The Afterlife of a Fridge or Freezer: What Happens After Disposal?
You may not think much about what happens when your old fridge or freezer kicks the bucket. The disposal process is not as simple as you might think. In fact, it’s quite complex, involving a lot of steps to ensure that the environment is not adversely affected. Here, at Rubbish Disposal, we believe in responsible waste management, and we’re committed to educating our customers about our process. So, let’s take a closer look at what happens to a fridge or freezer after it’s been disposed of.
Stage 1: Collection
The process begins when you decide to get rid of your old fridge or freezer. Instead of attempting to dispose of it yourself, you can schedule a pick-up with a professional service like Rubbish Disposal. We will come and collect the appliance, ensuring it is handled safely and responsibly from the start.
Stage 2: Initial Assessment and Decontamination
Once the old appliance has been collected, it undergoes an initial assessment. This stage determines whether the fridge or freezer can be refurbished and resold, or if it should be recycled. It’s important to note that if the appliance contains harmful substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), it must undergo a decontamination process. These substances, used in refrigerants, can harm the ozone layer if not properly contained.
Stage 3: Dismantling and Sorting
In this stage, the fridge or freezer is carefully dismantled. All the different components are sorted based on their material composition: metals, plastics, glass, and other materials. This meticulous process allows for maximum resource recovery and minimal environmental impact.
Stage 4: Recycling and Recovery
This is where the real magic happens. Metals such as steel, copper, and aluminium are sent to a metal recycling facility where they’re melted down and reused. Plastics, on the other hand, are sent to a different facility where they’re processed into new plastic products. Glass from shelves and drawers is also recycled and used to create new glass products.
Meanwhile, the hazardous substances, including CFCs, are safely extracted and destroyed or repurposed if possible. This careful management of hazardous substances is crucial in preventing environmental harm.
Stage 5: Landfill
This is the last resort. Only materials that cannot be recycled or repurposed are sent to landfill. Thanks to the meticulous sorting and recycling efforts, the amount of waste from a fridge or freezer that ends up in a landfill is minimal.
Choose Rubbish Disposal for Your Fridge and Freezer Pick-Up Needs
Now that you know what happens to a fridge or freezer after it’s been disposed of, you can make an informed decision about how to get rid of your old appliances. Rubbish Disposal not only provides a convenient pick-up service but also ensures that your old fridge or freezer is disposed of responsibly.
At Rubbish Disposal, we are committed to minimising waste and protecting the environment. We understand that disposing of a fridge or freezer can be a daunting task, which is why we strive to make the process as easy as possible for you. Contact us today to schedule a pick-up, and let us take care of the rest.
