Disposing of your fridge correctly is important for the health of our planet. Follow this guide for eco-friendly refrigerator disposal tips.
Whether your refrigerator has broken-down, or you are in desperate need of a new model, knowing how to dispose of your refrigerator correctly and sustainably is really important for the wellbeing of the planet and human health.
According to the World Economic Forum, around 63.3 million tonnes of e-waste was discarded in 2021 alone – which is heavier than the entire Great Wall of China. Not only can items of e-waste leach harmful chemicals into the natural environment, open-air burning of electronic waste items can seriously harm the health of the workers dealing with the waste.
Your old refrigerator is no exception to this. Refrigerators contain harmful substances that can be detrimental to the health of the planet and humans if not dealt with and recycled properly. Safe to say that disposing of your refrigerator correctly and sustainably is really important.
1. Find a Nearby E-Waste Recycling Center
Make a quick online search to see where the nearest e-waste recycling facility is to you. You will be able to dispose of your refrigerator at these facilities, as they have the proper equipment and know-how for proper refrigerator disposal.
2. Donate It
If your old refrigerator is still functional, you could dispose of it sustainably by donating it to a friend or family member. Better yet, there are loads of local organisations that are always looking for donations, like community centers or senior homes, who would be really grateful for your donation.
3. Sell It
Rather than looking for places that handle refrigerator disposal, you can try to make a little money by selling your old fridge. A good old fashioned yard sale is a great way to dispose of a refrigerator sustainably. There may also be a Used Household Appliances Store or Scrap Metal Dealership near you, so do a quick online search to see what is near you. Alternatively, you can also turn to online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Ecwid.
4. Check Your Electrical Retailer’s Services
If you have ordered a new refrigerator to be delivered to your home, some firms will also take your old refrigerator off your hands at the same time. Have a look into the services that the firm offers so you don’t miss out. This may come at a cost, but it saves time and lots of energy in the long-run. In addition, these companies know all about proper refrigerator disposal, so you don’t need to worry.
5. Organise a Collection
There are lots of companies that will come and pick up your old refrigerator straight from your home. Look for waste removal companies, companies that handle the recycling of household appliances. Disposing of your refrigerator in this way takes out the legwork of disposing of it by yourself, especially for those of us who do not own a car or cannot lift a refrigerator alone.
6. Get in Contact With Your Local Council
This service may come with a charge, but local councils often provide a pick-up service for bulkier household items, like refrigerators. Get in contact with your local council and they should come straight to your door to take away and dispose of your refrigerator for you.
Disposing of a Refrigerator: Do’s and Dont’s
Disposing of a refrigerator can be done in multiple different ways, but there is a checklist of do’s and dont’s you will need to look out for before choosing which disposal option is best for you:
- Do check that the fridge is fully disconnected and drained before you dispose of it.
- Do check the warranty of your refrigerator. If your refrigerator has broken-down within the period of warranty, you could be entitled to some compensation.
- Don’t take apart your refrigerator yourself unless you know exactly how. There are different components in refrigerators that require specific know-how which should be dealt with by professionals.
- Don’t try to move your refrigerator yourself. Refrigerators are incredibly heavy and need special care when being moved. Order a collection service if needed to save yourself the risk of injuring yourself.
Read more:
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