Fridge Recycling and Disposal
Pure Planet Recycling provide a fridge recycling and disposal service for business customers. Our collection service handles both domestic-style and commercial refrigerators and freezers. This includes the recycling of medical fridges, vending machines, catering refrigeration and air conditioning units.
Around 3 million fridges are disposed of in the UK every year. As fridges contain hazardous components, they need specialist treatment.
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 secure and reliable 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 here in the UK. 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 offer competitive pricing due to the large volume of fridges we dispose of.
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 FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, you usually can not put fridges into a skip. Fridges are classified as hazardous waste due to the harmful substances they contain. Most skip hire companies will not allow hazardous waste within a skip. You may be surcharged if you place a fridge into a skip, so please check with the supplier before doing so.