Common Ways to Recycle a Refrigerator

Refrigerators can be recycled in several ways. Typically, they’re shredded in a process that uses magnets to separate the different materials. The material that is recycled includes plastics, metals, and polyurethane foam. Unfortunately, the shredding process releases blowing agents into the air, contributing to ozone depletion and climate change. To recycle a refrigerator safely, there are several options.

EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program

The EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program aims to reduce landfill waste. The program began in 2006 and brings together retailers, manufacturers, and government agencies to ensure that used appliances are properly disposed of. Among its partners are Sears, Best Buy, and The Home Depot. These companies help consumers dispose of old appliances responsibly and reduce emissions.

Many municipalities have programs where residents can recycle their large old appliances. Residents should check with their municipal recycling contact for more information. Alternatively, they can ask a retailer where they purchased a new large appliance to accept their old one. Another option is to contact a local utility company, as some may have recycling services. Lastly, people can donate their old appliances to charities.

Donating

If you’ve been looking for an environmentally-friendly way to get rid of your old refrigerator, consider donating it to charity. Many nonprofit organizations will accept refrigerators for donation. Other options include selling or trading it online. Some retailers will even accept them if they’re still in good shape.

You may not realize it, but some utility companies also recycle refrigerators. Some offer a $100 rebate for recycling one refrigerator, and some offer free pickup. Other companies, such as MidAmerican, will collect them for a fee and occasionally run special promotions where they’ll pay you $25 per appliance. You may also be able to find a recycling program through your local municipal waste-management division or scrap metal recycler.

While at it, don’t forget to recycle all the parts. Firstly, remove the refrigerant and oil from the refrigerator before it’s donated. Some recycling companies may require you to remove the oil. You should also remove all food from the refrigerator and tie down the doors.

Recycling

Recycled refrigerators are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. These appliances contain a large amount of plastic and metal, which can be recycled. For example, a 10-year-old refrigerator can contain 120 pounds of recyclable steel. Additionally, older refrigerators and other appliances are less energy-efficient and need more electricity, which adds to their carbon footprint. The EPA recommends replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones that use less electricity.

If your refrigerator has reached the end of its life cycle, you may want to check with your local solid waste agency or utility company, or refrigerator recycling Sussex County NJ. These organizations may accept refrigerators in exchange for cash or other incentives. You should always call ahead to make sure they can pick it up.

Crushing

There are a variety of ways to recycle a refrigerator. First, check with your local solid waste agency for pickup dates. Some provide cash incentives for disposed of appliances. In addition, check with your utility company. They may be able to pick up your old refrigerator for free.

Most appliances contain varying amounts of metals. Crushing can be one of the most efficient ways to sort through the metals. EPA-certified equipment will pick up ferrous metals and separate the non-ferrous materials. Once the metals are separated, workers will sort them, removing anything that is not recyclable. Then, the scrap metal will be processed into steel, which uses 74% less energy than virgin iron ore.

Shipping

If you’re considering shipping your old refrigerator for recycling, you should do a few things before you ship it. First, you should make sure that it’s working properly. If the refrigerator’s internal components aren’t working, you can simply remove them and place them in a plastic bag. Next, check with your local recycler to find out what level of plastic they accept. Many recyclers accept #1 and #2, while others accept #4 and #5. Finally, the manufacturer should also list what kind of plastic they accept for recycling.

When it comes to recycling, refrigerators are made from several recyclable materials. An average-sized cooling appliance contains more than 120 pounds of recyclable steel, and many other metals are also recyclable. Even the insulating foam that’s found inside refrigerator doors can be recycled. Nearly 98% of cooling appliances can be recycled.