A fridge or freezer cannot simply be crushed like other scrap. WMG Waste eRecycling arranges refrigerator disposal for businesses and households, sending every cooling appliance to WEEELABEX certified recycling so that its refrigerant and insulating foam are treated under controlled conditions, as the WEEE rules require. You receive an itemized receipt at pickup and a recycling report afterwards.

What makes fridges and freezers hazardous waste?

Two parts of a cooling appliance need controlled treatment:

• The refrigerant in the cooling circuit. Older units often use CFCs or HCFCs, which damage the ozone layer. Newer ones use HFCs, which are strong greenhouse gases, or hydrocarbons such as isobutane, which are flammable.
• The insulating foam in the walls and door. In many older appliances the foam was made with ozone-depleting blowing agents that stay trapped inside until the cabinet is broken open.

If a fridge is dumped, cut open or crushed without first recovering those gases, they escape into the air. That is why the EU WEEE Directive sets specific treatment requirements for temperature exchange equipment, separate from other large appliances.

How does WMG handle a fridge from pickup to recycling?

After your quote request we reply within 24 hours and schedule the collection. Standard pickups take place within 3 to 5 business days, urgent ones within 24 to 48 hours depending on location. Each appliance is listed on an itemized receipt and tracked until final processing. At the WEEELABEX certified recycling stage, the refrigerant and foam are handled under controlled conditions, and the steel, copper, aluminium and plastics are recovered. We recover up to 95% of materials overall, working towards zero landfill.

How should you prepare a fridge for collection?

• Empty it completely and let it defrost a day in advance, with the door open.
• Wipe out remaining water so nothing leaks during transport.
• Do not cut, drill or bend the pipes at the back. A damaged cooling circuit releases refrigerant.
• Keep the appliance upright where possible and tape the doors shut for loading.

What if you are replacing more than just fridges?

Kitchen refits and building renovations usually free up washing machines, ovens and dishwashers at the same time. Our white goods recycling service collects mixed loads in one run. For background on why these rules exist, read our explanation of the WEEE regulations.

Have old fridges or freezers to clear? Request a free quote and we will arrange the pickup.