In my years in the scrap metal and recycling industries, I noticed a significant uptick in improperly disposing of white goods.
As with any type of e-waste, the best way to dispose of these is to deliver them to an e-waste recycling service.
I have put together a guide about white goods disposal as well as tips to ensure that all goes smoothly.
Quick Guide for White Goods Recycling
- Drop-Off or Collection: Bring your white goods (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers) to us or arrange a collection.
- Sorting: Appliances are sorted based on type and condition for specialised recycling or potential refurbishment.
- Dismantling: Components like motors, compressors, and electronic parts are carefully disassembled. Hazardous materials such as refrigerants and oils are safely removed.
- Recycling Components:
- Metals: Metals like steel, aluminum, and copper are extracted and sent for reuse.
- Plastics: Sorted and processed for reuse in various applications.
- Electronic Components: Treated to recover valuable materials.
- Environmentally Safe Disposal: Hazardous substances like refrigerants, oils, and chemicals are handled responsibly to prevent environmental harm.
- Final Processing: Remaining materials undergo further processing to maximise recycling and minimise waste.
Please note: Proof of ID is required for payment.
White Goods Disposal Methods
Below, I’ve laid out the best ways to dispose of white goods, as well as the pros and cons for each method:
| 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, immediate disposal. | Requires self-transportation, physical effort. |
Disposal Options for Various Types of White Goods
In my many years of experience in the industry, there has never been an easier time to remove white goods without contributing to landfills.
Below, I’ve created a table covering the recycling and disposal options for various types of white goods.
As the rest of the disposal options are not typically subject to certain criteria, I’ve restricted this to recycling and skip bin availability:
| White Good | Recycling Center | Skip Bins | Hazardous Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators and Freezers |
|
Generally available, check local waste management services | CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, Insulation Foams, PCBs, Mercury |
| Washing Machines |
|
Available, check for size and weight restrictions | Generally no hazardous components |
| Dryers |
|
Available, remove hazardous components before disposal | Capacitors (may contain PCBs in older models) |
| Dishwashers |
|
Available, check for preparation requirements | Circuit Boards (heavy metals like lead, mercury) |
| Ovens and Stoves |
|
Available, ensure safe handling of gas/electric parts | Insulation (possible asbestos), Gas Components (dangerous gases) |
| Microwave Ovens |
|
Available, follow electronic waste handling protocols | Beryllium in ceramic parts, Capacitors (high voltage retention) |
| Air Conditioners |
|
Available, professional refrigerant removal required | Refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs), Oil in compressors |
Recycling vs Disposal
While both recycling and disposing of white goods in skip bins accomplish the job of removing appliances from your home, the two methods have some crucial differences you should know.
Pros and Cons of Recycling White Goods
| 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 for certain goods. |
| 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 Disposing White Goods
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Straightforward methods for discarding large appliances. | Increases landfill waste, does not aid in resource recovery. |
| Multiple options including skip bins, municipal collection, landfill disposal. | Involves charges based on disposal method, size, and duration. |
| Accommodates various sizes and types of appliances. | Does not encourage recycling efforts or resource recovery. |
Example Scenario
Emma, a Perth resident, plans to dispose of her old, functional fridge responsibly. Because working to help reduce landfills is important, Emma takes the time to see which removal method will ensure that her refrigerator is disposed of correctly.
Emma takes the following steps:
- Exploring Options: Emma considers various disposal methods, including listing the fridge on Facebook Marketplace. However, she prioritises environmental responsibility and decides on recycling.
- Contacting Collin’s Recycling: She calls Collin’s Recycling, provides details about the fridge, and arranges a pick-up service for her fridge disposal.
- Preparing the Fridge: Emma cleans and empties the fridge, ensuring it’s ready and accessible for collection.
- Pick-Up Service: On the scheduled day, a team from Collin’s Recycling arrives and carefully removes the fridge from her home.
- Recycling Process: The fridge is taken to the recycling facility, which is dismantled for parts recovery and material recycling.
With a bit of research and minimal effort, Emma did her part to reduce landfills and help protect the planet.
Conclusion
Correctly disposing of white goods is vital if we are going to create a greener and safer environment for future generations.
For more information about our recycling efforts or to schedule a pickup, please don’t hesitate to contact us for responsible e-waste recycling in Perth.
One of our experienced team members can assist you and ensure your white goods and other scrap are correctly recycled.
FAQs
What are white goods?
White goods are sizeable appliances that are typically in most homes. These are usually difficult to move, which is why home products like toasters and blenders are not considered white goods. The most familiar examples of white goods include:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Microwave ovens
- Dishwashers
- Stoves
- Washing machines
- Dryers
- Air conditioners
Over the years, I often hear the question, “Why are they called white goods?” Appliances got their name decades ago when white was the only colour available. So, even though there is a rainbow of colours for appliances, they are still frequently called white goods.
What dangers are associated with the discarding of white Goods?
There are a few critical points to consider before you set out to get rid of white goods.
- Difficulty moving them: With few exceptions, white goods are challenging to move. The items are bulky, hard to manoeuver, and quite heavy. It is easy to injure yourself when trying to remove your old fridge.
- Hazardous chemicals: Many products, particularly refrigerators, 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 disposal of white goods tends to mean the appliance ends up in a landfill. White goods are not biodegradable. However, a significant amount of an appliance can be broken down and recycled if taken to the proper location.
Can I recycle my old white goods in Perth?
Yes, recycling is a viable option for many parts of white goods. Contact local recycling centers like Collins Recycling for details.
Does Collins Recycling assist with white goods disposal in Perth?
Collins Recycling provides services that facilitate the responsible recycling of white goods.
Is it possible to donate or sell usable white goods in Perth?
Yes, donating or selling functional white goods is encouraged as a sustainable choice.
What should I consider before disposing of white goods?
Consider the appliance’s condition, reuse or recycling potential, and local disposal regulations.
Are there any fees for disposing of white goods in Perth?
Pick-up fees may vary. However, we do not charge a disposal fee when dropping off your white goods in person and will actually reimburse you for your scrap.
