Disposing your refrigerator isn’t as simple as throwing out the trash. There are dangerous chemicals inside a refrigerator, such as refrigerants and foam insulation, which if not handled correctly, could cause harm to people or the environment.
Plus, the size and weight of refrigerators make them quite cumbersome to carry and move—another factor that you need to consider. Therefore, it’s essential to learn how to dispose of your refrigerator in a sensible, safe, and legal manner.
This article will guide you through a five-step process for disposing of a refrigerator properly.
Follow these five steps to get rid of your refrigerator the right way.
When disposing of a refrigerator, you’ll want to unplug the appliance at least a few days in advance, so there’s plenty of time for it to defrost and for the fan motor to cool down.
It’s also essential to clean the interior of the refrigerator and remove any food items still inside. Nobody wants to have to deal with foul odors, mold, or rotten food left inside an old refrigerator, so cleaning it out now is a gesture of courtesy for whoever uses the appliance next.
This safety step ensures small children or animals can’t play or crawl inside the refrigerator and get trapped. It also prevents any doors from accidentally flinging open and hurting someone while the appliance is being moved or transported.
You can usually remove the doors, hinges, and locks by unscrewing any screws holding them in place and then lifting them off. To tie the doors shut, you can use ropes, bungee cords, or strong duct tape.
You have a few options to consider when it comes to the method of disposal you use. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common methods:
It’s worth reaching out to a few services you’re interested in, or at least looking at their websites to see what they offer exactly. You will likely find that each disposal service varies slightly.
Some services may offer to collect your appliance from your home for free, while others may require you to drop it off; some may pay or reward you for your old refrigerator, while others may charge a fee; and some may recycle your refrigerator, while others may send it to a landfill.
Think about what’s most important to you, and opt for the service that most closely meets your preferences. Then, contact them to arrange a date for disposal.
Depending on the disposal service you choose, you may need to deliver the refrigerator yourself to a scrapyard, waste facility, or recycling center; or you may just need to move it to the end of your driveway ready for collection the day before disposal.
Whichever is the case for you, you must be careful when moving the heavy appliance to prevent injuries such as a strained back. The combination of using a dolly to help distribute the weight and having at least one other person around to help you is the best way to move the appliance as safely as possible.
If your refrigerator is working, in relatively good condition, and less than 12 years old, there are a few other options to consider:
Just because you feel your refrigerator is no longer right for you, it doesn’t mean it won’t be valuable to someone else. To sell it online, just take a few pics and list it on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a similar site. Not only will you earn some cash, but interested buyers may also be willing to pick it up.
Many charities or nonprofit organizations would be happy to receive a well-functioning refrigerator as a donation, as this would save them the expense of purchasing one. However, to avoid burdening them with something they don’t need, be sure to send them some photos beforehand, or allow them to visit, so you can be sure they definitely want it.
Have you noticed water pooling on the kitchen floor around your freezer? Perhaps you’ve also…
There are several possible reasons why the ice maker in a Whirlpool refrigerator might stop…
It can be frustrating when your LG refrigerator stops making ice as it should. There…
Kenmore refrigerators are renowned for their reliability and durability, but some users do occasionally encounter…
Dealing with unpleasant odors in your refrigerator is always stressful, and fish smells might be…
It’s always stressful when you have an issue with your dishwasher—after all, no one likes…
Leave a Comment