As someone who has managed one of Western Australia’s oldest scrap metal businesses and led the way in e-waste recycling, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to recycle air conditioners properly.
These units contain materials that, if not disposed of correctly, can pose serious environmental risks. At Collins Recycling, we’ve developed a thorough e-waste recycling process to ensure every component, from refrigerants to metals, is safely and responsibly recycled.
In this blog, I’ll take you through the detailed steps we follow at Collins Recycling to recycle air conditioners, highlighting the materials we recover and the impact you can make by choosing to recycle.
Quick Guide for Air Conditioner Recycling
- Drop-Off or Collection: Bring your unit to us or arrange a collection.
- Sorting: Air conditioners are separated for specialised recycling.
- Dismantling: Components are carefully separated and hazardous materials safely removed.
- Recycling: Metals, plastics, and electronics are processed for reuse.
- Safe Disposal: Refrigerants and other hazardous materials are disposed of responsibly.
- Final Processing: Remaining materials are further processed to minimise waste.
Please note: Proof of ID is required for payment.
How to Recycle Air Conditioners at a Recycling Yard
When it comes to recycling air conditioners, we at Collins Recycling follow a meticulous process designed to protect the environment and ensure that every component is put to good use. Here’s how we handle it:
- Collection or Drop-Off:
- The first step is getting the unit to us. Whether you choose to drop it off at our facility or arrange for our collection service, we make it easy for you to recycle responsibly.
- Sorting:
- Once the air conditioner arrives at our facility, we begin by sorting it with other e-waste items. Given the specific materials involved, air conditioners are separated out for specialised processing.
- Dismantling:
- Our team then carefully dismantles the unit. This involves taking apart the air conditioner to separate its various components—metals, plastics, and electronic parts—all while ensuring that hazardous materials like refrigerants are safely contained and removed.
- Recycling Components:
- Each part of the air conditioner is recycled in the most efficient way possible:
- Metals are sent to be melted down and reused in manufacturing.
- Plastics are sorted by type and processed for reuse.
- Electronic circuits are treated to extract valuable metals such as copper and gold.
- Each part of the air conditioner is recycled in the most efficient way possible:
- Environmentally Safe Disposal:
- The hazardous materials, especially refrigerants, are handled with the utmost care. We dispose of these substances in a way that prevents any harm to the environment, complying with all relevant regulations.
- Final Processing:
- After dismantling and sorting, the remaining materials undergo further processing. This step maximises the recycling potential of each component, ensuring minimal waste and contributing to a circular economy.
Pick-Up Fees
If you cannot deliver your scrap to our scrap yard, we also offer a pick-up service.Below are our current pick-up fees, which include GST, reflecting the necessary care and procedures required:
- Per Pallet: $82.50. This rate applies to materials that fit within a standard pallet size and covers the necessary processing and recycling procedures.
- Over 2 Tons: $192.50. This fee is for larger loads exceeding 2 tons, suitable for businesses and extensive recycling projects.
- Special Handling Materials: Certain items require additional care due to hazardous components or specific handling needs. Fees for these materials are necessary to ensure safe and responsible recycling, adhering to environmental regulations.
Air Conditioner Recycling Considerations
Proper disposal of air conditioners is crucial due to the environmental risks associated with their components. In Australia, it’s illegal to simply throw away or leave air conditioners for local collection, as they contain hazardous materials.
Refrigerants
Air conditioners often contain refrigerants like R22, which is harmful to the ozone layer and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Although banned in Australia, many older units still use R22. The government aims to phase out R22 entirely by 2030.
Foam Blowing Agents
These units also contain foam blowing agents that emit harmful gases, further damaging the environment. Despite efforts to eliminate these materials, they are still found in many older air conditioners.
Hazardous Components
Air conditioners contain several components that require specific handling due to their hazardous nature. These include:
- Trace Metals: Elements like cadmium, lead, and mercury are often found in printed circuit boards, lighting, and switches. These metals are toxic and need careful treatment during the recycling process to prevent environmental contamination.
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): PCBs, used to prevent flames, are found in transformers and capacitors within air conditioning units. Due to their toxic nature, PCBs require specialised disposal methods to ensure they do not harm the environment.
Proper recycling of these components is essential to safeguard both human health and the environment.
Conclusion
Recycling your air conditioner with Collins Recycling is a straightforward yet impactful way to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Through our careful and comprehensive process, we dismantle each unit, safely extract and dispose of hazardous materials, and recycle valuable components like metals and plastics.
If you’re ready to recycle your old air conditioner in Perth, please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to ensure this is done efficiently, safely, and in an environmentally-friendly manner.
