Continuing my one-time challenge, I then asked 2 more pressing questions:
What happens to disposed appliances?
Many old refrigerated appliances are disposed through curbside pick-up programs offered by municipalities or through appliance pick-up services offered by retailers when a new unit is purchased and delivered. Typically, municipalities and retailers subcontract the disposal of old appliances to third parties, who may re-sell some of the units domestically or abroad.
An estimated 40% of used appliances collected by retailers are placed on the secondary market each year where they may be put back on the domestic electricity grid and continue to operate inefficiently, consuming excessive amounts of electricity.
Some units are exported to developing countries as well, where they are less likely to be disposed of responsibly.
Units that are not fit for resale are typically sent to appliance recyclers, scrap metal companies, or other third parties, where valuable metals are generally salvaged for recycling. Foams, plastics, and glass are typically shredded and landfilled. While federal regulations govern the treatment of refrigerant, mercury and PCBs, their ultimate fate is unknown as there have been numerous reports of appliance dumping and release of hazardous components to the environment.
What can be done?
Municipalities and retailers have the ability to ensure that all old units collected are not re-sold and are responsibly disposed of. Utilities, many of which have a mandate to reduce energy demand, can also play a role in responsible appliance disposal through promoting the permanent removal of old, energy inefficient appliances. Similarly, manufacturers can aid in the appliance recycling process by promoting and supporting the responsible disposal of old appliances produced by their company.
Dozens of utilities have implemented appliance disposal programs across the U.S. that promote the safe disposal of old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers, often with financial incentive for the collection of old units. Sometimes rebates toward the purchase of a new refrigerator/freezer or window AC unit are provided when old units are turned in. To collect and process old appliances and market the program, utilities usually hire a third-party contractor. Due to reduced energy demand, these appliance disposal programs are deemed to be highly cost-effective (on average, these programs cost $0.04 to reduce each kWh of demand, and can have a benefit-cost ratio of more than three to one for refrigerators).
Universities and other large organizations can also reduce emissions through collecting and properly disposing of refrigerated appliances in their facilities and communities.
“Stationary Refrigeration Safe Disposal Requirements.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 18 Sept. 2018, www.epa.gov/section608/stationary-refrigeration-safe-disposal-requirements.
