Jeff Flowers on September 12, 2014 0 Comments Photo Credit: USDA.gov / Flickr Once you have made the leap and decided it is time to replace your old appliance, you may question how to move forward when removing your old unit. One of the most cost efficient and environmentally friendly decisions you can make is to recycle your old fridge. But being eco-friendly isn’t the only reasons you should recycle it. Let’s take a closer look at why you should recycle your refrigerator and/or freezer. 1. Recycling Complies With Federal Law Most people do their best to comply with the rules and regulations of their state, and there are many laws that pertain to removing your unused home appliances. Refrigerators contain oils, refrigerants, and other dangerous compounds that must either be removed or recovered safely. 2. Recycling is Environmentally Friendly There are countless recyclable materials that make up your refrigerator or freezer. On average, most cooling appliances that are at least 10 years old are made up of over 120 pounds of recyclable steel. In addition, there are many other metals and components that can be reused. Many recycling firms also hold on to the insulating foam that is located inside of the refrigerator doors for additional green benefits. As is the case for many ancient appliances, nearly 98% of your refrigerator or freezer is able to be recycled for other uses. 3. Receive Government Rebates for Your Old Unit Each rebate program varies widely among many cities and states, but most incentive plans offer between $20-$50 for your old fridge or freezer. Not only do you earn cash for your appliance, the pick-up and haul away is also completely free. How is Your Old Appliance Recycled? The high tech process of breaking down and recycling old refrigerators can salvage the majority of your unit and create many reusable goods for other industries. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created rigorous guidelines for recyclers to comply with, and these best practices are followed strictly in order to ensure the lowest impact on the environment. When breaking down your old appliance, there are several reusable qualities that are saved and passed on to other industries for reuse: Plastics & Metals: Plastics and metals are removed from the interior of your machine and able to be fully recycled, if applicable. Glass Dividers & Shelving: Glass dividers and shelving can be crushed and shipped to other local glass recycling plants. Compressor: The compressor of your unit is safely removed and able to be recycled in other appliances. Oils & Refrigerants: The oils required to keep your refrigerator running are distilled and delivered to industrial machinery companies for reuse in other equipment. If any compressor oils have been polluted by refrigerant, these environmentally dangerous materials are properly removed and disposed of. Switches & Thermostats: Any switches or thermostats that actively contain mercury are removed and distributed to certified handlers for salvaging. The safe containment of mercury is incredibly important and one of the most common reasons people recycle their unused appliances. Polyurethane Foam: Polyurethane foam can be shipped to local waste-to-energy incinerators for environmentally conscious demolition. These large, foam insulation materials are placed into incineration bags, which seal to prevent gas leakage. Each bag can create nearly 15 kWh of electricity that is sent back to the grid. Can Throwing Away Your Old Appliance Be Dangerous? Disposing of your unused refrigerator or freezer unit improperly can have many dangerous repercussions on the environment. Old appliances that were built prior to 1995 contain foam insulation made with CFC-11, which is an environmentally destructive gas that contributes to the recent changes our climate is experiencing. If these units are left to rot in landfills, they can also contribute a dangerous amount of carbon dioxide to the earth as the foam insulation begins to degrade. Landfill availability is limited, and these huge appliances can take up a great deal of precious space in an already packed area. How Can You Properly Recycle Your Unit? Once you have made the decision to properly recycle your unused appliance, there are many different ways to safely move forward. EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program When you purchase an ENERGY STAR appliance, many retailers partner with the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program (RAD). This local volunteer partnership program is on a mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the ozone layer by recovering these materials and preventing them from decaying in a landfill. Most old freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain these ozone-depleting chemicals that are very dangerous to the environment. By ensuring that these appliances are properly recovered or wiped out, you are taking great strides in protecting your community from future damage that may eventually result. Call Your Local Energy/Electric Utility If there is no proper recycling protocol from your retailer, call your local energy office or electric utility. Many energy companies are beginning to support statewide recycling programs of old appliances. Not only will you ensure that your refrigerator was properly disposed of, many of these companies offer rebates in the form of cash or credits to your utility bill. Call A Scrap Metal Recycler Sometimes, local scrap metal recyclers can make use of many old refrigerators and freezers. When speaking to your metal professional, make sure to discuss the ways in which they plan to handle your old unit to make sure that it is properly recycled. Call Your Local Waste Management Company Contact your local waste management company directly in regards to municipal pick-up of large residential machines. Your local trash company may offer large pick-up and recycling opportunities for your recyclable appliances. Recycling your old refrigerator or freezer can make a great impact on both the environment and your wallet. Rather than disposing of your appliance unsafely in a landfill, protect your community by sending it off to qualified specialists that is able to take it apart and re-use its materials. Since you have already made the excellent decision to save more energy in your home by purchasing a qualified energy rated appliance, make your disposal decisions just as green by choosing to recycle your old refrigerator. Learn More: Top 5 Refrigerator Styles Compared 10 Easy Ways to Organize Your Refrigerator Refrigerator Buyer’s Guide: What to Know Before You Buy FAQs: Most Commonly Asked Questions About Refrigerators