food and any doors that have latches.