A Refrigerator (often called a “fridge” in short) is a cooling appliance comprising a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump–chemical or mechanical means–to transfer heat from it to the external environment, cooling the contents to a temperature below ambient. Refrigerators are extensively used to store foods which spoil from bacterial growth if not refrigerated. A device described as a “refrigerator” maintains a temperature a few degrees above the freezing point of water; a similar device which maintains a temperature below the freezing point of water is called a “freezer.” The refrigerator is a relatively modern invention among kitchen appliances.
There has been a change in the law as to how you can dispose of your Fridge/Freezer. All ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including CFC’s, must be removed from refrigeration equipment before it is scrapped or recycled. This includes the ODS in the cooling system of your appliance and the insulating foam inside the walls and door. In short Fridges contain hazardous gas, and therefore need special disposal.
Fridge Freezer Disposal: The Law
Disposing of a fridge freezer can seem confusing and more trouble than it once was. The reason is that the disposal of fridge freezers is now tightly regulated because of the fact that some components of fridges can be extremely harmful to the environment. Since January 2002, all ozone-depleting substances (ODS) must be removed from a fridge before it can be recycled or thrown away. Anyone found not disposing of a fridge freezer properly and this includes fly tipping is eligible for prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.
As a householder, you have a few options when it comes to disposing of your old fridge:
Ask your retailers to take it away. Some retailers have decided not to continue to collect your old fridge or freezer when your new one is delivered, due to the cost. To properly dispose of an old fridge, the gas in the fridge needs to be collected to prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere. This may cost a little more but it’s not only environmentally friendly, it’s also important for your safety! In fact, it’s very difficult to get someone to take away an old fridge freezer free of charge. Charges for collecting a fridge freezer range from £5 to £30.
Your first port of call for disposing of a fridge freezer should be your Local Authority to find out what their charges for fridge collection actually are and whether there is any help available for those that need to dispose of a fridge but can’t afford to pay the collection fee. They may be able to waive the fee in certain circumstances so it’s worth asking about this.
Fridge Freezer Disposal:
Your Local Authority will also be able to advise you on how and where you can dispose of the fridge yourself. If you can transport the fridge freezer yourself (or get someone to help you) to a designated hazardous waste recycling site then you shouldn’t have to pay for this. It’s important that you do find out which specific sites you can use as not all waste recycling sites are suitable for fridge freezers. You may need some proof of identification to prove the fridge was for personal, rather than business use.
Private Fridge Freezer Collections:
Additionally it’s possible that a local furniture recycling or waste removal company in your area will collect the fridge for a lower price than the one that your Local Authority charges. Many of these companies refurbish or use parts from old furniture and white goods so that they can provide household goods free or at low-cost to people in need. With this in mind, if you have financial difficulties and can’t afford to pay a fridge freezer collection fee, these companies may consider waiving or reducing the fee.
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