Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners

Products: Refrigerators and freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, tumble dryers with heat pumps, etc.
The collection of refrigerators and air conditioners is the responsibility of the SENS eRecycling system.

Info: CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) were used in a variety of ways until the mid-1990s: as refrigerants in refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. They were also used as blowing agents in the manufacture of foams. Refrigerators should never be disposed of as scrap. The newer models also contain hazardous substances in the refrigeration circuit, such as flammable pentane, ammonia or partially halogenated HFCs.

Avoiding/reducing: When buying a new appliance, look for a low energy class (A+++ or A++). Avoid damaging the cooling circuit during cleaning or transport.

Recycling/environmentally sound disposal: Refrigerators go through two stages of treatment to remove refrigerant and oil from the refrigeration circuit, as well as blowing agents in the insulation. All recyclable materials such as metals, plastics and OCF foam are recycled. CFCs and VOCs are treated at high temperatures in a suitable facility.