The practice of mass collection and recycling of worn-out household electrical appliances has become commonplace in 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 poorly 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 efficiently transfers heat from one system to another. However, its release into the atmosphere causes significant damage to both the environment and humans. There are currently 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 because this kind of refrigerant is sufficientstable and poorly decomposed when released into 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 unhe althy 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 they 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 recycling step is the recovery of the refrigerant described earlier. After all, it is he who poses a significant danger to the environment.
Recycling the refrigerator can be done in several ways. Let's take a look at each one.
1. Self processing. It is not a complete destruction of the unit that has served its purpose. This type can be considered a preparatory stage, which simplifies the task of recycling 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 rid your house of the old unit.
3. Free recyclingrefrigerators. If you wish, you can find a company that will carry out the entire procedure for free. Often this is done by large manufacturers of refrigeration equipment. For example, when buying a new device, a discount is often offered by returning the old one. Or, there may be promotions in your country, with the participation of which, when buying a new unit, the old refrigerator will be disposed of free of charge.
