Refrigerator Recycling

Responsible recycling of your refrigerator

Household Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment or WEEE includes most products that have a plug or need a battery.

White goods such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, microwaves and air conditioning units need to be recycled in a special way to make sure that any hazardous materials are safely disposed of and not released into the environment.

Why are refrigerators hazardous?

Household refrigerators and freezers made before 1995 typically contain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant. Refrigerators built before 2005 are insulated with foam that contains ODS, which contribute to both ozone depletion and climate change.

Many window air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers also contain hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant. Both these substances, if released into the environment, can destroy the ozone layer.

Modern refrigerators also need to be handled with care because they contain greenhouse gases as well as hazardous components, such as mercury, oil and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Talk to Ward about refrigerator recycling

At Ward we’re proud to be working alongside approved compliance schemes and original equipment manufacturers to ensure WEEE Regulations are adhered to.

We can help you to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic waste going to landfill sites and improve recovery and recycling rates of WEEE products, such as fridges, freezers and other household items.