Fridge Disposal Guide | How to Get Rid of a Fridge Responsibly

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of people with their fridge disposal.

As with any type of e-waste, the best way to dispose of these is to deliver them to an e-waste recycling service.

Below, I have put together a guide to explain how to get rid of a fridge responsibly and effectively.

Quick Guide to Fridge Disposal

Drop-Off or Collection: Bring your fridge to us or arrange a collection.

Sorting: Fridges are separated for specialised recycling processes.

Removal of Hazardous Materials: Refrigerants and insulating foams containing ozone-depleting substances or greenhouse gases are safely extracted.

Dismantling: Components like compressors and coils are carefully removed.

Recycling: Metals, plastics, and glass from the fridge are processed for reuse.

Safe Disposal: Hazardous materials such as oils and refrigerants 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 Get Rid of Your Fridge

Throughout my career in the industry, there has never been an easier time to get rid of your fridge responsibly without contributing to landfills.

Fridge Disposal Methods

Below, I’ve laid out the best ways to dispose of fridges, as well as the pros and cons for each method.

Professional Pickup: There are many professional services, such as mine, that offer to collect and responsibly dispose of old fridges, ensuring hazardous components are safely managed.
Skip Bin: Hiring a skip bin for fridge disposal may be suitable for large clean-up projects, but it’s important to check if the service accepts white goods.
Facebook Marketplace: Listing an old fridge on Facebook Marketplace can be a way to give it a second life if it’s still in working condition.
Op Shops: Some op shops may accept working fridges for resale or donation, providing a sustainable disposal option.
Take-back Schemes: Certain manufacturers and retailers offer take-back schemes, where they collect old fridges when delivering new ones for responsible recycling.
Recycling Centres: Local recycling centres, such as mine, often accept fridges for recycling, ensuring harmful substances are properly handled and recycled.

Pros and Cons for Each Disposal Method

With many options available, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons for each while considering your unique circumstances.

Disposal Method	Pros	Cons
Professional Pickup	Convenient, ensures proper recycling.	May involve a fee, dependent on service availability.
Hire a Skip Bin	Flexible timing, suitable for large/multiple items.	Physical effort required, rental fees.
Post on Facebook Marketplace	Easy to list, eco-friendly reuse.	Can be time-consuming, security risks with strangers.
Donate to Charity	Benefits those in need, often includes pickup service.	Condition restrictions, limited acceptance of items.
Take-back Schemes	Convenient at time of new purchase, hassle-free.	Only with new purchases, dependent on retailer.
Recycling Centre	Environmentally responsible, many councils offer recycling programs.	Requires self-transportation, physical effort.

Hazardous Materials to Consider

Fridges may contain several hazardous components that pose risks to health and the environment if not properly handled or disposed of, including:

Refrigerants: Older fridges often use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as refrigerants, which are potent greenhouse gases and harmful to the ozone layer. Newer models may use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are less harmful to the ozone layer but still potent greenhouse gases.
Foam Insulation: The insulation in refrigerators, particularly in older models, can contain CFCs or HCFCs, which are both ozone-depleting substances and potent greenhouse gases.
Heavy Metals: Fridges can contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, particularly in the electrical components and wiring. These metals can be toxic and pose health risks if released into the environment.
PCBs & PBBs: Some older fridges may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) in the coolant or in the insulation foam. These substances are toxic and can accumulate in the environment, posing risks to wildlife and human health.

Proper disposal and recycling of fridges are crucial to prevent the release of these hazardous components into the environment.

Australia has many regulations in place for the safe disposal and recycling of refrigerators to minimise environmental impact and health risks.

Recycling vs Disposal

While both recycling and disposal using methods like a skip bin are effective ways of getting your fridge out of your home, there are some crucial differences between the methods you should know about.

Pros and Cons of Recycling

Pros	Cons
Reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, minimises pollution.	May require more effort to transport to a recycling centre.
Often free or low-cost through city councils or manufacturer schemes.	Limited availability of recycling centres in certain areas.
Lower energy consumption in processing recycled materials.
Facilitates the recovery and reuse of materials.
Supports recycling industry jobs and local economies.

Pros and Cons of Using a Skip Bin

Pros	Cons
Straightforward methods for discarding a fridge.	Increases landfill waste, does not aid in resource recovery, and exposes the enviornment to hazardous materials.
Multiple options including skip bins, municipal collection, landfill disposal.	Involves charges based on disposal method, size, and duration.
Accommodates various sizes and types of fridges.	Does not encourage recycling efforts or resource recovery.

Example Scenario

Alex, a Perth resident, is committed to responsibly disposing of his old, still-functional fridge to help minimise landfill impact. He explores various removal options, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, ultimately deciding that recycling is the best course of action.

Researching Disposal Methods: Alex weighs his options, including selling the fridge on Facebook Marketplace, but chooses recycling for its environmental benefits.
Reaching Out to Collin’s Recycling: He contacts Collin’s Recycling, shares the fridge’s details, and schedules a pickup.
Fridge Preparation: Alex ensures the fridge is clean, empty, and accessible for the collection team.
Collection by Collin’s Recycling: On the arranged day, Collin’s Recycling sends a team who carefully remove the fridge from his property.
Recycling the Fridge: The appliance is transported to the recycling facility, where it is dismantled for parts recovery and material recycling.

With thorough research and a little effort, Alex contributes to landfill reduction and environmental protection.

Conclusion

Getting rid of your fridge responsibly is crucial for contributing to a greener and safer environment.

For more information about our recycling efforts or to schedule a pickup, please don’t hesitate to contact my team for efficient e-waste recycling in Perth.

Myself and my experienced team members can assist you and ensure your fridge is efficiently and responsibly recycled for free.

FAQs

What dangers are associated with getting rid of a fridge?

There are a few critical points to consider before you set out to get rid of your fridge.

Difficulty moving them: With few exceptions, fridges are challenging to move. They are bulky, hard to manoeuvre, and quite heavy. It is easy to injure yourself when trying to remove your old fridge.
Hazardous chemicals: Fridges contain chemicals that require professional handling and disposal. My team and I have the necessary training and equipment to handle these chemicals safely.
The environmental harm: Improper fridge disposal tends to mean it ends up in a landfill. Fridges are not biodegradable. However, a significant amount of them can be broken down and recycled if taken to the proper location.

Can I recycle my old fridge in Perth?

Yes, recycling is a viable and environmentally-beneficial option for many parts of your fridge. Contact your local recycling centre for details.

Does Collins Recycling assist with fridge disposal in Perth?

Yes, we provide services that facilitate the responsible recycling of fridges.

Is it possible to donate or sell usable fridges in Perth?

Yes, donating or selling functional fridges is encouraged as a sustainable choice.

What should I consider before disposing of my fridge?

Consider the it’s condition, reuse or recycling potential, and the local disposal regulations.

Are there any fees for disposing of fridges in Perth?

Pick-up fees may vary. However, we do not charge a disposal fee when dropping off your fridge in person and will actually reimburse you for your scrap.