Fridge Recycling and Disposal

Around 3 million fridges are disposed of in the UK every year. They contain hazardous components that need specialist treatment.

Pure Planet Recycling offers a fridge recycling and disposal service for business customers. We collect domestic and commercial fridges, freezers and air conditioning units.

We are an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for electrical waste. Our staff collect fridges from all types of businesses, schools and organisations. Using our fleet of vehicles, we offer a nationwide collection service.

At the time of disposal, we provide a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. The paperwork details the number, weight and hazardous components of the fridges. It gives a paper traceable route of what happens to your waste.

We recycle all our refrigerants at a fridge recycling plant. They follow strict procedures to remove and treat each hazardous component.

Only a few recycling facilities can recycle fridges within the UK. Our recycling partner is one such company so you can be sure of a compliant and legal recycling service.

We can offer competitive pricing due to the large volume of fridges we dispose of.

fridge and freezer recycling

Our Fridge Recycling Process

Booking a collection of old fridges and freezers is as easy as;


Step 1

You contact us detailing the number and type of fridges you have for recycling.


STEP 2

We provide you with a quotation for collecting and recycling the refrigerants.


STEP 3

We arrange a collection at a mutually convenient time using our secure transportation.


STEP 4


Upon collection, we provide you with a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note.


STEP 5

At our licensed recycling facility, we complete the Hazardous Waste Consignment Note and detail the waste recycled.


STEP 6

Once the recycling is complete, we issue a recycling report and invoice for the load.

How Is A Fridge Recycled?

Ever wondered how a Fridge is recycled, once you dispose of it? What happens to each section and the harmful gases contained within? The following process is used within the fridge freezer recycling plant, conveyor belts move the units from one stage to the next.

1. Preparation

Firstly, the fridges and freezers are emptied of any food, liquids, trays and shelves contained within. The unit is now clean of any contaminates and is able to be processed.

2. Degassing

A fridge/freezer contains ozone depleting substances, such as CFC’s which must be removed at the beginning of the recycling process. These are extracted via the fridge compressor, where the oil and coolant are separated. The oil is reusable as a product but the coolant is destroyed separately. The compressors, now drained, are removed and recycled as a material.

3. Shredding and Fraction Segregation

An industrial shredder takes the fridge from a whole unit down to small manageable pieces. The metal and plastic separate from the insulation foam ensuring the materials can then be segregated effectively.

4. Sieving

To remove the Polyurethane (PUR) foam, the materials are finely sieved. The foam is then heated to release blowing agent gases, which are frozen and liquefied for treatment. The remaining PUR foam is sent to a specialist recycling company that take the foam, turn it into a fine powder and reuse this to create new foam.

5. Magnetic Separation

The shredded materials pass under a magnet which removes ferrous metal which is then reused in the manufacturing chain.

6. Eddy Current Separation/Air Separator

The remaining materials are passed through an eddy current separator and air separator which segregates plastic from non-ferrous metals. With the materials separated they hold a higher value and can be reused easily.

Both Stage 2 and Stage 3 are completed within an inert Nitrogen Atmosphere, providing a safe processing environment.

This fridge recycling process allows for maximum recovery recycling rates whilst maintaining best recycling practice.

fridge recycling infographic

Fridge Recycling FAQ

Do you collect fridges from households?

Pure Planet Recycling only offers a fridge collection service for business customers. We advise that you speak to your local recycling facility, which you can find here. Alternatively, we could ask your local council if they offer a collection service.

How much does it cost to dispose of a fridge?

The cost of recycling a fridge varies depending on the size, number, type and refrigeration gas contained within the unit. Please get in touch with us for an accurate collection price.

What paperwork should I get when I recycle my old fridge?

As fridges are hazardous waste, you must receive the correct paperwork for disposal. Anyone collecting end-of-life fridges should be a waste carrier and provide a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. This details the type, volume and hazard components of the fridge. It should also show who is transporting the fridge and the disposal point.

Can I take my old fridge to the scrap yard?

In most cases, your local scrap metal yard will not accept fridges for recycling. This is due to fridges requiring specialist treatment when being recycled. Unfortunately, they are not worth a value as scrap.