How to responsibly dispose of your fridge
The average lifespan of a fridge is around 12 years. In the UK, each year, around 3 million fridges are disposed of.
However, as with many white goods, fridges can be incredibly harmful to the environment if they are not disposed of in the correct way. With this in mind, it’s important that you dispose of your fridge responsibly.
Can I throw away my old fridge?
Fridges contain many hazardous elements, so it’s vital that they are disposed of responsibly to avoid harmful substances being released into the atmosphere.
If your fridge was made before the year 2000, it is likely to contain Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Although they are non-toxic and non-flammable, when the molecules are broken down, they release chlorine atoms which can harm the environment. As a result, they are now banned.
Can I recycle my old fridge?
Once the harmful substances are removed, many parts found in the fridge can be recycled, including the oil, metal, and plastic parts. Many specialist removers will arrange this if you ask them to take your old fridge away.
So, how can I responsibly dispose of my fridge?
First and foremost, it’s important that you understand your options. There are a number of different ways to dispose of your fridge responsibly, including the following:
Take your fridge to your local tip
Many people choose to take their fridge to their local tip where fridge disposal is usually available free of charge. However, if you do choose to dispose of your fridge in this way, you will need to be careful of chemical spillages. It’s also worth checking that the site definitely takes fridges before you go, as different local authorities have different restrictions and regulations.
Waste removal companies
Specialist waste removal companies can dispose of your fridge for you, and will do so in a safe, efficient, and responsible manner. Waste removal companies will collect your fridge directly from your property. Just make sure they have the appropriate license before you book!
Donate or sell
If your fridge is still in sound working order, why not donate it? There are plenty of people out there who are in need of affordable white goods and would benefit greatly from your unwanted fridge.
Whether you donate it to a friend, family member, or charity, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your fridge gets put to good use. Or, if you’d prefer to sell your fridge, try platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Gumtree to connect with potential buyers.
Disposal service
Many retailers offer a disposal service whereby, when you buy a new fridge, they will remove your old one for a small fee and dispose of it responsibly on your behalf.
This can make the process simple and straightforward, as you won’t have to worry about disposing of your old fridge before the new one arrives. So, when you’re buying your new appliance, it’s definitely worth checking if the store offers this service.
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around £15-£40 for this service.
Local Authority collection service
Finally, your local authority may have a collection service. It’s important to remember that you will need to pay for this service, the amount will depend on your local council.
If you’re using this service, you will be expected to move the fridge outside yourself and ensure that it is left in a safe and accessible place for collection.
Why choose The Waste Group?
We are a local skip hire company covering Poole, Bournemouth, Dorchester, Weymouth and Dorset. We have been providing a professional waste hire service to Dorset for over 10 years.
If you have any questions about our service, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today.
