Refrigerators and freezers are essential household appliances to keep our food safe and fresh. But what comes about when they get to the end of their lifespan? How do we dispose of them properly?
Implementing the right, eco-friendly way to dispose of a fridge freezer is even more important than selecting a new appliance in the first place. Why? Because the materials, freezing agents, and insulation that can release harmful gases are not handled carefully.
Therefore, we have discussed the options available for fridge and freezer disposal. We have also discussed the pros and cons of both, along with other tips and tricks.
Why Carefully Dispose of a Fridge Freezer?
There are several reasons why it is essential to dispose of fridges and freezers carefully:
Refrigerators and Freezers Contain Harmful Substances.
Fridges and freezers contain refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These compounds harm the ozone layer by depleting it. Mercury and PCBs are also found in these appliances, which are harmful to humans.
Improper Disposal Can Release Harmful Pollutants.
If we don’t toss fridges and freezers correctly, all those bad things inside can get out and dirty our air, water, and ground. Nobody wants that.
Improper Disposal Can Be Dangerous.
The refrigerants in fridges and freezers can also be a little dangerous. Those refrigerants can be like tiny bombs if they’re not handled properly. They might cause fires or even explosions if we’re not careful.
What Options Are Available for Fridge or Freezer Disposal?
Dumping your fridge or freezer in front of your house or on the side of the isn’t a wise step. If you need to get rid of your old fridge or freezer, there are responsible and eco-friendly ways to do it.
Ask Your Appliance Dealer
When you’re buying a new fridge, ask the store where you’re buying it if they can take away your old one. Sometimes, they do this for free, especially if they deliver your new fridge to your home. If they don’t offer, you can ask if they can include this service when you purchase.
Donate If It Still Works
If your old fridge still works fine and you’re just getting a new one because you want an upgrade, consider donating it. You can grant it to a local charity or nonprofit organisation. They typically come and pick it up from your home.
Recycle at a Recycling Centre
If donating or asking the dealer isn’t an option, look for a recycling centre nearby. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a program called RAD that can help you find a responsible way to recycle your fridge.
Ask Your Local Trash Collector
Suppose none of the above options work. If this is the case for you, try a local trash collection service in your area. They can guide you through the appropriate disposal of your fridge.
Private Waste Removal
If you want a quick way to get rid of your fridge without waiting for your local trash collection, you can contact a private waste removal company. They offer various services, like taking the fridge from your storage room to their truck.
In this manner, you don’t have to carry anything heavy, and it reduces the chances of accidents. You can also coordinate with them to choose a collection date that works for you.
Why Modern Fridges Are Less Dangerous?
In the past, fridges used to have chemicals that were not so good for our environment. These chemicals, called CFCs and HCFCs, cause problems for our planet. But there’s good news! A worldwide agreement called the Montreal Protocol stopped companies from making fridges with these harmful chemicals.
However, even though we stopped using those harmful chemicals, there are still lots of old fridges out there that were made before the agreement. More than a million, in fact! Some people still have them in their homes. So, it’s super important to ensure we dispose of fridges, freezers, and fridge freezers correctly.
