Waste and Recycling: Disposal of Waste Refrigeration Equipment
Advice to Small Business
If you have to dispose of an old fridge, freezer or chiller cabinet or dismantle a cold store room, you should ensure it is done safely to prevent accidents or harm to the environment.
What is the law?
Since 1 October 2000, ozone depleting substances (ODS) (including CFCs and HCFCs) 1 must be removed from commercial refrigeration equipment 2 before it is disposed of. This includes ODS in the cooling system of the refrigeration equipment and the insulating foam inside the walls and door 3. It is your responsibility under the Duty of Care law 4 to ensure that all ODS are removed from your fridge or freezer beforedisposal at facilities approved by the Environment Agency.
The duty of care is a law which says that you must take all reasonable steps to keep waste safe. If you give waste to someone else, you must be sure they are authorised to take it and can transport, recycle and dispose of it safely.
How to identify refrigeration equipment that may contain ODS:
The age of small refrigeration equipment should give you a general idea: -
- prior to 1994 almost all refrigeration appliances used CFCs as both refrigerant (CFC R12) and as foam blowing agent (CFC R11);
- after 1994 these were mainly replaced with HFC as refrigerant (R134a) and HCFC foam blowing agent (R141b or R142b/R22);
- modern fridges and freezers are generally manufactured using HFC (R134a) or hydrocarbon (HC600a) refrigerants and hydrocarbon blowing agents.
Most fridges and freezers are also marked with an 'appliance rating plate' - a metal plate or sticky label which is found either on the back or interior of the appliance. The plate contains information about the appliance, for example model and serial number. In most cases it will also state what refrigerant was used in the appliance. Fridges that are marked with R12 or R134a on the plate will most probably have CFC or HCFC in the insulation foam and should be treated accordingly, unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise.
The existence of ODS in larger cabinets and cold room/chill stores is more difficult to identify as a rating plate (if it exists) will normally refer to the cooling system rather than any foam insulation. In most cases it will be simpler to assume CFC insulation.
How to dispose of refrigeration equipment that contains ODS:
1. Consult your local waste collection authority (District, Borough or Unitary Council). The local authority is not obliged to accept it from a business but may be able to offer you some advice on how to dispose of the equipment locally.
2. Consult a specialist fridge disposal company
3. In some areas, local traders or charities may accept refrigeration equipment from you if it is in good working order - check your local Telephone Directory for details. Refrigeration units may be refurbished and resold anywhere within the EU.
Remember fly-tipping is illegal & dumped refrigeration equipment can pose a real hazard to small children, pets and livestock who may become harmed or trapped inside.
This advice has been issued jointly by Defra and the DTI. Further information and a range of frequently asked questions can be found on the Defra website -
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/fridges/faq.htm - or phone 020 7082 8757 or email waste.policy@defra.gsi.gov.uk
NOTE: the printed leaflet containing the above information is also available in Adobe Acrobat format (50kb) for downloading. The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be freely downloaded. Viewers with visual difficulties may find it useful to investigate services provided to improve the accessibility of Acrobat documents -- http://access.adobe.com
1 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are damaging to the ozone layer.
2 Commercial refrigeration equipment, in this context, does not include a self standing or stand alone building or any equipment that does not contain CFCs or HCFCs.
3 European Council Regulation No. 2037/2000 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
4 Environmental Protection, Duty of Care Regulation 1991
Page last modified
17 August 2006
Page published 23 April 2002