The practice of mass collection and processing of worn-out household electrical appliances has become familiar to countries with a high standard of living, since it is there that considerable attention is paid to both the state of the environment and the efficient use of territories. After all, the space that in many countries of the world is allocated for landfills of household waste can be rationally landscaped, and not accumulate badly decomposing garbage there.
An important place in recycling is the disposal of old refrigerators, because their systems are filled with refrigerant. It is a substance that effectively transfers heat from one system to another. However, its entry into the atmosphere causes significant damage to both the environment and humans. Currently, there are three main types of refrigerants: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
The chlorine molecule in the composition of the first substance makes it the most dangerous for the environment. This is due to the fact that this type of refrigerant is quite stable and does not decompose well when it enters the atmosphere. Thus, this substance accumulates, which, in turn, leads to the destruction of the ozone layer, an increase in the greenhouse effect, and other extremely unpleasant and unhealthy effects.
The second group contains hydrogen atoms, which contributes to the faster destruction of harmful freons, and also prevents their accumulation in the environment.
The third group does not contain chlorine at all. This means that such substances are safer and alternative substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs.
Disposal of the refrigerator involves its separation into components, which are subsequently sent for recycling or destroyed in the most efficient way. The most important disposal step is the recovery of the refrigerant described earlier. After all, it is he who poses a significant danger to the environment.
There are several ways to dispose of the refrigerator. Let's consider each of them.
1. Self-processing. It is not the complete destruction of a used unit. This type can be considered a preparatory stage, which simplifies the task of processing points.
2. Paid removal and disposal of the refrigerator. In the event that you do not want to do dirty work, you can invite a company representative who, for a certain amount, will save your home from the old unit.
3. Free disposal of refrigerators. If you wish, you can find a company that will conduct the entire procedure for free. Often, large manufacturers of refrigeration equipment do this. For example, when buying a new device, a discount is often offered due to the delivery of the old one. Or, in your country, actions may take place, with the participation in which, upon purchase of a new unit, the old refrigerator will be disposed of for free.