Understanding refrigerator recycling helps you save money and energy. An outdated fridge can use up to three times as much electricity to run as a newer, more efficient model. Refrigerators also contain materials such as insulating foam and oil-based refrigerants that can be recycled. However, you must carefully follow the EPA rules regarding dumping CFCs (ozone-depleting chemicals) into the environment.
Energy Savings
A refrigerator or freezer using older technology can use three times as much electricity as newer, Energy Star-rated units. By recycling old refrigerators and freezers, customers can save money on their energy bills while protecting the environment. According to the EPA, when sent to landfills, large appliances such as refrigerators and freezers can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Many contain ozone-depleting chemicals, such as foam insulation containing CFC-11 and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Refrigerator recycling Sussex County NJ, helps protect the environment by keeping ozone-depleting substances out of our landfills and preventing the release of PCBs into the environment. It also keeps refrigerants, such as Freon, out of the waste stream and helps ensure that metals, plastic, glass, and other materials are recycled instead of going to the landfill. These are just some of the environmental benefits that result from environmentally responsible disposal of refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers the RAD way.
Environmental Benefits
Many refrigerators contain recyclable materials, such as steel and plastic. The metal in old fridges can be turned into new metal products instead of being sent to landfills. And plastic from appliances can be recycled into new products, like carpet padding and flooring. Some retailers and refrigerator manufacturers recycle or refurbish older appliances that need to be fixed. They may also offer a rebate when buying a new appliance. Or, your local waste management company might have set bulk collection dates where they pick up large items, including refrigerators. It’s important to remember that older refrigerators and freezers use three times as much electricity as newer appliances, so recycling them is good for the environment. Plus, some old appliances have foam insulation that contains CFCs, which are ozone-depleting gases and contribute to climate change.
Money Savings
Refrigerator recycling keeps old refrigerators and freezers out of landfills, which also saves the energy it takes to generate electricity to power them. These older appliances use up to four times more energy than newer ENERGY STAR(r)-rated models. In addition, when discarded into landfills, refrigerants, foam insulation, and metals leach into the environment and contribute to greenhouse gases. When a refrigerator is recycled, RAD partners ensure ozone-depleting substances like mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, and used oil are adequately disposed of, and metals, plastics, glass, and foam insulation are recovered and put back into the supply chain for reuse. If you cannot recycle your old refrigerator, consider purchasing one from an ENERGY STAR(r)-rated company and contacting your electric utility to see if it offers rebates for replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models. This may help offset the cost of your new refrigerator, making it an affordable choice. Plus, a newer refrigerator will pay for itself in just a few years with the energy savings you’ll experience.
Reduced Waste
Refrigerators and freezers contain refrigerants, oils, and other compounds that, by federal law, must be removed and recovered. After that, the steel, other metals, and selected parts are recycled, with some recycling programs even capturing foam insulation inside refrigerator doors. Many local scrap metal recyclers accept old refrigerators for recycling. Your waste disposal company may also offer set bulk pick-up dates where they collect these large items, or you can contact your utility or energy company to see if they have a refrigerator recycling program. If replacing an older refrigerator with a new Energy Star model, you may be eligible for a check or bill credit from your electric company. This is because refrigerators use up to four times as much electricity as newer models, and a single old fridge can put a lot of pressure on your local energy grid. Refrigerator recycling helps reduce the demand for local energy supplies and the environmental impact of fossil fuels needed to generate that electricity.
