What Is the North Carolina ‘White Goods’ Fee? Many Shoppers May Not Realize They’re Paying It

If you’ve ever bought a large household appliance in North Carolina, you may have noticed a small $3 charge on your receipt—but not everyone knows what it’s for.

The charge is called the White Goods Disposal Tax, a $3 fee applied to the purchase of certain major appliances from any North Carolina business. It doesn’t just apply to state residents—anyone buying an appliance from a retailer in North Carolina is required to pay it.

The fee covers so-called “white goods,” a category that includes refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, and window air-conditioning units. Despite the name, modern appliances come in a variety of colors, but the term “white goods” has stuck from decades ago when most appliances were white enamel.

Retailers collect the fee at the point of sale and remit it to the state, which then distributes the money to counties. These funds help cover the costs of safely recycling and disposing of old appliances, including handling hazardous components such as refrigerants that could harm the environment.

Because the program is funded through this fee, many North Carolina counties allow residents—and visitors—to drop off old appliances at local recycling centers without an additional charge. The fee also helps reduce illegal dumping and ensures appliances are disposed of properly.

While $3 may seem minor, it has a significant impact in supporting recycling programs and protecting the environment across the state. Whether you live in North Carolina or are just buying an appliance here, it’s a fee that almost all shoppers pay, even if they’ve never heard of it.