5 Factors Related to The Process Of Refrigerator Recycling
Approximately eleven million refrigerators are disposed of in the U.S. alone each year. Most of the metal is recycled, and the other materials are crushed and disposed of, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Some states, including Manitoba, Canada, are paying residents to recycle their refrigerators. Some countries even go as far as paying people to recycle them. But in Manitoba, it is even more rewarding to recycle your refrigerator.
1. Refrigerant recovery
What is refrigerator recycling? There are many options for recycling a refrigerator, and you can usually find refrigerator recycling, in your area. Before disposing of an old refrigerator, learning more about the proper disposal method is important. In some cases, removing the refrigerant by yourself may not be enough. Professionals should be hired to do this work. They are EPA-certified to remove the refrigerant and must be trained in handling it safely. Then, they can properly dispose of it.
Many utility companies accept refrigerators for recycling. Many offer cash rebates for old appliances when customers purchase new ones. In some cases, they even pick up the refrigerators at your curb. Others may have a bulk-collection date or offer credit for utility bills. Other local waste management divisions also offer recycling programs for these appliances. Contact your local utility company to find out what their program offers. It’s also a good idea to check with local scrap-metal recyclers.
2. Degassing
A refrigerating device is broken down into individual parts, separated from the air and oil. This separated mixture is then sent for further recycling. In the recycling process, the amount of CFCs in the recovered oil is very low, typically less than 0.1 percent. The compressors, glass shelving, capacitors, and mercury switches are removed during this step. It is followed by degassing.
A piece of automated equipment known as a fridge turner first removes the compressor from the refrigerator. This turner positions the refrigerator in the appropriate position for degassing. The operator then connects the compressor to a drill head and begins the procedure. Once the degassing process has been completed, the compressor is automatically turned back into the conveyor system. The degassing unit utilizes multiple sensors and makes the process virtually accident-free.
3. Components recovery
Refrigerant recovery is a key aspect of the refrigerant lifecycle. As refrigerants are highly volatile, they need to be separated from the remaining waste before they can be reused. There are several methods available for refrigerator recycling. Refrigerant recovery machines are primarily divided into liquid and vapor streams. Each machine can recycle up to 40 kg of refrigerant in eight hours of operation.
The first recovery process involves separating the various components from the old refrigerator. The recovery process takes several minutes and is not an added activity to the existing working hours. It is an effective way to recycle a domestic refrigerator without adding too much to your working time. Secondly, the process involves a low-cost procedure for the parts of the refrigerator. It also does not require the purchase of new filters or repair and maintenance services.
4. Landfilling
Refrigerator recycling programs are a great way to reduce waste. Many refrigerators are made from easily recyclable materials. For example, aluminum from refrigerators can be used to make beverage cans. Recycling programs such as Mass Save prevent 85% of a refrigerator’s weight from entering landfills. These programs are also beneficial because they can save you money in the long run. The EPA is working on a Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program that was introduced in 2006.
In the United States, most refrigerators can be recycled. Plastic, metal, and glass are collected for reuse. However, the insulating foam inside a refrigerator is often disposed of in landfills. This type of insulation releases hazardous gases into the atmosphere. In addition, the blowing agent used in the insulating foam makes it difficult for recycling companies to process the material. As a result, some of the refrigerators that are sent to landfills have a hazardous content.
5. Cost
When disposing of an old refrigerator or freezer, you can find out about the cost of refrigerator recycling by researching recycling programs. Some retailers offer to remove the appliance for free, but there are other options. In addition, local non-profit organizations often accept appliances for free. Recycling your old appliance is the best way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment. Many major retailers will even pay for refrigerator removal. Find out about recycling programs in your area.
When recycling your old fridge or freezer, you can also get a rebate from your electric company. You can get up to $75 back for your appliance if you recycle it through one company that provides the service. United Illuminating and Eversource offer rebates for refrigerators and freezers. These companies contract with ARCA to provide this service. You can contact your local company to see if they will accept your refrigerator or freezer.
