Can waste fridges and freezers still be recycled?
Yes. However, the UK currently has no facilities capable of extracting CFCs from insulation foam before the refrigerators are recycled, although there are a number of companies that are keen to invest in plant. As no facilities will be on-line by 1 January 2002, we are developing guidance for the storage of these units until the necessary facilities come on-line (see separate question on storage, below). There will now be a cost associated with the recycling of waste refrigeration equipment. Although, local authorities are obliged to accept refrigerators or freezers from households at a civic amenity site free-of-charge. Local authorities are also obliged to provide a collection service for bulky household items, although they can charge for a collection cost. Units can be exported to other Member States for recycling, although capacity on the continent may be limited.
