Fridges are the most frequently used appliance in any household. Nowadays, all families heavily rely on their use for safe storage of food, as more than 3 million fridge units are currently being used in the UK alone.
According to statistics, a well-maintained refrigerator can run smoothly for about 15-17 years. However, once this time is over, rubbish clearance becomes a big task.
Fridges cannot be disposed of by just dumping them in a waste area. Older models of refrigerators contain harmful refrigerants and chemicals, and only recent models are greener. Besides the personal sense of responsibility, UK laws strictly ban any sort of untreated and unethical rubbish clearance.
What harmful chemicals are used in fridges?
In the fridge models from the 80s and 90s, Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs were heavily used as refrigerants. These were non-toxic and non-flammable greenhouse gases that were found to be depleting the ozone layer after reacting with UV rays, which caused a permanent ban on their use.
To replace these, hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFCs were used, which also impacted the stratosphere and were cleared from the production of new fridges from 2008.
After the two, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) became substitutes, however, they too were harmful. Newer fridges manufactured in 2010 and onwards are more eco-friendly.
Therefore, it is highly possible that your older fridge model contains chemicals that when leaked, damage the ecosystem. And we don’t want that, do we?
How to ethically dispose of a fridge?
Great job! You’ve made a decision to be a mature and responsible citizen of the UK. But how can you execute your master plan?
Well don’t worry, there are plenty of methods and we have you covered!
Retailers:
If you’re buying a new fridge, retailers may offer to take your old fridge away for recycling, which is a great offer considering it will leave you hassle-free!
On a different note, if fridge hunting is making you tired, read this list of the best ozone-friendly fridges!
Local Recycling Centres:
Are there local recycling centers and waste treating companies around your area? That’s actually good news! If you have a means of reliable transport, you can take the fridge to a recycling center of your choice. Just remember to leave a notice and confirm if they accept fridges!
Donation:
What’s better than disposing of a fridge ethically? It’s helping along the way! If you are looking for new fridges and want your old fridge gone, you could get in touch with local charities or find someone needy around town to donate the machine. Of course, this isn’t an option if your refrigerator has completely given up on running, but if it’s in a decent condition, why send it to recycle when it can help others?
Rubbish Clearance Companies:
Finally, you can call a waste clearance service in your area to deal with your old fridge. After all, the experts know how to handle it better!
If you live in Essex, London or Kent and are looking for a rubbish clearance service, don’t look any further! EWDS is a leading and trusted waste disposal company that has recycled and gotten rid of hundreds of fridges over the course of their decade-long services.
Our Final Opinions:
It has become the responsibility of all sensible citizens globally to counter the effects of climate change. We can do so only by making smart and considerate choices.
Fridges are not like your average household waste. The complex and intricate design, the cooling factor and environmentally harsh refrigerants need proper recycling and cannot be left outside to be thrown away, especially since newer refrigeration gases are more flammable.
Rubbish Removal companies strive to make a difference through proper disposing of machines like fridges. Choosing a professional to do your job will always end with a more-than-satisfactory result. This is a reason why whenever you think of getting rid of a fridge, consulting a cleaning service is the best idea!