Fridge Freezer Disposal
Disposing Of Fridge Freezers The Right Way
Since 2002, it has been law that fridges must be recycled at specialist plants. In 2019, nearly 3 million fridge freezers have been recycled. All fridge freezers contain a gas called hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gas. This gas is harmless to the environment if it is not dealt with in the correct way.
Fridges and freezers are classed as wee waste and should always be disposed of at a reputable waste transfer station. We as a reputable waste clearance company, always ensure that all Weee waste is recycled as per guidelines.
What Is Inside A Fridge ?
Modern refrigerators and freezers consist of an outer casing of sheet metal and an inner liner made of polystyrene. In between these layers is a layer of rigid polyurethane foam that acts as both a structural and an insulating material that is applied and cured on appliance manufacturers’ assembly line. This is also a reason why fridges need to be stripped right down before they get recycled for scrap metal.
How Are Fridges Recycled ?
A fridge/freezer contains ozone depleting substances, such as CFC’s, which must be removed at the beginning of the recycling process. These chemicals are extracted via the fridge compressor, where the oil and coolant are removed. The oil can be reused as a product, but the coolant is removed separately. The compressors, now drained, are removed and recycled as scrap metal material.
Shredding and Fraction Segregation
The fridge is now shredded using an industrial shredder which creates manageable pieces. The metal and plastic separate from the insulation foam ensuring the materials can then be managed easily.
Sieving the materials
To remove the Polyurethane (PUR) foam, the materials are finely sieved. The foam is heated to release blowing agent gases. These gasses are frozen and liquefied for treatment. The remaining PUR foam is sent to a specialist recycling company that takes the foam and turns it into a fine powder and then this is reused to create a new foam.
What To Do With An Old Fridge?
If the fridge is still in good working order and not leaking any gas, then you can by all means sell it on or give it to a friend. If the fridge is beyond repair and requires disposal, then you can take it to your local council amenity tip for free of charge, or they do charge a fee for collection. You can find out here if your council removes bulky waste.
Retailer take back
If you are buying a brand-new fridge from a big retailer, then usually they offer a take-back service where they will take your old one away free of charge. It’s best to ask about this service before you order a new one.
Using a private waste disposal company
You could also use a specialist rubbish clearance firm who deal with all the recycling, so you have no stress. Fridges do incur a surcharge at the tips because of the recycling process. We charge £65 per domestic fridge/freezer. We can also supply a waste transfer note as proof of tipping. We are an eco-friendly company and strive for sustainable waste disposal and protecting our environment for the future.
Please note that currently we do not take commercial fridges or freezers
We are listed in b2blistings.org’s Refuse and Waste Listings
Contact Us
Below are our contact details-
Tel: 07934 801140
Email: info@bin-and-gone.co.uk
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