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How to Recycle Refrigerators and Freezers

How to Recycle Refrigerators and Freezers

Updated 12 February 2019 08:19 AM

The retailer who sells you and installs your new fridge or freezer will take and recycle your old appliance. This is either for free or a small fee depending on the retailer.

In NSW, Fridge Buyback will collect your fridge and might even give you a $35 rebate. NSW’s Fridge Buyback Program accepts refrigerators over ten years old, over 250 litres capacity, and in good working order.

Many councils have facilities at their transfer stations if your fridge or freezer no longer works. If you care to wait for the annual or bi annual council kerbside collection days, you can leave your old white goods on the footpath. 

Effective disposal of white goods involves diversion of as much waste from landfill to recycling and reclaiming of materials as possible.

Gumtree is always worth a try if your fridge still works. 

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Science Notes
There two main issues with recycling refrigerators and freezers are firstly recycling the metal and other parts and secondly removing refrigerants or 'degassing'. Refrigerants are known to deplete ozone and must be disposed of carefully.

At the recyclers, once gases and chemicals have been removed from whitegoods, they are then crushed and shredded. Whitegoods are primarily steel so the metals are then separated for reuse and the plastics for repurposing into other plastic products.

Related Tip
Much of the electrical and electronic waste discarded every year is still in working order and can be reconditioned for further use.  Make sure you ask younger relatives and friends if they can use your unwanted gaming machines, phones, stereos etc before tossing them.

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