Old Refrigerator Refrigerants - What Happens To Them?
When it comes to recycling old refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and other large appliances, many consumers are unaware of the refrigerants these appliances contain. Refrigerants play a vital role in cooling appliances, but their disposal requires special attention to prevent physical and environmental harm. This article will delve into what refrigerants are, what appliances they are found in, and how they can be effectively handled and disposed of.
What are Refrigerants?
Refrigerants are substances used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to transfer heat between different areas. They undergo a continuous cycle of evaporation and condensation to absorb heat from a low-temperature area and release it in a high-temperature area. Refrigerants play a crucial role in maintaining the desired temperature in various applications, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and heat pumps.
These substances have specific thermodynamic properties that make them suitable for cooling applications. Common types of refrigerants include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and hydrocarbons (HCs).
What Appliances Contain Refrigerants?
Refrigerants are commonly found in various household and commercial appliances that require any form of cooling. Appliances that contain refrigerants include:
Refrigerators and Freezers: These appliances use refrigerants to cool and preserve food.
Air Conditioners: Both window air conditioners and portable air conditioners use refrigerants to cool indoor spaces.
Dehumidifiers: Refrigerant-based dehumidifiers help reduce excess moisture in the air.
What Happens to the Refrigerants from Old Refrigerators?
The disposal of refrigerants is a critical environmental concern due to their contribution to ozone depletion and global warming. Understanding what happens to these refrigerants is key to responsible appliance recycling.
Professional recycling services play a pivotal role. They follow strict guidelines to extract, handle and recycle refrigerants safely. The refrigerants are carefully collected from old appliances to prevent any release into the atmosphere. This meticulous process ensures that harmful substances are not disregarded during the disposal of old appliances.
How Refrigerants are Effectively Handled and Disposed Of
Effective handling and disposal of refrigerants involves a combination of extraction, containment, and responsible recycling. Recycling collection sites employ trained and certified technicians who use specialized equipment to remove refrigerants from old appliances, preventing any leaks or emissions.
Once extracted, the refrigerants are securely stored in containers designed to minimize the risk of release. From there, the next step involves transporting these containers to specialized facilities equipped for refrigerant recycling. These facilities process refrigerants, making them fit for reuse or environmentally friendly destruction.
How Refrigerants are Recycled
Refrigerant recycling is a complex and crucial process. Here is an overview of how refrigerants are recycled:
Recovery:
The first step in the recycling process is the recovery of the refrigerant from the system. This is done with specialized equipment that extracts the refrigerant from the appliance. The recovered refrigerant is then stored in containers for further processing.
Removal of Impurities:
Once the refrigerant is recovered, it often contains impurities and contaminants. These impurities can negatively impact the performance of the refrigerant and harm the environment. The next step is purifying the refrigerant by removing these impurities through filtering or distillation.
Testing and Analysis:
The purified refrigerant undergoes testing and analysis to ensure that it meets the required quality standards. This step is crucial for identifying any remaining impurities and verifying that the refrigerant is suitable for reuse.
It's important to note that refrigerant recycling is guided by industry standards and regulations to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible handling of these substances.
How Large Appliance Recycling Handles Refrigerants
Large Appliance Recycling by MARR prioritizes environmental responsibility in handling refrigerants. By strictly adhering to regulations and employing advanced extraction and recycling techniques, we ensure that refrigerants from old appliances are managed in an eco-friendly manner. Our commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond refrigerants, encompassing the entire recycling process for large appliances. Visit our products page to see which appliances you can recycle at our Large Appliance Recycling locations.