Getting rid of an old refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner isn't as simple as throwing it in the trash. Most landfills have restrictions on appliances containing refrigerants, and as a result, almost all dumpster rental companies prohibit putting them in a dumpster.
But there's another disposal option that many people overlook: scrap metal recycling.
Some scrap metal recycling facilities accept refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units, even when the refrigerant hasn't been removed beforehand. And if you're disposing of a large quantity of metal, you might even receive money back for the scrap value.
Here's how it works.
Generally, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited in standard roll-off dumpsters headed to landfills. The same restrictions often apply to window air conditioners and other appliances containing refrigerants.
These appliances contain refrigerants that must be handled properly before the equipment can be disposed of or recycled.
Under EPA regulations, refrigerants must be recovered before final disposal. Although the EPA doesn't require a certification sticker, disposal facilities may have their own documentation and acceptance requirements, including proof that the refrigerant was properly recovered.
For this reason, most dumpster rental companies won't allow refrigerators, freezers, or air conditioning units in their containers without special arrangements.
However, there's an alternative that may allow you to dispose of these appliances without arranging refrigerant removal yourself.
Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain valuable recyclable metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper.
Rather than taking these appliances to a landfill, certain scrap metal recycling facilities can and will often accept them for processing.
What's particularly interesting is that some scrap metal recyclers accept these appliances with the refrigerant still inside.
This doesn't mean the refrigerant can simply be released into the environment. Under EPA regulations, the final disposal facility is responsible for ensuring the refrigerant is properly recovered before the equipment is recycled or disposed of.
Not every scrap metal recycler offers this service, so it's important to confirm their requirements in advance.
At Trash Daddy Dumpsters, we have had many years of experience delivering scrap metal to recycling facilities rather than landfills. Depending on the recycling facility and the materials involved, this can provide another disposal option for appliances that wouldn't otherwise be accepted in a standard dumpster.
Here's something many customers don't realize: scrap metal recycling facilities often pay for the metal they receive.
Instead of charging a traditional landfill disposal fee, a scrap metal recycler may purchase eligible materials based on their weight and current market value.
That creates an opportunity for customers disposing of large quantities of metal.
For example, suppose you're cleaning out a commercial property or completing a demolition project that involves refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units, and other scrap metal.
You might rent a 30-yard roll-off dumpster for $500 and arrange for the contents to be delivered to an approved scrap metal recycling facility.
Depending on the total weight, types of metal, current scrap prices, and any processing fees, the load may generate a scrap payment.
In some situations, a portion of those proceeds could potentially be returned to the customer as a rebate, reducing the overall cost of the dumpster rental.
There are no guaranteed rebates, and not every load will generate a payment. The amount depends on the materials, local recycling arrangements, and the terms agreed upon with the dumpster rental company.
However, for customers disposing of significant amounts of recyclable metal, it's an option worth exploring.
Air conditioning units can also contain recyclable metals, including copper, aluminum, and steel.
Like refrigerators and freezers, however, air conditioning equipment contains refrigerants that must be properly recovered.
Some recycling facilities accept window air conditioners and other refrigeration equipment with the refrigerant intact, while others require it to be removed before delivery.
Larger central air conditioning systems may have different refrigerant recovery requirements, particularly when the equipment is dismantled at the property.
Before disposing of any air conditioning equipment, confirm the requirements with the recycling facility or hauling company.
If you have one or more appliances to dispose of, you have several options:
If you're disposing of several appliances or a large quantity of metal, the last two options may be particularly useful.
At Trash Daddy Dumpsters, we have seen it all when it comes to the type of material that goes into roll-off dumpsters.
While refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units generally aren't permitted in standard landfill-bound dumpsters, we thought it would be helpful to make people aware that their local metal recycler should probably be their first call to get rid of these items.
For larger scrap metal loads, there may also be an opportunity to offset some of your rental cost through recycling proceeds.
The important thing is to let us know what you're disposing of before placing these appliances in a dumpster. This avoids any potential extra costs or the hassle of you having to unload them before it's picked up.
Contact Trash Daddy Dumpsters to discuss your project and available disposal options.
