It's not an easy task to get rid of your old refrigerator — they're cripplingly large, heavy, and are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Refrigerators have components, such as refrigerants and insulation which are hazardous and need special handling. Responsible disposal, too, is important to reduce environmental impact and conform to local ordinances. In this article, we’ll go over the best ways and steps on how to dispose of an old refrigerator and how you can do it safely, legally, and more importantly responsibly.
Check Your Refrigerator’s Status
Don't decide how to get rid of an old refrigerator until you have assessed its level of wear to see if it needs to be removed or is still serviceable. If the appliance still works or is repairable, consider donating it or selling it. A lot of people are on the hunt for cheap appliances, and donating or selling can give the refrigerator a second life and help someone else.
Donating: If your refrigerator is still in working condition, consider donating it to a local charity, shelter, or community center. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill and the Salvation Army may take used appliances that are in good condition. And before you bring in your appliance, check the organization’s specific guidelines for donations.
Selling: Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay are good places to sell used appliances. We produce clear photos, write detailed descriptions, then we price them right for an eager buyer. This is a great way for you to not only to remove the refrigerator but also for you to obtain some of the value.
Recycling the Refrigerator
Whether your fridge is no longer under warranty or you are repairing a second (or third) refrigerator, consider recycling as a way to dispose of your old fridge. Refrigerators comprise various recyclable materials such as metals, plastics and glass. But recovery is necessary because of contents like harmful refrigerants and insulation.
Certified Appliance Recycling Centers: There are certified appliance recycling centers in some regions, focusing on the safe disassembly and recycling of refrigerators. These facilities have the means and knowledge to process refrigerants, insulating materials and any other possible harmful substances. You can find a certified recycler in your area by searching online or reaching out to your local waste management authority for recommendations.
Retail Take-Back Programs: Some retailers provide a take-back program when you buy a new fridge. Included in this, is that they will bring the new appliance and take away the old appliance to be recycled. This is quite convenient if you are replacing your previous refrigerator. Inquire with the vendor about their take-back policy, plus any fees involved.
City or Town Recycling Programs: A handful of cities and towns provide curbside pick-up for large appliances, including refrigerators, as part of their trash service. This service may be at no cost, with a minimal fee or at a discount. Check with your regional waste management facility to see if they have appliance recycling, and if so, to schedule a pickup.
Refrigerants and Hazardous Materials Management
Refrigerators have inside of them refrigerants — CFCs, HCFCs or HFCs — which are detrimental to the environment if they are not properly disposed of after they are released in the air. These chemicals are linked to ozone hole formation and climate change. Also, refrigerators may be interconnected with oil, mercury and other hazardous substances requiting special handling.
Professional Refrigerant Removal: A professional must safely remove any kind of refrigerants your fridge may have before trashing it. Across the United States, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has regulations in place that mandate that refrigerants are disposed of and reclaimed in a safe manner in order to avoid damage to the environment. Technicians are licensed to capture and recycle the refrigerants contained in these gases.
Hazardous Component Disposal: Refrigerators also can include components that contain mercury like switches and capacitors. These parts must be taken out and treated in accordance with local hazardous waste disposal regulations. These materials can safely be dealt with by certified recycling facilities or waste disposal businesses.
Preface: Looking at Alternative Methods of Disposal
There are other alternatives to recycling an old fridge, too, depending on your situation and where you are.
Junk Removal Services: If you can't get your old refrigerator down to a recycling center or donation, you might want to call a junk removal service. These companies will and pick up the appliance, and make sure it’s properly disposed of. Make sure that you select a company that is credibleand that disposes of the used tires correctly.
Local Utility Services: There are utility companies that provide appliance recycling programs which are part of their conservation programs. Such programs typically offer a reward, like cash back or a credit on your bill, when you recycle that antiquated, energy vampire of a refrigerator. Check with your utility company to see if they have such a program and if you are eligible for incentives.
Should everything fail and you find that there is really no hope for your piece of oven, you may call your local scrap metal dealer, who will be more than happy to at least recycle the broken refrigerator and may even pay you for it. Although not that profitable, this is a good opportunity for the recycling of the metal parts.
How to Prepare Your Refrigerator for Disposal
Below are some of the things you need to do before you throw away your refrigerator:
Unplug and Clean: Unplug the refrigerator and remove all food and perishables. Scrub out the inside of the bin well so that it doesn’t smell and isn’t full of flies.
Doors should be removed or tied and taped closed to prevent them from coming open in transit. Children and all. Keeps kids from getting locked inside especially important!
Schedule Pick-Up or Drop-Off: If you’re working with a recycling service, a junk removal company or retailer take-back program, schedule a pick-up. If you are taking the refrigerator to a recycling center, make sure you have a vehicle and equipment that is suitable for transport.
Legal and ecological concerns
Discarding refrigerators is not only a hassle, but it is also an offence and an environment concern. Most countries have laws controlling the disposal of appliances - especially those that contain refrigerants and toxic material. Failure to follow these laws can lead to fines and criminal charges.
Environmental Effect: Disposing of refrigerators in the wrong way can have serious environmental effects. Refrigerants leaked into the atmosphere can cause destruction of the ozone layer and global climate change. Moreover, substances including foam insulation and mercury can leach into soil and water if not properly managed.
Regulations: In the US, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) imposes rules to handle refrigerants and hazardous materials carefully. Recovery and disposal of refrigerants are regulated by the Clean Air Act, and disposal of hazardous waste in general is governed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Just make sure any service you use for trash follows these regulations.
Conclusion
Getting rid of your old refrigerator involves your full attention and responsibility. Now, when you wish to get rid of this junk, whether you want to donate it, sell it, recycle it or use a junk removal service, the top way to use those services to dispose of your waste while still following legal requirements is essential for the environment. By not rushing and doing a proper evaluation of your choices and preparing the appliance for disposal, you can have confidence that your old fridge or freezer will be recycled or reclaimed safely, environmentally responsibly and within the law. When you’re replacing your old washing machine, it’s important to dispose of it in a sustainable way, instead of trashing or even selling your old appliance for scrap, which is what many homeowners choose to do; your appliance eventually ends up in a landfill.
