Like other appliances, refrigerators won’t last forever. So, when you replace or upgrade it, ensure you recycle your old one properly.
Refrigerator recycling Sussex County, NJ is vital to reducing greenhouse gases and ozone damage. Local electric utilities, state energy offices, and many retailers sponsor a growing number of appliance recycling programs.
Call Up Your Local Waste Disposal Center
While recycling paper, cans, and glass is a breeze, finding eco-friendly solutions for bulky items like appliances can be challenging. Refrigerators, in particular, are expensive to repair and often break down beyond repair, prompting people to trash them.
If your refrigerator is broken down and you decide to keep it for extra storage or throw it away, consider calling your local waste disposal company. You may be surprised to learn that they offer a program for appliance recycling! Many electric utility companies and appliance retailers participate in the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program. Search online for RAD partners in your area. They may be willing to buy your fridge from you and recycle the metals, avoiding any release of ozone-depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere.
Call Up Your Utility Company
Recycling isn’t just about reusing old materials—it keeps toxic substances out of the ground and atmosphere. That’s why it’s important to recycle large appliances like refrigerators.
Check with your electric utility company about their appliance recycling programs. Many state energy offices and electric utilities sponsor programs that recycle refrigerators and freezers. Some offer cash or utility bill credits for old appliances.
Some scrap metal recyclers may also buy old refrigerators. Freon—the ozone-depleting refrigerant used in older fridges and freezers—must be removed before disposal.
Search online for a “fridge disposal near me,” or try the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program, which partners with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, and states to ensure that appliances are disposed of using best environmental practices.
Take It to a Disposal Center
Most local waste disposal centers will recycle old refrigerators if you bring them into their facilities. The appliances will be shredded or broken down, and their materials, including metals like steel, will be recycled. This helps reduce landfill waste and prevents ozone-depleting chemicals and greenhouse gases from entering the environment.
Some retailers offer pick-up services for recycling old refrigerators, which can be easier than juggling the heavy item yourself. However, this service is rarely paid. If you purchase a new appliance from a retailer, ask them about their appliance recycling program before purchasing. Many are partnered with the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Dealership (RAD) program and will accept your old refrigerator. These partners will ensure refrigerants are drained and recovered, foam insulation is recycled, and PCBs, mercury, and used oil are recovered and disposed of properly.
Call Up Your Retailer
Refrigerators don’t last forever; when they break down, it’s important to find an eco-friendly refrigerator disposal method. Leaving old appliances on the curb is illegal and bad for the environment.
Many retailers offer appliance recycling programs that include pick-up or drop-off options. This is often free or available with purchasing a new appliance, but some may charge a small fee. Be sure to check with the retailer to be certain of their process.
Donating your old refrigerator to a local charity is another option. This is especially helpful for older appliances that contain refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer or are considered greenhouse gases. You can also sell your refrigerator online or at a garage sale. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly before selling.
Call Up Your Local Trash Service
Your local trash service might offer a recycling program that accepts refrigerators. You’ll need to contact them directly for details.
You can also give your old refrigerator to a local charity organization. They often will come and pick up the appliance for free, saving you the trouble of hauling it yourself.
Some retailers and manufacturers offer rebates when you turn in an older refrigerator. These programs help to conserve energy and reduce waste by ensuring that your old refrigerator is recycled.