A refrigerator is a common household device, used for the storage of vegetables, fruits, cooked and uncooked food. The refrigerator provides an optimum environment for the storage of items. Today, around 1.4 billion refrigerators, fridge freezers and freezers are in use in households globally. Though you can depend on refrigerator every day, they are not meant to serve lifelong. After its average lifespan or if your appliance malfunctions, it should be replaced with new one.  When you are planning to buy a new fridge, one of the questions that arise is about how to dispose of a fridge.  

Why Proper Refrigerator Disposal Is Important

Refrigerators play a vital role, in keeping our food fresh. But to function properly, different chemicals (such as refrigerant and oils) and foam are used. Inside refrigerators you can find refrigerants, insulation materials and other substances that could pose risks if they end up in the environment.

Can you throw your used fridge in a dumpster? The answer is no. You might think this is the easy fix for getting rid of unwanted electronics quickly.  But it is not ethical and legal to dispose of electronic appliance in dumpsters. Moreover, if not disposed of properly, it generates a significant amount of electronic waste (e-waste), which poses both environmental and health risks.  So, proper disposal is indispensable for safety reasons and make space to enjoy your new appliance. 

Disposing of a refrigerator is a little more complicated, but you can find many options that can make it easier for you. Before refrigerator disposal, make sure to unplug it. Allow defrosting if it contains ice or frost, remove shelves, and drawers, and clean it thoroughly. From disposal to selling, donating, or repurposing, the options are many.  If the appliance is in working condition, you can consider refurbishing it. Replace the worn parts and make them look new. Whether you plan to refurbish or replace your fridge – all depends on a number of factors. The several factors involved are the type and performance of the fridge, the age, and the cost of repairs. 

In this article, we will discuss some environment friendly disposal methods.  Let’s check out the different options.

Environment Friendly Fridge Disposal Methods

• Donate:  If your fridge is in good condition, you can donate it to a charity 

• Give it to a friend or relative: One of the environmentally friendly options that are supposed to reduce pollution and support nature is to give it to a friend or relative.

• Sell: If your freezer is still in working condition, you can sell it to someone else or you may be able to make some money by listing it for sale on sites such as eBay.  
• Recycle: Inquire whether there is a recycling centre near your area or check with your local electric utility office to see if they have a refrigerator recycling program. Recycling helps to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gases, limiting ozone damage, and preventing the release of toxic substances into the air, water, and soil.
• Ask a retailer: If you are planning to purchase your new refrigerator from an appliance retailer, then be sure to ask. Most of the appliance retailers offer to haul away your old appliance.

• Hire a professional removal service provider: A professional removal service provider can help in all ways to dispose of your fridge.  

• Contact your local waste management company: As they’re big and difficult to move, the disposal process may be complex. You can contact a local waste management company or wait for a bulk trash pickup day. They will properly discard it for you.

• Repurpose - If your fridge is no longer working, and if you don’t want to discard it, then repurposing is the excellent option. You can find many creative ideas to turn your old fridge into something useful and functional. The amazing things you can create out of an old refrigerator are new sofa, bookcase, kitchen cabinet, smoker grill, or even a pantry cupboard.

We hope you found this article clarifies what you need to consider when it comes to properly dispose of your refrigerator.

Do you have more waste to get rid of? Check out our Refrigerators Recycling Centers listings.