how to reprupose fridge

Our fridge is old and inefficient and needs to be replaced.  I was wanting to turn it sideways and use as a sub-irrigated rised garden bed.  But my question is, what is the proper way to get rid of the freon?

Has anybody had success finding a shop willing to pump it out for free?

Great question!
I've wondered the same thing.
I want to build a vermiculture composter to feed chickens and keep the rats out.
The freezer section would hold a float valve.