TIP IT RUBBISH REMOVALFridge Recycling 101
Not finding your old fridge to be of much use and feel it’s taking up valuable space in the kitchen?
You might have already thought of disposing of the fridge, but hang on; it’s not as straightforward as it might seem at first. For an appliance as large and heavy as a fridge, the ideal disposal method will depend on quite a few factors. Plus, there are a few alternatives to consider for getting rid of it completely.
That’s why we’ve brought you this detailed guide to all the essentials of fridge disposal and recycling. Go ahead and give it a read.
Why Are Refrigerators Hazardous Waste?
If you didn’t know this yet, large electrical appliances used domestically, such as refrigerators and washing machines, are popularly referred to as white goods.
And white goods like refrigerators are categorized as hazardous waste as improper dumping might have dangerous consequences, even if they fit in a trash bin. So, if you wish to do away with an old fridge, you should be careful to get it disposed of or recycled correctly and legally.
On that note, the tank of a refrigerator contains oils, refrigerants, and several other compounds that produce incredibly harmful gasses, which have had damaging effects in the past.
That’s why local governments have become much more alert and consequently enforced strict regulations and policies to ensure fridges are disposed of properly. As such, you should take serious note of the refrigerator disposal method to avoid any adverse environmental impacts and the imposition of fines.
The Process of Recycling Refrigerators
Once you hire the rubbish removal services of companies, such as Tip It Rubbish Removal, they will take up the task of recycling a fridge. First off, hazardous materials like chemicals, heavy metals, and gasses are removed.
After this, the appliance is shredded or crushed, and the copper, plastic, steel, and other materials obtained are used to make other materials. Plus, a few remaining parts of the broken appliances are recycled separately.
How To Dispose Of A Fridge?
If you’ve decided to get rid of an old or broken fridge at home, here are two ways to do it:
A. Contact A Local Waste Depot
A local waste depot may be able to get the fridge removed from your home efficiently. Anyhow, they’ll be glad to talk to you about your junk removal needs and the details of the disposal services they offer.
But there are limitations of opting for a local waste depo, some of which are listed below.
- Hefty refrigerator removal and disposal fees
- Not all fridges are accepted, owing to the limitations of every locality
- You might have to arrange a fridge transport by yourself
- All such facilities aren’t monitored strictly enough
- The process isn’t a one-person job
B. Kerbside Collection
If the refrigerator isn’t in a condition fit for recycling or reselling, it’s best to request the local municipality to discuss with the council about the fridge removal. Notably, this method gets such a name as it requires you to move the fridge only as far as your kerb, after which it is picked up by the collection team. This naturally does away with all the heavy lifting required from your end.
However, the kerbside collection method has its own disadvantages. First off, you might have to wait for some time to have the fridge collected. Moreover, it’s not guaranteed that a collection truck will pick up the refrigerator — it will vary based on their capabilities, number of workers, and so on.
On that note, some municipalities might require inspection or removal of specific parts of the fridge to prevent hazardous waste from leaking into the surroundings. Not to mention how some councils may charge a hefty collection or disposal fee for large appliances.
Revamping The Fridge Without Disposal
Not all homeowners will want to dispose of an old fridge straight away and may prefer alternative methods to conserve the appliance and utilize it constructively. And the good news is that there are quite a few methods to opt for:
A. Reselling
If you’ve checked the fridge for functionality and safety and find that it’s working efficiently enough to be used in another home, you may consider reselling it. Firstly, the fridge will get a second life and home due to the purchase.
It will also reduce the chances of dangerous gases and oil being produced by the appliance as a result of dumping. However, if it’s a much older model, it might emit greenhouse gases while operating, which may prove harmful in the long run.
That’s why you must take into account the fridge rating and its possible environmental impact before selling it. Plus, keep in mind that you might have to transport the fridge to and from a particular location.
B. Upcycle
It might also be that your fridge is fully functional, and you’re only bothered about its appearance. In such cases, upcycling the fridge will be the best you can do to upgrade the appliance, making it an aesthetically-pleasing addition to your kitchen.
And the upcycling can be managed at a minimal cost. Moreover, you’ll hardly need to move the fridge, which will ultimately save your back.
C. Trade
Last but not least, you may also choose to trade the old fridge for a newer model. Most retailers offering such services will provide free pick-up services and might also reduce the price of the new fridge in the trade. Here too, the manual labor on your part is reduced.
That said, there’s uncertainty regarding the strictness and regularity of such services. That’s why you’ll need to research the company properly before making a final decision.
Final Words
So, that was all about the various fridge removal and recycling options available out there. We hope things are clearer now and you’ll be able to pick the most suitable method as per your need.
However, if you’re still unsure, we’d suggest getting in touch with a reliable fridge removal service beforehand and discussing your requirements in detail. Accordingly, they’ll be able to provide advice and recommend the most suitable alternative for you.
