The Ultimate Guide to Disposing or Recycling Your Old Fridge Freezer
When it’s time to replace your old fridge freezer, it’s not just about buying a new one; you also have to find out how to properly dispose of the old one.
In UK, It’s not legal to dispose of fridges in landfills or on the roadside because they contain hazardous materials such as refrigerants and heavy metals. Improper disposal can harm our environment.
So, it’s important to follow the right procedure for fridge freezer disposal to remove hazardous components, and all the valuable materials inside are repurposed or reused.
Here we made complete guide on how to dispose of or recycle your old fridge freezer.
1. Check Local Recycling Programs
Start looking for your local recycling services or council waste collection programs. Many of them provide special collection services for household e-waste like refrigerators and freezers and ensure your appliance is recycled properly. Local councils offer specific guidelines or drop-off locations for old appliances, including fridge freezers.
Visit your city council website for more details about the recycling programme provided by your local city council. In some areas, you need to pay a small fee for fridge disposal, while others might offer free recycling or pickup services.
Tip: If you choose to dispose of other items at the same time, “How to Maximize Your Skip Space for Smart Filling” may provide helpful tips on maximizing space.
2. Use a Certified Recycling Center Only
Recycling centres specializing in electronic waste, fridges freezers and large appliances are well-equipped to handle the proper disposal.
All the certified recycling centres in the UK are permitted to remove unsafe materials such as refrigerants, oils, and other dangerous substances and dispose of everything perfectly. Components like metal, plastic, and glass—are recycled.
How to find a certified recycling center:
- Search online for e-waste recycling centers: Most of the e-waste recycling centers accept old refrigerators and freezers.
- Look for certification: Cross-check that the recycle center you choose properly follows environmental standards, like EPA guidelines for refrigerant removal.
Tip: For more details on appliance recycling, you can check our post on how to dispose of electronic waste.
3. Retailer Takeback Programs
Before buying a new fridge or freezer, check with retailers if they offer a takeback or disposal service for your old appliances. Many major appliance retailers offer takeback service and may charge a small fee. So it’s better to confirm everything first to make the recycling and buying experience stress-free.
Inquire at the time of purchase whether they will take away your old fridge freezer when they deliver the new one.
4. Go With Junk Removal Services
If local councils or recycling centres are not available around you, consider hiring a professional junk removal service to pick up and dispose of your old fridge freezer is the perfect choice.
These junk removal companies specialise in bulky, heavy items and ensure they are disposed of or recycle everthing properly.
If you’re also looking for efficient and cost-effective ways to manage general waste, you may want to consider our skip hire services.
5. Donate or Resell (If it's in Working Condition)
If your fridge freezer still works and is in decent working condition, you can easily donate to charity organizations and resell it. Many people are looking to buy secondhand electronic appliances especially used fridges and freezers for their garages, apartments, or as backups.
Reach out to local charity organizations like Habitat for Humanity or local shelters may accept working fridges and freezers.
Many secondhand stores, non-profits, or people in need may be interested in taking your appliance and websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay are good platforms for reselling your used fridge freezer.
Donating or selling is not only environmentally friendly but also helps someone who really needs these appliances at cheap prices.
Additionally, if you are managing multiple household waste items, be sure to check our how to dispose of kitchen waste guide.
6. Recycling Programs with Incentives
Some UK councils, utilities, or governmental programmes provide incentives for recycling or disposing of old fridges and freezers.
In some places, you may even receive a rebate or discount for recycling your old appliance, especially if the fridge model is an energy saver. They pick up old fridges for free and replace them with energy-efficient models.
What Happens to Your Old Fridge Freezer After Recycling?
After collecting your old appliances or fridge freezer go through various steps to make sure that all the hazardous materials are removed and reusable components are repurposed:
- Refrigerant removal: The refrigerant (often a hydrofluorocarbon like HFC-134a) is extracted from the appliance to prevent its harmful release into the atmosphere.
- Oil and fluid removal: Any type of oils or fluids inside the appliance, including motor oils and anti-freeze, are removed carefully and disposed of.
- Disassembly: After fridge separation materials like glass, plastic, and metals are sorted for recycling.
- Metal and plastic recycling: All the valuable metals, such as copper, aluminium, and steel, are recycled and used to build a new product.
- Final disposal: Non-recyclable materials are disposed of in a safe, environmentally responsible manner.
To understand more about eco-friendly disposal options, be sure to read our post on top environmental benefits of using a skip hire service.
Tips for Preparing Your Old Fridge Freezer for Recycling
Once you’ve chosen your disposal method, it’s time to prepare the fridge freezer for removal.
- Unplug and Defrost: Turn off the appliance and allow it to defrost. This helps prevent water damage during the removal process and makes the appliance lighter to move.
- Drain Liquids: If there are any liquids inside (like water or cleaning solutions), make sure to drain them before transport.
- Secure the Doors: Use tape to secure the doors of the appliance to avoid accidents while handling it.
How Much Does Disposal Cost?
The cost of disposing of a fridge freezer can vary depending on the method you choose:
- Council Collection Fees: Charges for bulky waste collection can range from £20 to £40.
- Man & Van Disposal: Prices typically range from £50 to £100 for fridge freezer removal.
- Recycling Centres: Many recycling centers offer free disposal, but some may charge a small fee for handling certain materials.
Conclusion
Recycling or disposing of your old fridge freezer is important for protecting the environment and ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials.
There are plenty of responsible options available, such as donating to charity organizations, selling, recycling, or scheduling a pick-up with a junk removal service. Follow local regulations and look for certified recycling centres to ensure your appliance is disposed of properly.
By recycling your old fridge freezer reduces waste, conserve resources, and protect the planet. For all your waste management needs, consider our skip hire services for an easy and convenient solution.
