Appliance Recycling – Getting Rid of an Old Air Conditioner or Fridge

Have you decided it’s time to replace an old appliance? Maybe you’re remodeling your kitchen and want to replace your old refrigerator with a sleek new model to match the new décor. The portable air conditioner in the office just doesn’t cool things down as well as it used to. The box freezer in the basement uses way too much electricity and you want to buy a more energy-efficient one. Whatever your reasons, you’ve decided it’s time to make a new purchase, and that means you need to know about appliance recycling.

If an old appliance is still in working order, you might be able to sell or donate it. But older and broken appliances that can’t be repaired need to be disposed of properly or you could face serious repercussions. Because of the hazardous chemicals present in many appliances, simply dumping them on the curb is illegal in most municipalities, and appliance recycling is mandatory.

So before you load that old refrigerator in the back of your pick-up to haul it to the dump, here’s what you need to know about recycling appliances.

Why appliance recycling matters

Most appliances that are used to cool things operate with a compressor and refrigerant system. Refrigerants are chemicals (like Freon) that can be used to transfer heat so that your freezer stays cold and your air conditioner blows cool air. But these refrigerants also contain ozone depleting compounds such as:

• chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)
• hydrochlorofluorcarbons (HCFC)
• hydroflourocarbons (HFC)

While CFCs – the most damaging to the environment – have not been used to manufacture new appliances since 1995, HCFCs and HFCs are still considered greenhouse gases that can contribute to global climate change.

Other hazardous components in refrigerated appliances can include:

• used compressor oil
• polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• mercury

These components, when improperly disposed of, can seep into the groundwater and have long-lasting effects on the local environment. Direct, short-term exposure can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation, while long-term exposure can cause liver and brain damage, and compromise the immune system, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the endocrine system.

All these components should be removed in facilities equipped to safely remove and dispose or recycle them.

How to recycle used appliances

When you’re ready to replace an old appliance, check for “bounty” programs from your local electric utility – many offer programs that give you a rebate or bonus when you replace an old appliance with a newer, more energy-efficient model. They are equipped to remove and recycle your old refrigerator or air conditioner efficiently.

If no such program is not available, call your local government offices and ask about their procedures for collecting and disposing of hazardous materials. Free pick up may be provided in your neighborhood, but other municipalities charge a fee for collection, usually between $10 and $50. Some towns will only collect appliances once the refrigerant has been removed. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t attempt to remove the refrigerant yourself – contact a technician who has equipment that is certified to remove refrigerants safely.

When you turn over your old appliance to the collection service, make sure they don’t intend to just dump the unit in a landfill – do your homework and ensure that they are responsibly recycling the materials. Once the hazardous materials are removed, almost all the materials in an old appliance can be recycled. A refrigerator‘s metal cabinet, plastic liner, and glass shelves can all be broken down and reused. Portable air conditioners include iron, copper and aluminum. These are all valuable resources that can be reused to help preserve our planet’s precious resources.

What appliances should be recycled?

Any appliance that has a cooling function powered by a compressor should be professionally recycled. These include:

• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Air conditioners
• Dehumidifiers
• Wine coolers
• Ice cream makers with compressors
• Water coolers

If you’re not sure sure if your old appliance should be recycled, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Call your local recycling center and make arrangements for a pick up. To find appliance recycling services in your area, check out this resource from Earth911.com.