Fridges and Freezers

It's absolutely fine for someone to give away a working fridge or freezer. However, if it's not working and is being offered "for scrap", it falls into the "not legal" category.

Background

Since 1 January 2002, EU regulations have banned disposing of old fridges via scrap yards and landfill. The regulations aim to reduce damage to the ozone layer from chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Their use was banned in manufacturing all appliances, including fridges, and controlled substances now have to be removed and recovered from appliances before disposal. The UK was initially under-prepared for this, but there are now operators licensed to collect and treat old fridges.

In 2003 the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) set targets for collecting and recycling appliances, alongside restrictions on hazardous substances used in manufacturing electrical equipment.

Which fridges and freezers does this cover?

Any that contain CFCs and/or HCFCs, either as refrigerant in the cooling system or as a blowing agent in the insulating foam. Most manufacturers stopped using CFCs as refrigerant in the mid-1990s, but HCFCs continued to be used as a foam blowing agent for several years after - so most fridges currently entering the waste stream need treatment.

Which substances are affected?

All ozone-depleting substances, which are mainly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam blowing, as solvents, and in fire fighting - including CFCs and HCFCs.

How can you tell if a fridge or freezer contains ozone-depleting substances?

Age is a good guide. Before 1994, almost all appliances used CFCs as both refrigerant and foam blowing agent. After 1994 these were mostly replaced with HFC refrigerant and HCFC foam blowing agent; modern fridges now use HFC or hydrocarbon refrigerants and hydrocarbon blowing agents. Most fridges have a rating plate on the back showing the model and serial number, and usually the refrigerant used. Fridges marked R12 or R134a on the plate will most likely have CFC or HCFC in the insulation foam and should be treated accordingly.

How can someone dispose of an old appliance?

Suppliers of new fridges and freezers are often reluctant to take back old appliances free of charge, because of the disposal cost to them. Householders have two main options: contact a specialised fridge recycling contractor in your area, or take the appliance to your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

So, the best advice is not to allow non-working fridges or freezers to be offered, and certainly not "for scrap". Spare shelves, ice trays, doors and handles from them can still be useful, though.

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