Jackie Thompson
It’s estimated that 9 million fridge/freezers are thrown away every single year in the US. Unfortunately, kitchen appliances don’t last forever. Some can last for 15 years while others have a lifespan of a mere 5 years, notably washing machines. With 325 million people living in the US alone, that amounts to a staggering number of appliances being discarded. However, there are greener ways to dispose of these large items that don’t negatively impact the environment, including donating and scrapping for reusable parts in salvageable machines.
Why Appliances Shouldn’t Go To Landfill
The UN reported that the world puts 41.8 million tons of e-waste into landfill each year, with most of this being domestic appliances, particularly from the kitchen. Less than a sixth of appliances are recycled properly. The amount of waste that could have been recycled is estimated to be worth $52 billion, but also includes 2.2 million tons of harmful lead compounds. Fridges and freezers contain coolants which help them maintain their temperature, but these are well-known ozone depleting substances and greenhouse gases so they must be handled correctly. They also contain other hazardous substances, such as mercury and oils, so the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) specifications should be followed.
Avoid Landfill, Recycle Instead
Some states require white goods to be recycled, but there is no federal law in place to ensure this. Many companies participate in the Appliances Product Recycling Scheme, which means if you purchase an energy efficient fridge from them they will take away your old one and recycle it. This is part of the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) scheme. Usually, 55 lbs end up in landfill from one fridge, but RAD takes this down to 8 lbs and removes all recyclable materials, refrigerants and greenhouse gases. This means less ends up in landfill and less damage is done to the environment too.
Donate Usable Appliances
Perhaps you’re switching from a large refrigerator to a smaller one now that your family have flown the nest and you want to save some money on energy bills or you’ve simply upgraded. You may find yourself left with a refrigerator in good working order that you no longer have a use for. An ideal option is to donate your working appliances. Some charities welcome appliances that can go to less fortunate people or be sold so that the money can go into their programs. For example, Habitat For Humanity use money from selling donated items to construct homes in local communities while ensuring that the appliances stay out of landfill.
When your old kitchen appliances are no longer of any use to you there are many ways to dispose of them that avoids them going to landfill. Landfill means waste piles up when it could be recycled or donated, which both avoid damaging effects to the environment. As the world’s population grows and the lifespan on appliances decreases it’s more important than ever to correctly and safely dispose of your kitchen appliances.