Recycling An Old Refrigerator

byAlma Abell

Although the daily business of a scrap dealer is buying, recycling and selling scrap metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, etc., larger dealers also are involved in refrigerator recycling as well as recycling other domestic appliances such as washers, dryers and air conditioners.

The majority of large domestic appliances are banned from landfill sites; they must be reused or recycled. There may be ways to dispose of these old appliances such as turning them over to charity but if this is not an option the metal and other materials that are used in their manufacture can be recycled.

The problem with refrigerator recycling is disposing of the Freon, it is imperative that Freon be removed for recycling by a trained technician and it has to be done in a licensed facility.

What is in a typical old refrigerator?

Although a typical refrigerator includes a harmful substance about 90 percent of a refrigerator can be recycled. Once the Freon has been safely removed the balance of the appliance can be broken down and separated into glass, plastics, ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Where to recycle old domestic appliances:

• There are numerous charitable organizations that will take used appliances and either repair them for resale or resell them as is to those that are less fortunate.

• Perhaps the easiest way to get rid of an old appliance is to arrange to have it picked up when the new appliance is being delivered. Although this is easy, many dealers charge a fee for this service.

• Refrigerator recycling is available from some of the larger scrap dealers in the area. Although the value is not all that great it is better than dumping it illegally or having to pay to have it taken away.

It always pays to call your local scrap dealer in advance to see if they accept refrigerators and other appliances for recycling; some do and some don’t. Visit HC Metals, Inc.