The information should answer a lot of questions that have been raised by local authorities and householders about the disposal of waste refrigeration equipment as a result of the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) regulation. The regulation, which comes into force on January 1, will see CFC gases having to be recovered from fridge and freezer insulation foam before the equipment can be recycled.
Jane Stratford, of the waste policy division of DEFRA, said: “We have issued Frequently Asked Questions for homeowners and local authorities. We want to tell the public where they can take their fridges for safe disposal as we don't want there to be an increase in fly-tipping. If retailers in the area have stopped their collections then we are telling residents to get in touch with their local authority.”
DEFRA has issued draft guidance for storage and draft standards for the treatment of fridge foams. Additional information is available at the EMR website, fridge-recycling.co.uk. The standards look at the conditions under which fridges can be stored and also look at destruction, refurbish and reuse standards. DEFRA is currently working with local authorities to ensure that fridges are stored in a safe and secure environment before technology to deal with the CFCs from foam in fridges is installed. Dr Stratford said: “We need to make sure that CFCs won't escape while the fridges are being stored.” Finalised standards will be issued by DEFRA in the next few weeks.
But there are some key issues outstanding, which DEFRA is urgently working on with the Environment Agency including guidance on licensing requirements.
DEFRA is also working closely with metal recyclers and other companies who are investing in fridge recycling technology and is writing to them to ask them to tell local authorities and retailers where they plan to install their recycling plants. DEFRA is trying to encourage everyone involved to work together to resolve the current fridge crisis as quickly and effectively as possible.
DEFRA said that the Frequently Asked Questions are designed to address the issues related to ozone depleting substances within waste refrigeration equipment, and are not intended to provide a comprehensive review of the regulation.
The FAQs are listed below and on pages 2,3 and 4.
Information for householders
Many retailers have indicated that the additional costs required to dispose of waste refrigerators will mean they will stop their take-back schemes, and we are now aware that some retailers have already/are about to withdraw their take-back schemes for old refrigeration equipment. Please check whether your retailer will take back your fridge when you purchase a new one.
If you are a householder your local authority are obliged to accept your fridge or freezer at a civic amenity site free-of-charge. Local authorities are also obliged to provide a collection service for bulky items, although they can charge for a collection cost. They will ensure that the ozone depleting substances are removed from your fridge or freezer.
Continued on page 2
Subscribe for free