Do Scrap Men Take Fridge Freezers? (answered)

White goods are always one of the most problematic bulky items to get rid of once they break down or you upgrade to a better and bigger model. So, it’s no wonder that people ask does the scrap man take fridges? The answer might not be as straight-forward as you think.

The answer is: it depends on the scrap man. Some scrap men will collect fridges, but it costs money to dispose of fridge freezers legally so it’s very unlikely your fridge freezer will be collected for free, unless it can be sold on if in working order.

If in doubt, give Zero Waste Group a call or use our online booking engine. You can quickly find out how much it costs to get rid of a fridge freezer when we pick it up. It will be disposed of legally and ethically and you will be provided with a waste transfer note showing proof of disposal. 

The process of disposing of a fridge freezer

The law

When it comes to getting rid of a fridge freezer, it is important to follow the proper procedures, so you don’t end up in any legal issues. For example, if the refrigerator is fly tipped, even if not by you but by someone you gave it to, you can be held legally responsible leading to a fine, and possible prison sentence. 

This is why we always recommend you use a reputable waste disposal company such as ourselves at Zero Waste Group. 

But it’s not just about avoiding fly-tipping. UK law states that fridge freezers must be disposed of responsibly. This means that they should not be dumped in a landfill. They need to be disposed of differently due to the gases in them. 

Environmental considerations

Aside from the legality of disposal, there are also environmental considerations to take into account when getting rid of a fridge freezer either by using a scrap man or a rubbish removal company. Fridges contain harmful chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which is damaging to the ozone layer when released, hence the laws around disposal. 

Because of this, make sure you choose a scrap man that takes fridges who is reputable. Alternatively choose a recycling company or waste collection service like Zero Waste Group. Some scrap men will take fridge freezers, but it is important to note that they are likely to only take refrigerators and freezers that are in good working order and can be sold on. 

You could also consider donating the appliance to a charity or community organisation if it is still in good working order.

Preparing a fridge freezer for collection

If you decide to ask a scrap man to take a fridge freezer, make sure it’s prepared properly for collection. This can help ensure that the appliance is removed safely and efficiently, and you mitigate any potential hazards. 

1. Cleaning and defrosting

Before the fridge freezer can be collected, it must be cleaned and defrosted. Remove all food and drink items, as well as any shelves, drawers, and other removable parts. Wash and dry them all thoroughly before being stored separately.

Once the fridge freezer is empty, you should now defrost it. This typically involves unplugging it and leaving the doors and drawers open to allow the ice to melt. Don’t use any sharp objects or heat sources to speed up the defrosting process, as this can damage the appliance or potentially create a safety hazard.

2. Securing any loose parts

Once your fridge freezer is clean and has fully defrosted, secure any loose parts to stop them from moving when in transit. This includes shelves, drawers, and doors, as well as any electrical cables or plugs.

One way to secure these parts is to use tape or string to hold them in place. Alternatively, they can be wrapped in bubble wrap or other protective material to prevent them from getting damaged during transportation. It is also a good idea to label any parts that have been removed, so that they can be easily reassembled at the destination.

Other alternatives to using the scrap man to take a fridge freezer

Zero Waste Group operate throughout the UK, and have recently put new teams on the road in areas including Farnborough, Reading, Salisbury, and Winchester. We will often be able to get to your home the same day and remove and rubbish or white goods including fridge freezers. 

Alternatives to our service can include council collection services and charity organisations. Many councils offer a bulky waste collection service for white goods and large items such as fridge freezers. The cost of collection varies depending on the council, but it might be cheaper than paying a scrap man to take your fridge. 

If you decide to not use a scrap man or man and van service, then donating to a charity can be a great option. Many charities are known to offer a free collection service for large items providing they work. The fridge freezer will then be sold to raise money for the charity.

Donating to a charity not only helps the environment by reducing waste but also supports a good cause.