Fridge Collection and Disposal

Fridges and commercial refrigeration units are classed as hazardous waste under the WEEE Regulations 2013 because they contain substances that can harm the environment.

For older fridges, manufactured before 1994, this includes CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which are particularly harmful because, if released, they deplete ozone in the upper atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

SafeGroup provides a national fridge collection and disposal service that ensures unwanted fridges are processed legally and responsibly so materials are reused, where possible and potentially harmful chemicals are disposed of safely.

Who we work for

We collect fridges for commercial clients and householders. Commercial clients include food manufacturers, restaurants and cafes, food retailers, facilities management specialists, and public bodies, such as universities and colleges, hospitals, and schools.

We can also provide a waste service that smoothly and sustainably carries out scheduled refrigerator collections on a long-term basis across multiple sites anywhere in the UK as part of your organisation’s WEEE waste strategy.

Related SafeGroup services

• WEEE waste collection
• Food waste collection
• Chemicals collection and disposal
• Clinical and medical waste collection
• Hygienic deep cleaning

Fridge collection – fast, safe and national

SafeGroup operates a fridge collection service from five depots across the UK. We will provide you with full documentation, including a hazardous waste consignment note, so you can prove your fridge has been disposed of legally.

Care should be taken to check the bona fides of waste carriers. Fridges can end up being fly-tipped. Owners of fridges disposed of in a non-compliant way can be prosecuted by the Environment Agency and local authorities and issued with heavy fines.

SafeGroup waste collection operatives receive accredited training to lift and move bulky items and can operate in difficult environments, for example where access and space are limited.

We operate a modern fleet of low-emission bespoke waste collection vehicles that can collect fridges in all urban and rural environments, including in areas where HGV restrictions apply.

Unlike local authorities, which usually only provide a kerbside collection service, we can remove fridges and refrigeration units from inside your premises.

Fridges and hazardous waste

Refrigerators are designated as WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment). They contain chemicals and metals that are potentially toxic to humans and animals and harmful to the environment.

This problem is made worse because refrigerators are often replaced less often than other equipment, especially in homes, so there are proportionately more older appliances in use that do not comply with the latest laws governing manufacturing and WEEE.

Hazardous materials in fridges and refrigeration units include:

CFCs – chlorofluorocarbons: banned in 1994 due to their very high ozone depleting potential (ODP) and high global warming potential (GWP). Though decreasing in number, there are still fridges in use that contain CFCs.

HCFCs – hydrochlorofluorocarbons: a second generation of fluorine-based gases, they are considered to have medium ODP potential. They are often found in refrigeration units that have been retrofitted to replace CFCs.

HFCs – hydrofluorocarbons: these are third generation of fluorine-based gases that are categorised as having zero ODP but still medium to high GWP. As such, they are more sustainable but are still considered potentially harmful to the environment.

HFOs – hydrofluoro-olefins: these are the fourth generation of fluorine-based gases. They are categorised as having zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and low GWP.

Natural refrigerants – notably ammonia: these are chemicals that occur naturally in bio-chemical processes. They do not deplete the ozone layer and make a negligible, or zero, contribution to global warming. However, ammonia is toxic to humans and animals, and an environmental pollutant, so must be disposed of under controlled conditions.

Blowing agents – these are chemicals used to create the insulation foam used in refrigerators. In the past, CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs were used as blowing agents. Now, other hydrocarbon-based chemicals are used. While these are less harmful to the ozone layer, they can still contribute to global warming and are potentially toxic.

Fridge collection and disposal – talk to us

SafeGroup works with supply chain partners to ensure all fridges are managed responsibly in line with the waste hierarchy so they are reused, or their materials are recycled, minimising waste going to landfill. Harmful chemicals are neutralised, usually by incineration.

Fridge Collection and Disposal Service

At SafeGroup we have a team of highly skilled staff who specialise in Fridge Collection and Disposal. We currently offer this service across the United Kingdom.

We can collect fridges as a one of task, or we would be pleased to talk to you about being your long-term refrigeration WEEE collection partner – to protect your interests and the environment.

Talk to use about fridge collection and disposal: 0800 668 1268