Recycling Articles : Recycling White Goods

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“White goods” are what we call the large domestic appliances that are, more often than not, coloured in white when sold. During the 90’s, significant media attention was given to CFC’s or “chlorofluorocarbons”, due to their extensive use in white goods such as refrigerators coupled with their harmful effect on the ozone layer.

Traditionally, fridges tended to be one of the most commonly illegally dumped household appliances although nowadays, most people are conscious of the “proper way” to dump white goods. However, since these are large, common and expensive items it is important to consider whether or not they can be recycled and if so, how.

CFC’s was extensively used within refridgerators as a coolant until aroud 1994 when it became widely known that this chemical could easily leak from friges that were not properly disposed of and would have a harmful effect on the oxone layer. At the moment, CFC’s are slowly being phased out and making way for HCFC’S which are less harmful to the ozone layer but still, not suitable to be dumped casually.

Most white goods have involved a significant investment from the owner at some point and therefore it is usually a good idea to attempt to refurbish them before being recycled. Also, appliances that still work but are unwanted can often be donated to a homeless shelter or other charitable organisation. Simply contact your local Social services for advice and instruction on this.

If there is no way of reusing or refurbishing the appliance then recycling it from anywhere in the UK should be relatively easy. Your local recycling centre should be able to accept and safely recycle any appliance you give them. Remember to empty and clean your appliance before bringing it in to the centre. These centres will remove the hazardous chemicals before shredding the various other components such as plasitvs and metals for reconstituting into new ingots.

On another point, recycling places often have spare fridge freezer trays and shelves and other spare parts for white goods which are sold at very low prices. Reusing these materials helps to prevent wastage and the pollution of producing another brand new part. Remember that when you make recycling and reuse a way of life, you do make a difference!

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