Do Scrap Yards Take Refrigerators

To scrap a refrigerator, you need to drain the freon by a licensed HVAC contractor or obtain an EPA certification yourself. You can find a scrap yard that takes refrigerators by using the iScrap App or calling your local scrap yards and asking them.

What Refrigerators Are Made Of

Refrigerators are complex appliances that have many parts and components that serve different functions. Some of the main parts and materials that refrigerators are made of include:

• Steel: This is the most common metal used in refrigerators, especially for the frame, door, and shelves. Steel is strong, durable, and magnetic, and it can be recycled indefinitely.
• Copper: This is a valuable metal used in refrigerators for the wiring, tubing, and coils. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, and it can also be recycled indefinitely.
• Aluminum: This is another metal used in refrigerators for the fins, evaporator, and condenser. Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable.
• Plastic: This is a material used in refrigerators for the interior lining, door gaskets, handles, drawers, and bins. Plastic is cheap, flexible, and easy to mold, but it is not very recyclable or biodegradable.
• Glass: This is a material used in refrigerators for the shelves, crisper drawers, and light bulbs. Glass is transparent, smooth, and easy to clean, but it is also fragile and breakable.
• Insulation: This is a material used in refrigerators to keep the cold air inside and prevent heat loss. Insulation can be made of foam, fiberglass, or other synthetic materials that have low thermal conductivity.

Why Some Scrap Yards Do Not Take Refrigerators

While refrigerators contain many metals and materials that can be recycled or reused, they also contain one substance that makes them difficult and dangerous to scrap: freon.

Freon is a generic term for a class of refrigerant gases that are used in refrigerators to create the cooling effect. Freon is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that has high global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP). This means that freon can contribute to climate change and damage the ozone layer if it is released into the atmosphere.

Freon is also toxic to humans and animals if it is inhaled or ingested. Freon can cause frostbite, skin irritation, eye damage, respiratory problems, organ failure, or even death.

Because of these environmental and health risks associated with freon, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict regulations on how to handle and dispose of refrigerants. According to the EPA rules:

• Only certified technicians who have passed an EPA-approved exam can buy or sell refrigerants or service appliances that contain them.
• Refrigerants must be recovered from appliances before they are disposed of or recycled using approved equipment and methods.
• Refrigerants must not be vented or released into the atmosphere intentionally or unintentionally.
• Refrigerants must be stored in proper containers with labels and safety precautions.
• Refrigerants must be reported to the EPA if they are imported or exported.

These regulations make it difficult and costly for scrap yards to accept refrigerators unless they have the proper equipment certification and permits to handle freon. Therefore some scrap yards do not take refrigerators at all while others may charge a fee or require proof of freon removal before they accept them.

How To Find A Scrap Yard That Takes Refrigerators

If you want to scrap your refrigerator for cash you need to find a scrap yard that takes them. You also need to make sure that your refrigerator is drained of freon by a licensed HVAC contractor or by yourself if you have an EPA certification.

To find a scrap yard that takes refrigerators you can use the iScrap App which is a website and mobile app that connects scrappers with local scrap yards. You can search for scrap yards near you by zip code city or state and see their contact information prices and services. You can also request a pick up for your refrigerator if you do not have the means to transport it yourself.

Another way to find a scrap yard that takes refrigerators is to call your local scrap yards and ask them directly. You can use online directories such as Yellow Pages or Google Maps to find the phone numbers and addresses of scrap yards in your area. You can also ask them about their prices and requirements for refrigerators.

Conclusion

Refrigerators are large and heavy appliances that contain various metals and materials that can be recycled or reused. However not all scrap yards accept refrigerators because they contain freon a refrigerant gas that is harmful to the environment and human health. To scrap a refrigerator you need to drain the freon by a licensed HVAC contractor or obtain an EPA certification yourself. You can find a scrap yard that takes refrigerators by using the iScrap App or calling your local scrap yards and asking them.