How Do I Get Rid of an Old Refrigerator? Fridge Recycling 101

Tom,

January 12, 2021

So, you’re faced with a challenge; how do I get rid of an old refrigerator?

If you have a fridge that doesn’t work anymore, or you’ve upgraded, and it’s just sitting there without being used, it’s probably taking up a lot of dead space that could be used for much more attractive or useful items. Whether you’ve upgraded your fridge or it has simply reached the end of its life span, the best solution is to recycle your fridge.

So, you might be wondering; how do you dispose of a fridge? Welcome to fridge recycling 101. Ridly are experts in rubbish removal and will find a solution for anyone who is asking the nagging question; how to get rid of my fridge?

This article will outline why refrigerators are considered hazardous waste, how to recycle a fridge, how to throw away a fridge using alternative methods, and how Ridly can help with fridge recycling.

Refrigerators are Considered Hazardous Waste

Some whitegoods, including refrigerators, are classified as hazardous waste. It would be extremely irresponsible and unethical to dump whitegoods such as fridges that are considered dangerous, even if it would fit in the trash! Therefore, if you’ve been wondering; how do I get rid of an old refrigerator, the answer is that they must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

The reason why it is imperative to dispose of or recycle fridges is that they contain refrigerants, oils and other compounds in their tanks that produce greenhouse gas. Traditionally, the gases in tanks of fridges are incredibly harmful to the environment. They have been so damaging in the past that local governments now enforce policies and regulations that ensure the proper disposal of fridges. Now people wanting to know; ‘how do I get rid of an old refrigerator?’ should seriously consider their disposal methods to avoid fines and negative environmental outcomes.

Hazardous Waste Removal When Recycling A Fridge

We can’t blame people for being intimidated when wondering ‘how do i get rid of an old refrigerator when they’re considered a hazardous waste?’. To adequately recycle a fridge, hazardous materials such as the gas, chemicals or heavy metals need to be removed. Once hazardous materials are removed and are no longer in danger of contaminating the environment, the appliance is then crushed or shredded. Once the dangerous substances have been removed, and the device is crushed, the steel, metal, copper or plastic can be used to make other materials. Selected parts of fridges can be recycled.

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re in luck! Ridly are leaders in whitegoods removal and fridge removal Sydney and will recycle and donate as many remnants of a fridge as possible. Below is a list of the common types of fridges that Ridly assists our customers in moving:

Top Freezer Refrigerator
Fridge/Freezer Combinations
Mini Fridges
Mini-freezers
Full-sized Deep Freezers
Compact Refrigerators
Side-by-Side Refrigerator
French Door Refrigerator
Counter-Depth Refrigerator

Please note that Ridly is not limited to moving these types of fridges exclusively. We can accommodate many types of fridges that need to be moved.

Alternative Methods: How to Throw Away a Fridge

Ok, so we’ve outlined why it’s essential to recycle fridges due to them being considered hazardous waste. Now we’ll help those wondering; ‘how to get rid of my fridge?’ Although there are several ways in which people can dispose of their fridges, alternate methods of refrigerator removal that we’ll outline in this section include local waste depot and kerbside collection.

How Do I Get Rid of an Old Refrigerator: Local Waste Depot

If you’ve been wondering; how do you dispose of a fridge, and not, how do I recycle my old fridge, then contacting your local waste depot might be something you should consider. Local waste depots will generally be happy to speak to individuals about their waste removal requirements.

Some benefits of using a local waste depot to recycle your fridge include:

You get to remove that big bulky thing in your kitchen, storage space or garage!

The limitations of using a local waste depot as a method for refrigerator disposal include:

Some may not accept refrigerators due to the individual limitations of each locality.
Some may charge a removal or disposal fee
There is a risk of hazardous waste such as refrigerants, oils and other compounds leaking into the environment.
You may need to arrange fridge transport yourself, and therefore may need to hire or borrow a suitable vehicle
Manual labour involved in removing a fridge – it’s not a one person job!
It’s uncertain how regularly or stringently these facilities are monitored, so it’s best to do your research before selecting one!

Ideally, it is best to recycle the fridge and its components wherever it is plausible to do so, rather than dump it at a local waste depot. Historically waste depots haven’t had the best reputation for being environmentally responsible in their waste removal services, so always investigate yourself before attending one. However, at Ridly, we have carefully selected our recycling centres for their commitment to ethical and sustainable recycling practices. When you work with us, you can trust that we’ll take away your rubbish before correctly disposing of and recycling all junk.

How Do I Get Rid of an old Refrigerator: Kerbside Collection

If your refrigerator is not in a condition whereby it can be recycled or re-sold, it is worth calling your local municipality to chat to the council about removing the fridge.

The benefits of using the kerbside collection as a fridge disposal method include:

You only have to move the refrigerator as far as your kerb, so manual labour is reduced
Ultimately, if your local council has the ability at the time, you get to dispose of your fridge!

Limitations of using the kerbside collection to dispose of your fridge include:

Whether or not a collection truck will pick up the refrigerator is not guaranteed – it will depend on the council and their capabilities at the time
You may need to wait for a specified timeframe to have your fridge collected
Some local councils may charge for collection or disposal services
Some municipalities may require specific parts of the fridge to be inspected or removed before it is taken away. This poses a risk of hazardous waste such as refrigerants, oils and other compounds leaking into the environment, especially if you prepare the fridge for removal yourself.
Some may charge a removal service or disposal fee

Fridge Recycling 101

Now that we have covered how to throw away a fridge, let’s talk about the better methods: fridge recycling. Fridge recycling can include re-selling, upcycling, trading or the easiest and best option – contacting Ridly for expert refrigerator removal.

How Do I Get Rid of an Old Refrigerator: Re selling

If you have checked your refrigerator for safety and functionality and it is working well enough to find a second home, your wallet will thank you for re-selling your fridge.

The benefits of re-selling your fridge:

Your fridge gets a second home and a second life
More money in your pocket!
A reduction in the chance of harmful and dangerous oils and gases being released by the fridge through dumping
It’s as effective as every other method at getting that bulky thing out of your home!

Limitations of re-selling your fridge:

If it is an older model, it could be doing more harm than good running by omitting greenhouse gases. Be sure to consider the energy rating of the fridge and the environmental impact it may have before deciding to sell it
You may need to transport the fridge to or from a location

How Do I Get Rid of an Old Refrigerator: Upcycle

If you have a fully functioning fridge and were only looking to get rid of it for cosmetic reasons, you can seriously consider upcycling your fridge.

The benefits of upcycling your fridge:

A more aesthetically pleasing fridge and kitchen at a fraction of the price
Your fridge gets a second life
It requires minimal movement, so your back will thank you!

Limitations of upcycling your fridge:

Be sure to consider the energy rating of the fridge before upcycling it to ensure your energy bills aren’t extreme, and also that your greenhouse gas emissions are reduced
You may need to transport the fridge to or from a location

How Do I Get Rid of an Old Refrigerator: Trade

Many good retailers will trade in your old fridge or freezer when you buy a new one. Most of the time they will offer a pickup service, and may even reduce the price of your current fridge for a trade.

The benefits of trading your fridge:

Many appliance retailers will offer this service, so it conveniently gets rid of your fridge at the same time as you get a new one!
Some retailers may offer money for the trade-in
Manual labour is likely to be reduced

The limitations of trading your fridge:

Some may not accept refrigerators due to the individual limitations
It’s uncertain how regularly or stringently private facilities are monitored for their practices, so make sure you research each before requesting the service.

Some good retailers will offer this service regardless of whether you purchased a fridge from then or not, so it’s always worth calling your local whitegoods dealers to see if they can arrange a trade.

How Can Ridly help with Fridge Recycling?

The best and easiest option for those looking to remove their refrigerator is to call Ridly. We deliver Sydney’s most reliable same-day waste removal service. Ridly rubbish removal Sydney collects, recycles and donates any type of refrigerator or freezer. Our Fridge Removal Service is the fastest, cheapest and most efficient solution in removing your fridge.

For more information on fridge removal and other whitegoods removal services, check out our White Goods Removal page.

Let Ridly give you a hand

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